<p>It has been said that St. Lucia changed hands fourteen times between primarily the French and the British since the original inhabitant of the Carib Indians. &nbsp;British ruled from 1814 to 1979 when the Island achieved its Independent status. &nbsp;St. Lucians derive their identity from the &nbsp;many &nbsp;African slaves who were brought to the island to work on the plantations, &nbsp;coupled with East Indian indentured servants and persons of &nbsp;European origin. Although English is the official language of business and instruction, most people speak &nbsp;Kewyo or Creole which is a type of patois that &nbsp;reflects the African &nbsp;and French mixed influence on the culture. &nbsp;The use of Creole has been encouraged over more recent years as recognition of their own identity. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

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<p>Capital: &nbsp;Castries&nbsp;</p>

<p>Language: &nbsp;English, Kewyo&nbsp;</p>

<p>Population: &nbsp;183,627&nbsp;</p>

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<p>First known as "Louanalao' by the Arawak Indians in 200 AD which meant 'Island of the Iguanas" and then "Hewanorra" in 800 AD by the Caribs until the 1600's. &nbsp;These Indians fought fearlessly &nbsp;over hundred of years to retain control from the Spanish, French and English. &nbsp;Among the many warriors was Francois Le Clerc who used Pigeon Island as a barrier from behind which &nbsp;to attack Spanish ships.&nbsp; Pigeon Island is&nbsp; now a National landmark with historic sites and museums for those interested in the Island's history. Fighting continued until 1814 when the French ceded St. Lucia to the English. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Saint Lucia was one of the last European colonies to finally declare independence.&nbsp; In fact, she only became independent within the British Commonwealth in 1979 and finally has a thriving, peaceful economy and sovereign government.</p>

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<p>This diversity &nbsp;has lent to the melting pot of St. Lucia's cultures. &nbsp;This is seen in some of its archaeological sites, or in a walk along Old town Vieux Fort.&nbsp;</p>

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