FACTS

Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Area (only Total) total: 616 sq km

Climate: tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season January to April, rainy season May to August

Terrain: volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys

Population: 159,585

Main Language (only first): English

Government type: parliamentary democracy

Capital (Name): Castries

Capital (Time Difference): UTC-4

Independence: 22 February 1979

National holiday: Independence Day, 22 February