World Happiness Report for Saint Lucia 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Saint Lucia: na
- Happiness Score Saint Lucia:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Saint Lucia. LC.
Saint Lucia is a sovereign island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It has a parliamentary democracy and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The country’s economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing.
- St. Lucia is known for its vibrant and diverse cultural heritage, which includes influences from African, French, and British traditions.
- It is one of the few countries in the world named after a woman, as it was named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse by French settlers.
- The Pitons, two volcanic spires, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous landmark of the island.
Saint Lucia – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History and Indigenous Settlements
The verdant island of Saint Lucia was originally inhabited by the indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples. The Arawaks, known for their peaceful nature, first settled on the island around 200-600 AD. They were later displaced by the more aggressive Caribs, who migrated from South America and established control over the island.
Colonial Era and European Influence
European explorers first encountered Saint Lucia in the 15th century, with the Spanish being the first to claim the island. However, the French and British both gained control of the island at various points, engaging in a series of battles and territorial disputes. Saint Lucia ultimately became a British colony in 1814, after changing hands between the two powers 14 times.
Journey to Independence and Modern Era
In 1967, Saint Lucia gained its independence from Britain, ushering in a new era of self-governance. The country has since maintained a stable parliamentary democracy with a prime minister as the head of government. Recent political developments have focused on economic growth, tourism development, and addressing environmental challenges.
Current Political Situation
Saint Lucia is a constitutional parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Assembly and the Senate. The current Prime Minister is Philip J. Pierre, who assumed office in 2022. Recent elections have seen a peaceful transition of power between the two major parties, the Saint Lucia Labour Party and the United Workers Party.
International Relations
Saint Lucia maintains friendly relations with its Caribbean neighbors and is an active member of regional organizations like the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The country also has close ties with the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations, as well as with the United States.
Human Development and Economy
Saint Lucia has a service-based economy, with tourism being the primary driver of economic growth. Other notable industries include agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. The country has made significant strides in human development, with a high Human Development Index ranking and improving access to education and healthcare.
Cultural Highlights
Saint Lucia boasts a rich cultural tapestry influenced by its Carib, African, French, and British heritage. The island is renowned for its vibrant music and dance traditions, including the Kwéyòl language and the energetic Calypso and Soca genres. Saint Lucia is also celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Pitons, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Saint Lucia has made notable progress, the island nation faces challenges related to economic diversification, climate change, and sustainable development. However, its strong focus on eco-tourism, renewable energy initiatives, and investment in education and infrastructure present promising opportunities for continued growth and prosperity.
Main facts
Location
Saint Lucia is an island country located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, north of the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles archipelago.
Map References
Saint Lucia is located in the Caribbean region of the North American continent.
Area – Comparative
Saint Lucia has a total area of 617 square kilometers, making it slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Saint Lucia is an island country with no land boundaries.
Coastline
Saint Lucia has a coastline of 158 kilometers, featuring numerous picturesque beaches and scenic coastal landscapes.
Maritime Claims
Saint Lucia claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
- Contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles
- Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate
Saint Lucia has a tropical, humid climate with a dry season from December to May and a rainy season from June to November. Temperatures are warm year-round, with an average of 27°C (80°F).
Terrain
Saint Lucia is a volcanic island with a rugged and mountainous interior, featuring the iconic Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton) as well as other volcanic peaks, steep ridges, and valleys.
Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Saint Lucia is Mount Gimie, at an elevation of 950 meters (3,117 feet), while the lowest point is the Caribbean Sea at 0 meters (0 feet).
Natural Resources
Saint Lucia’s natural resources include renewable sources of geothermal energy, fertile land for agriculture, and mineral resources such as pumice.
Major Bodies of Water
The main bodies of water in Saint Lucia are the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. There are also several rivers and streams, including the Troumassee River and the Roseau River.
Natural Hazards
Saint Lucia is vulnerable to natural hazards such as hurricanes, volcanic activity, and occasional droughts.
Geography – Notes
Saint Lucia’s diverse landscape and volcanic origins contribute to its breathtaking natural beauty, making it a popular tourist destination. However, the country’s location also exposes it to the risk of hurricanes and other tropical storms during the Atlantic hurricane season.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 33.20%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 414. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 17.40%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 13.909444-60.978893.
- Capital: The capital of Saint Lucia is Castries
- Major Cities:
- Castries – Population: 20,000
- Vieux Fort – Population: 14,000
- Soufrière – Population: 7,500
- Dennery – Population: 4,500
- Population: 182,79
- Area(Km2): 616
- Population Density( P/Km²):301. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:1
- Official Language(s):English – 95%
- Currency: XCD
Main Economic Indicators
Saint Lucia is a small island nation in the Caribbean with an economy focused on tourism, agriculture, and light manufacturing. The country has a mixed economy with state intervention and privatization efforts. Key economic challenges include vulnerability to natural disasters, reliance on a few industries, and high public debt. Notable economic policies aim to diversify the economy, develop infrastructure, and promote sustainable development.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
3.5% (2021 est.)
-0.7% (2020 est.)
Source: CIA World Factbook
Credit Ratings
Moody’s: Ba3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB-/B (Negative)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 2.4%
Industry: 14.1%
Services: 83.5% (2017 est.)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus fruits, root crops, cocoa
Industrial Products: clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated boxes, tourism
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 97,800 (2017 est.)
Ranked 191st in the world
Current Account Balance
$-113 million (2017 est.)
Ranked 74th in the world
Exports and Imports
Exports: $153 million (2017 est.)
Key Partners: United States, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago
Main Commodities: bananas, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits
Imports: $676 million (2017 est.)
Key Partners: United States, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Japan
Main Commodities: food, manufactured goods, machinery and transportation equipment, chemicals, fuels
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
$343.4 million (31 December 2017 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$2,122,450,630. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 18.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 34.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.30. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 20.71%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
National Identity
Noun: Saint Lucian(s)
Adjective: Saint Lucian
Ethnic Groups
Black/African descent: 85.3%
Mixed: 11.9%
East Indian descent: 1.1%
Other: 1.7%
Religions
Protestant: 61.5% (includes Anglican 6.1%, Pentecostal 8.9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7.5%, other Protestant 39%)
Catholic: 25.5%
Rastafarian: 2.5%
Other: 5.6%
None: 4.9%
Age Structure
0-14 years: 17.95%
15-64 years: 68.56%
65 years and over: 13.49%
Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 45.9
Youth dependency ratio: 25.9
Elderly dependency ratio: 20
Median Age
Total: 35.3 years
Male: 34.7 years
Female: 35.9 years
Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 23.7% of the adult population (2016)
Alcohol consumption: 6.8 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2016)
Tobacco use: 9.2% of adults aged 15 and over (2015)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 76.1. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 96.8%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:12. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:10. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.44. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 50.6. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 34,28. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):48.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Saint Lucia has a small military force known as the Saint Lucia Defence Force, which consists of a single infantry battalion. The primary role of the Defence Force is to maintain internal security and support the police. There is no separate navy, air force, or coast guard. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is responsible for law enforcement and public safety.
Military Expenditures
Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2018: 0.6%
- 2019: 0.6%
- 2020: 0.7%
- 2021: 0.7%
- 2022: 0.7%
Saint Lucia’s military spending ranks very low globally, reflecting the country’s relatively small defence force.
Personnel Strengths
The total active-duty military personnel in Saint Lucia is approximately 600, including:
- Infantry Battalion: 550
- Coast Guard: 50
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has an additional strength of around 1,000 officers.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Saint Lucia’s military equipment is limited to small arms, light weapons, and a few patrol boats for coastal security. There are no significant domestic military production capabilities, and equipment is primarily acquired through imports and assistance from partner nations.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service in Saint Lucia is voluntary. The age range for enlistment is 18-25 years. There is no mandatory military conscription.
Military Deployments
Saint Lucia does not have any overseas military deployments. Its defence force is focused primarily on domestic security and disaster response.
Strategic Military Notes
Saint Lucia’s defence strategy is centered on maintaining internal security, border control, and disaster preparedness. The country has no significant external threats or involvement in major military alliances or peacekeeping missions. Saint Lucia relies on regional partnerships, especially within the Regional Security System (RSS), for cooperation on security matters.
- Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.64
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 67.10%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.