Agriculture and tourism are the pillars of Saint Lucia's economy. The tourism industry has grown rapidly in recent years. Key economic figures for 2012 are as follows:
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 1.22 billion USD
GDP per capita: 7,276 USD
GDP growth rate: -0.4%
Inflation rate: 4.2%
Unemployment rate: 21.2%
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar
Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 2.7 Eastern Caribbean Dollars
Resources: There are no major mineral deposits, but geothermal and forest resources are abundant. There are sulfur deposits in the south.
Industry: Primarily produces light industrial goods for export, such as soap, coconut oil, rum, beverages, electronic components, and apparel. The construction industry has developed rapidly in recent years. To promote industrial development, Vieux Fort in the south has been developed into a free industrial zone.
Agriculture: One-third of the working population is engaged in agriculture, cultivating bananas, coconuts, cocoa, and spices. Bananas are mainly exported to the European Union.
Tourism: Tourists mainly come from North America and Europe. The capital, Castries, is the main port of call.
Transportation: There are no railways in the country, and the total length of roads is 1,210 kilometers. Castries and Vieux Fort are the main import and export ports. There is a regional airport in the north and an international airport in the south, with flights reaching most parts of the Caribbean and scheduled direct flights to North America, the United Kingdom, and France.
Finance: The financial sector plays an important role in the national economy. The government plans to establish an international financial services center. In 2012, the government's fiscal revenue was 847 million Eastern Caribbean Dollars, and expenditure was 1.244 billion Eastern Caribbean Dollars.