Society in Saint Lucia
An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.
Explore Social Domains
Demographics
Public Health
Education & Human Capital
Living Standards & Connectivity
Current Snapshot Overview
A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Saint Lucia
- Saint Lucia has an estimated population of 179K2023, with a modest annual growth rate of 0.3%2023, suggesting a mature demographic transition with stable, but limitated, population increase. The critically low fertility rate of 1.4 births per woman2023presents severe demographic challenges, including accelerated population aging and contraction, impacting economic and social systems. Net emigration is relatively minor, impacting the population by approximately 7 individuals annually (or -0.0 per 1,000 inhabitants)2024.
- Regarding public health, the country maintains a reasonable health standard with a life expectancy of 72.7 years2023, though there is scope for further improvements to achieve higher global benchmarks. Concurrently, maternal and child health indicators show solid progress, with child mortality (under 5 years) at 15.5 per 1,000 live births2023and maternal mortality at 44 per 100,000 live births2023, indicating improving but still developing services. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 5.0% of GDP2022, which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
- the educational pipeline demonstrates high efficiency with 95% primary enrollment2018and 90% secondary participation2023, ensuring comprehensive skill development and a prepared workforce. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 3.7% of GDP2022, which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
- In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the primarily rural population distribution (81% rural population2023) presents distinct challenges for universal infrastructure provision, service access, and economic modernization. Furthermore, basic infrastructure coverage includes 100% electricity access2023. However, digital connectivity at {currentInternet}% internet penetration2023indicates significant opportunities for further digital transformation and economic inclusion.
Key Development Insights
Population Dynamics
The combination of low fertility and net emigration poses significant long-term risks to workforce sustainability and economic vitality.
Public Health System
Public health outcomes are a core indicator of national development and quality of life. Access to healthcare is essential for sustainable growth.
Human Capital Formation
Educational attainment is a direct driver of economic innovation and global competitiveness. Investment in education is key to unlocking human potential.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Infrastructure shapes economic efficiency, urbanization patterns, and digital integration, being critical for modern economies.
More About This Country
Neighbors & Regional Peers
Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.