Countries of the World - Antigua and Barbuda

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Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda are two islands in the Caribbean situated about 40 kilometers or 25 miles apart. They are in the Leeward Islands and part of the Lesser Antilles. Christopher Columbus surveyed the island in 1493 and named it after the Church of Santa Maria La Antigua. Several islands included with Antigua and Barbuda include Great Bird, Green, Guiana, Long, Maiden, Prickly Pear, York, and Redonda. In 1871 Antigua and Barbuda joined the Federation Colony of the Leeward Islands. They joined the West Indies Federation in 1958. After the breakup of the federation in 1962, it became one of the West Indies Associated States in 1967. It gained full independence from the United Kingdom on 1 November 1981. Antigua and Barbuda are a member of the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Realm. It is a constitutional monarchy with King Charles III as its head of state. Antigua’s and Barbuda’s economy is largely dependent on tourism. It accounts for 80% of its GDP. Its location in the Caribbean subjects it to climate change, rising sea levels, intensity in weather conditions, such as hurricanes, coastal erosion, and water scarcity. Antigua and Barbuda offer a citizenship by investment program. It also levies no personal income tax. Statistics Capital and largest city: St. John’s. Vernacular language: Antiguan and Barbudan Creole Working language: English Ethnic groups: 87.3% African, 4.7% Multiracial, 1.7% European, 6.3% Other. Religion: 92.7% Christianity, 3.6% Rastafari, 1.9% No religion, 1.1% Bahai faith, .7% Other. Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Monarch: King Charles III Governor General: Sir Rodney Williams Prime Minister: Gaston Browne Legislature: Parliament Upper House: Senate Lower House: House of Representatives Total Area: 440 km2, 170 square miles Population: 2022 estimate – 100,772 GDP: 2023 estimate - $2.6 Billion Geography Antigua and Barbuda are both low lying islands made up of limestone formations. Boggy Peak, located in the southwest of Antigua, is the highest point on both islands. Both islands have irregular coastlines dotted with many beaches, lagoons, and natural harbors. Reefs and shoals surround the islands. Due to low rainfall, it does not have enough groundwater. Cities Antigua has most of the populous cities: Saint John’s, All Saints, Piggotts, and Liberta. Barbuda has Codrington. Climate Rainfall is estimated at 990 mm, 39 inches per year. The wettest season is between December and February. They have low humidity and suffer from drought. The average temperature is 27 C, 80.6 F, and ranges from 23 C, 73.4 F to 29 C 84.2 F in winter and 25 C, 77 F to 30 C 86 F in summer and autumn. It’s coolest between December and February. Hurricanes average once a year, the worst being Hurricane Irma in 2017 when it leveled 95% of the structures on Barbuda. 1800 people were evacuated to Antigua. Officials quoted by Time magazine indicated over $100 million would be needed to rebuild the homes and infrastructure. All critical infrastructure and utilities were non-existent – food supply, medicine, shelter, electricity, water, communications, and waste management. Culture The traditions of West Africa and the United Kingdom influence the culture. The most popular sport is cricket. Additional sports include football, boat racing, and surfing. Music Music descended from West Africans and is made up of calypso, soca, steeldrum, zouk, and reggae. Festivals Carnival is celebrated in August to commemorate the abolition of slavery. Pageants, shows, and competitions are huge draws for tourism. This is the highlights of Antigua and Barbuda. If you have been there, your input will be valuable. Thanks for reading. Image courtesy of Pixabay.