Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island country located in the Eastern Caribbean, part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and east, and the Caribbean Sea to the south and west.
Geography
Climate
The islands enjoy a tropical maritime climate with little seasonal variation. Temperatures average around 28°C (82°F) throughout the year, moderated by trade winds. The dry season runs from December to May, and the wet season from June to November, which coincides with the hurricane season.
Fauna
The islands are home to a variety of tropical marine and land fauna. Notable species include the frigate bird, found in significant numbers on Barbuda’s Bird Sanctuary, and the Antiguan racer, one of the world’s rarest snakes.
Longest Rivers
Antigua and Barbuda does not have any major rivers due to its small size and topographical nature; water bodies are primarily small streams and salt ponds.
Highest Mountains
- Mount Obama: Formerly known as Boggy Peak, the highest point in Antigua and Barbuda, located on Antigua, with an elevation of 402 meters (1,319 feet).
- Highland House: Located on Barbuda, it is the highest point on the island but reaches only a modest elevation.
History
Prehistory to European Contact
The islands were first inhabited by the indigenous Amerindians, including the Ciboney, Arawak, and later the Carib people. Christopher Columbus sighted the islands in 1493, naming Antigua after the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua in Seville, Spain.
Colonial Era
The British colonized Antigua in 1632 and Barbuda in 1678. Sugar plantations, worked by enslaved Africans, dominated the economy. Antigua and Barbuda became a significant base for British naval operations in the Caribbean.
Independence
After a series of constitutional advances, Antigua and Barbuda gained full independence on November 1, 1982, but remained a member of the Commonwealth with the British monarch as the symbolic head of state.
Demographics
The population of Antigua and Barbuda is approximately 100,000. The demographic profile is predominantly of African descent, reflecting the history of slavery on the islands. There are also smaller communities of British, Portuguese, and Lebanese descent. English is the official language, with a majority of the population adhering to Christianity, predominantly Anglican.
Administrative Divisions
Antigua and Barbuda is divided into six parishes and two dependencies:
- Saint George
- Saint Peter
- Saint Philip
- Saint Paul
- Saint Mary
- Saint John (where the capital, St. John’s, is located)
- Barbuda
- Redonda (uninhabited)
10 Largest Cities by Population
- John’s: 22,000
- All Saints: Around 3,412
- Liberta: About 2,560
- Potter’s Village: 2,067
- Bolans: Around 1,888
- Swetes: About 1,573
- Seaview Farm: 1,486
- Pigotts: About 1,478
- Codrington (Barbuda): Around 1,252
- Parham: About 969
Education Systems
Overview
Education in Antigua and Barbuda is free and compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16. The country has a network of public and private schools, and literacy rates are high.
Higher Education
- University of the West Indies Open Campus: The only higher education institution offering university-level education, including various undergraduate and graduate programs.
Transportation
Airports
- V.C. Bird International Airport: The primary international gateway located on Antigua.
- Codrington Airport: A smaller facility on Barbuda, mainly for regional flights.
Railways
There are no railway systems in Antigua and Barbuda.
Highways
The country has a road network that spans approximately 1,170 kilometers, mostly paved and suitable for the island’s size.
Major Ports
- St. John’s Harbour: The main port handling cargo and cruise ships.
- Deepwater Harbour: Facilitates large cargo vessels and has modern container facilities.
Country Facts
- Population: 100,000
- Capital: St. John’s
- Languages: English (official)
- Major Religion: Christianity (predominantly Anglican)
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- ISO Country Codes: AG, ATG, 028
- International Calling Code: +1-268
- Top-Level Domain: .ag