Here is a detailed overview of Antigua and Barbuda:
General Information:
- Official Name: Antigua and Barbuda
- Capital: St. John’s
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Population: Approximately 100,000 (as of 2023)
- Area: 442 square kilometers (171 square miles)
- Location: Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, part of the Lesser Antilles.
Geography:
- The country consists of three main islands:
- Antigua (the largest and most populous).
- Barbuda (a smaller, less populated island).
- Redonda (an uninhabited rocky islet).
- Known for its 365 beaches (one for every day of the year), crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs.
History:
- Indigenous People: Initially inhabited by the Ciboney, Arawaks, and later the Caribs.
- Colonial Era:
- Christopher Columbus sighted Antigua in 1493, naming it after the Church of Santa Maria La Antigua in Seville, Spain.
- Settled by the British in 1632 and became a major sugar-producing colony.
- Independence:
- Gained independence from Britain on November 1, 1981.
- Remains part of the Commonwealth, recognizing the British monarch as its head of state.
Political Structure:
- Government: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
- Head of State: The King of the United Kingdom (currently King Charles III), represented by the Governor-General.
- Head of Government: The Prime Minister (currently Gaston Browne, as of 2023).
- Legislature: Bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Economy:
- Main Industries:
- Tourism (the primary contributor to GDP).
- Agriculture (e.g., sugarcane, cotton, and fruits).
- Offshore banking and financial services.
- Challenges: Vulnerability to hurricanes and economic dependency on tourism.
Culture:
- National Festivals: Antigua Carnival (a lively celebration of emancipation held every August).
- Music: Calypso, soca, and steelpan music dominate.
- Cuisine: Features seafood, pepperpot stew, fungee (cornmeal dish), and ducana (sweet potato dumpling).
Education:
- Education is free and compulsory for children aged 5 to 16.
- The University of the West Indies (UWI) has a campus in Antigua.
Interesting Facts:
- Nicknamed “The Land of 365 Beaches” because of its vast number of beaches.
- Antigua hosts the famous Antigua Sailing Week, attracting sailors from around the world.
- The national sport is cricket, with legends like Sir Vivian Richards hailing from Antigua.
