Antigua and Barbuda
Official Country Name
Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda Overview
The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak Indians populated the islands when Columbus landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.
Antigua and Barbuda Economy
Tourism continues to dominate the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP. Weak tourist arrival numbers since early 2000 have slowed the economy and pressed the government into a tight fiscal corner. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on income growth in the industrialized world, especially in the US, which accounts for slightly more than one-third of tourist arrivals.
Antigua and Barbuda Location
Antigua and Barbuda is located in Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico
Region
Antigua and Barbuda is located in Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda Population
Antigua and Barbuda has population of 69,108 (July 2006 est.)
Antigua and Barbuda Climate
Antigua and Barbuda has tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation
Antigua and Barbuda Terrain
mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areas
Antigua and Barbuda Natural Resources
NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism
Ethnic Groups in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda has the following ethnic groups - black, British, Portuguese, Lebanese, Syrian
Antigua and Barbuda Religions
Christian (predominantly Anglican with other Protestant, and some Roman Catholic)
Antigua and Barbuda Languages
English (official), local dialects
Antigua and Barbuda Capital
Antigua and Barbuda capital is Saint John's
Antigua and Barbuda Currency
Antigua and Barbuda currency is East Caribbean dollar
Map of Antigua and Barbuda
