island in the eastern Caribbean Sea, a dependent territory of the United Kingdom. It lies about 60 miles (100 km) northwest of Saint Kitts and is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. The Valley is the principal town and the administrative centre of the island. Noted for its easygoing atmosphere and magnificent beaches and waters, Anguilla is a popular tourist destination. Area 35 square miles (91 square km). Pop. (2002 est.) 12,446.

Land

Anguilla was formed from coral and limestone. The highest point is 213 feet (65 metres). Soil is thin, but there are small pockets of red loam, mainly in the shallow valleys. As with most coral islands, water is scarce. The climate is tropical; the average temperature is about 80 °F (27 °C), and rainfall averages 35 inches (900 mm) per year. Hurricanes can occur from July to October and occasionally are highly destructive, such as those of 1995 and 1999. The storms have greatly contributed to the erosion of the island's beaches, and numerous measures have been undertaken since the early 1990s to correct the problem. The island's vegetation is primarily low scrub, although there are some plantations of fruit trees. Wildlife on Anguilla includes sea turtles, lobsters, and goats, the latter of which are ubiquitous. The island is also a popular stop for migratory birds.

People

The majority of the population of Anguilla is of African descent. The official language is English, and the main religious denominations are Anglican and Methodist. The island has experienced steady population growth, and Anguillans live relatively long lives.

Economy

Agriculture is of minor importance. The main economic activities revolve around financial services and tourism. The steady increase in tourism has bolstered the construction industries and stimulated the improvement of transport facilities. Since the 1980s offshore banking has become increasingly important but has also led to allegations that the island's banks are being used for money laundering; in 2000 the government began introducing legislation to combat the problem. Fishing is the traditional livelihood, and both deepwater fishing and fish farming have expanded. Other traditional industries, especially shipbuilding and salt production, also continue. The export of fish and lobster is an important source of foreign exchange, as are remittances from émigrés working abroad. To further its economic growth, Anguilla became an associate member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market in 1999.

The island's central bank is the Eastern Caribbean Central bank, which is also the bank of issue for several other Caribbean islands; Anguilla's official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. The island's main trading partners are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Puerto Rico. There is no sales or income tax in Anguilla. Instead, the government relies on import duties, taxes on services, corporate registrations, and various licensing fees. Anguilla has three airports, though only one has a paved runway.

Government and society

Executive power is in the hands of a governor (commissioner) appointed by the British monarch. The governor is in charge of external affairs, defense, internal security (including police), and public services. The Executive Council is composed of a chief minister, other ministers, and ex officio members. The House of Assembly, which has 11 seats, consists of members elected by universal adult suffrage, members appointed by the governor after consultation with the chief minister, and ex officio members. Voting is open to individuals 18 and older. The highest judicial body in Anguilla is the High Court; its judge is provided by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. The island has no military; the United Kingdom is responsible for protecting Anguilla.

Education is free and compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16. Health conditions are generally good, but health services on the island are limited. There are two small hospitals and numerous clinics on Anguilla; specialist care, however, must be sought from larger islands nearby.

Culture

Anguillan culture is a mix of African and British traditions. To preserve and promote the island's heritage, the Anguilla National Trust was created in 1993. The organization oversees the island's museum as well as its national parks. Numerous festivals are held on the island, many of which commemorate historical events. Summer Festival is the island's largest celebration and is highlighted by competitions, parades, and dances. Boating is Anguilla's national sport, and cricket is also popular. A number of activities take advantage of the island's waters, and birdwatching is also much enjoyed.

History

Anguilla may have been reached by Christopher Columbus in 1493. It became a British colony after being settled in 1650 and was administered as part of the Leeward Islands. From 1825 administration was largely through Saint Kitts, and Anguilla was incorporated with Saint Kitts and Nevis into a single colony in 1882, a situation to which it thereafter strenuously objected. In 1967, after the three were formed into an associated state, Anguilla complained of the domination by the Saint Kitts administration. Anguilla ejected the Saint Kitts police and set up its own council, subsequently proclaiming its independence. After negotiations failed, the British intervened in March 1969 to restore legal government with troops and a temporary commissioner. The troops were withdrawn in September 1969, and the Anguilla Act of July 1971 placed Anguilla directly under British control. Anguilla formally became a dependent territory of the United Kingdom in 1980, and a new constitution became effective in 1982; it was amended in 1990.