- Flag of Antigua and Barbuda
The Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is known for its serene, powdery soft beaches, fascinating coral reefs, and one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the world. It used to be one of Britain's Caribbean colonies, and the country's culture borrowed greatly from the English. In fact, even today Antigua and Barbuda is often called “little England.” The nation consists of three islands. They are Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda. The capital is Saint John's, located on Antigua. GeographyThe total area of the three islands is 171 square miles (442 square kilometers). The main island is Antigua. It has rolling hills, but there are also some volcanic rocks. The highest volcanic peak is Boggy Peak. It is located on the western end of the island. Antigua's coast is lined with bright, blue bays. Near the coast are reefs and shoals (sandbars). Antigua has no large rivers or springs, and long droughts occur frequently. Barbuda is 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Antigua. Barbuda is a flat island covered with forests. Most of the island lies just above sea level. The island's coast is lined with pink-white beaches. Redonda is not much more than a large rock. No one lives there, though mining does take place. The country has a tropical climate. The average January temperature is around 77° F (25° C); that of August, 82° F (28° C). Summer highs can reach 90° F (32° C). Plants and animalsBarbuda contains the same types of plants and animals that are found on most Caribbean islands. Most of the island is covered in rain forests and lush vegetation. Antigua has only a few forests, in the southwestern section. Most of northeastern Antigua is like a desert and contains many kinds of cactuses. Barbuda is home to a sanctuary for frigate birds. The birds, with their long, thin wings and forked tails, can be easily spotted in the skies overhead. People and cultureMost of the people living on Antigua and Barbuda can trace their family history back to Africans who were brought to the islands to work as slaves. The islands are also home to small populations of Europeans, Lebanese, Syrians, Indians, Pakistanis, and American Indians. Most people in Antigua and Barbuda are Christian. The official language is English. The culture of the country, while similar to that of the British, is also very African. This includes everything from costumes and foods to music and dance. EconomyTourism is very important to the country's economy. There is also some manufacturing, including production of garments and appliances. The government operates a business that prepares fish for market and an oil refinery. Agriculture plays a small role in the economy. Crops include sugarcane; tropical fruits such as mangoes, guavas, melons, limes, and pineapples; and vegetables such as eggplants, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. HistoryThe first inhabitants of Antigua and Barbuda were people called the Ciboney who settled there more than 4,000 years ago. The Ciboney were chased off the islands by another group known as the Arawaks. The explorer Christopher Columbus landed on Antigua in 1493. The English took over the islands in 1632, and the first large sugar estate on Antigua was established in 1674. Slaves from Africa's west coast were brought in to work on the plantations. The slaves were set free in 1834 but remained dependent on the plantation owners for work. Antigua was run by the British as part of the Leeward Islands until 1956. In November 1981 the three-island nation became independent as Antigua and Barbuda. Population (2000 estimate), 71,000. |