🐬

Antigua and Barbuda - World Mnemonic Atlas

Antigua and Barbuda is a small island nation in the Caribbean, known for its beautiful beaches and tourism-driven economy. It consists primarily of two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, along with smaller surrounding islets.

Key Facts
Capital: St. John's (located on Antigua)
Population: About 98,000 (2021)
Language: English (official)
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Government: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The country recognizes the British monarch as the head of state.
Independence: Gained independence from the United Kingdom on November 1, 1981.

Geography
Antigua is the larger of the two main islands and features a mostly flat landscape with low - lying limestone and coral terrain. It is famed for its 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Barbuda is smaller, less populated, and known for its pristine pink and white sand beaches. The island was significantly damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 but has since been in recovery.

Economy
Tourism is the primary economic driver of Antigua and Barbuda, contributing significantly to its GDP. The country is a popular destination for yachting, luxury resorts, and tropical vacations. In addition to tourism, Antigua and Barbuda has offshore financial services and small-scale agriculture with pineapples, coconuts, sugar cane, bananas, mangoes and other typical tropical fruits and plant like cassava and sweet potato.

History
Colonial History: The islands were inhabited by the Arawak and Carib indigenous peoples before Christopher Columbus encountered them in 1493. The British colonized the islands in the 17th century, and sugar plantations became central to their economy, which relied heavily on enslaved Africans until emancipation in 1834.

Modern History: After a period as part of the West Indies Federation (1958–1962), Antigua and Barbuda achieved full independence from Britain in 1981 but remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Culture
The culture of Antigua and Barbuda reflects its African and British colonial heritage, with influences seen in its cuisine, music (such as calypso and reggae), and festivals, including the annual Carnival held in July and August.

Environment
Coral Reefs and mangrove ecosystems are important environmental features of the islands, which are home to rich marine biodiversity. Antigua and Barbuda are also vulnerable to hurricanes, with Hurricane Irma in 2017 causing significant damage to Barbuda.

Interesting Facts
The Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a well-preserved example of a British naval dockyard from the 18th century. The islands' slogan, "The Land of 365 Beaches," emphasizes their allure as a beach paradise for tourists.

Famous people from Antigua and Barbuda

S. Midttun (c) 2024