Location
The two-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is located in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean.

Size
The island's circumference is roughly 87 km (54 miles) and its area 281 sq. km (108 sq. miles). It is the largest of the Leeward Islands.

History
The islands, once the homes to Arawaks, Ciboneys and Caribs, were named "Antigua" by Christopher Columbus in 1493 in honour of the Santa Maria La Antigua Cathedral in Seville. In 1632 a group of English colonists settled in Antigua to grow cash crops of tobacco, ginger, indigo and sugar. Sugar became Antigua's main crop from about 1674, when Christopher Codrington settled at Betty's Hope Estate. Nelson's dockyard was started in 1725 to provide a base for a squadron of British ships whose main function was to patrol West Indies and thus maintain Britain's sea power. In 1967, with Barbuda and the tiny island of Redonda as dependencies, Antigua became an associated state of the Commonwealth and in 1981 it achieved full independence from Britain.

Population
69,000

Capital
St. John's in the northwest has a deep harbour to accommodate cruise ships.

Government
The country is led by what many describe as an elected family dynasty, with Vere C. Bird, the first prime minister, having been succeeded in 1993 by Lester B. Bird, his son, who retained the post until 2004. The current prime minister is Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer. Antigua is a full and participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

Language
English

Climate
Average temperatures High/Low: Summer 85/77 degrees. Winter 82/75 degrees. Average annual rainfall - 45 inches. Considered tropical marine with little seasonal temperature variation

Tourism Activities & Sightseeing
English Harbour and the neighbouring village of Falmouth are an internationally famous yachting and sailing destination and provisioning centre. Antigua Sailing Week, an annual world-class regatta started in 1967 The major sport is cricket and Antigua was the location of a 2007 Cricket World Cup site on a new Recreation Ground constructed on an old cane field. Antigua is a recognized centre for online gambling companies and was one of the first nations to legalize, license and regulate online gaming. Museum, art galleries, Harmony Hall (art gallery with restaurant and nearby beach), glass bottom boat trips, visit to the fruit, vegetable and newly opened craft market, a visit to the Antigua Black Pineapple fields, Parham village and visits to renovated forts and sites, such as Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley's Heights. Tours: (Day) tours to nature island Barbuda, accessible via airplane and high-speed catamaran. Barbuda attractions include: the Frigate Bird Colony, Martello Tower, Castle Hill, Highland Hill, Bryant Cave and many other caves. Snorkeling, scuba diving, turtle watching, bone fishing, horseback riding, hiking, cycling and herbal tours are some of the many other activities to do. Eco-Kayak, swim with the dolphins.

Airports
VC Bird International Airport is located on the north close to the capital of St. John's

Currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) Current conversion rate is EC $2.67 for US$1 cash.

Electricity
Part of the island is 110 volts and the remainder is 230-volts - alternating 60 cycles.

Time zone
Atlantic Standard Time zone, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (except when Eastern daylight Savings time is in effect then it's the same) GMT-4

Driving
On the left.

Flag

The Official Tourism Website of the Antigua Barbuda Tourist Office
www.antigua-barbuda.org