Information
Country: Antigua and BarbudaContinent: North America
Antigua and Barbuda, North America
Overview
Antigua and Barbuda is a two-island country in the Eastern Caribbean, where turquoise waves brush the shores of the Lesser Antilles, meanwhile with its white-sand beaches, lively festivals, and centuries-historic landmarks, the country draws travelers looking for lazy afternoons by the shore and thrilling new experiences.Geography-Antigua: It’s the bigger of the two islands, stretching across roughly 108 square miles, about the size of a patchwork quilt of rolling hills and sandy coves, in turn most of the land is flat with a few gentle hills, ringed by coral reefs and pale sandy shores.Barbuda, smaller and flatter at 62 square miles (161 km²), is known for its blush-pink sand and the quiet waters of Codrington Lagoon, and redonda stands apart as a tiny, uninhabited volcanic rock, part of the country yet untouched by settlements.Warm, steady sunshine lasts all year, softened by cool northeast trade winds, furthermore before European ships arrived, the Arawak and Carib peoples called this island home.If I’m being honest, In 1493, Christopher Columbus stepped ashore and named it Antigua, after a church he knew in Seville, its white walls glowing in the Spanish sun, then barbuda was settled later, while Antigua, colonized by the British in 1632, grew into a center for sugar plantations worked by enslaved Africans.Curiously, On November 1, 1981, it gained independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth, and today, its economy leans heavily on tourism-white-sand beaches and warm seas draw visitors who fuel much of its GDP.Beyond tourism, the economy leans on agriculture-hampered by dry, sandy soil yet yielding cotton, bright tropical fruits, and crisp vegetables-along with offshore banking, investment services, and a fishing industry famous for lobster and other seafood, furthermore english is the official language, though the warm lilt of Antiguan Creole fills the streets.Carnival bursts to life each year with ten days of music, dance, and parades marking emancipation, while Sailing Week draws top crews from across the Caribbean, alternatively calypso, soca, reggae, and the bright ring of steel pans shape the island’s soundscape.About 100,000 people call the nation home, most on Antigua; the population is largely of African descent, with smaller European and mixed communities, and Christianity-especially Anglicanism-dominates religious life, and governed as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy, it has a British monarch represented by a Governor-General and a Prime Minister elected in a multi-party system; its parliament includes both a Senate and a House of Representatives.V, then c.Bird International Airport serves as the main air hub, St, on top of that john’s Harbour handles cargo and cruise ships, and while Antigua has a good road network, Barbuda’s remains sparse.The islands boast mangroves, lush tropical plants, rare wildlife like the Antiguan racer snake, coral reefs, sea turtles, and a massive frigate bird sanctuary, yet face threats from rising seas and climate change, after that education is free and compulsory up to age sixteen.Somehow, You can study at Antigua State College or the University of the West Indies campus, while healthcare comes from both public and private providers, including the Mount St, in conjunction with john Medical Centre.Local plates brim with seafood, rice, plantains, and fresh island vegetables, and the national favorite pairs fungi-a soft, cornmeal comfort-with rich, savory pepperpot, besides rum, cold local beers, and sweet tropical juices are the drinks of choice.Together, Antigua and Barbuda’s natural beauty, storied past, and lively culture make them a true Caribbean treasure.
