Historical Timeline
1493 – Christopher Columbus reaches Antigua
1632 – British settle Antigua
1684 – Barbuda comes under British control
1981 – Independence from the United Kingdom (date of modern state formation)
1983 – Antigua and Barbuda becomes a member of the Commonwealth of Nations
2014 – Gaston Browne becomes Prime Minister
General Information
Continent: North America (Caribbean)
Location: Eastern Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean
Capital: St. John’s
Language: English (official); Antiguan Creole
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Population: ~100,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST, UTC-4)
Topography
Borders: None (Island nation)
Coastline: Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea
Landscape: Mostly flat with some rolling hills, tropical climate
Major Rivers: None (due to small land area)
Notable Features: Pristine beaches, coral reefs, volcanic landscape (Barbuda)
Demography
Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Afro-Caribbean, small minority of Europeans
Religion: Christianity (predominantly Anglican, with Roman Catholic and Protestant communities)
Urban Population: ~75% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: High literacy rate, with significant tourism-driven expatriate community
Culture
Famous For: Sailing, cricket, music (calypso, reggae), vibrant festivals
Cuisine: Pepperpot, saltfish, flying fish, fritters, plantains
Arts: Creole music, arts festivals, traditional crafts
Sports: Cricket, sailing, football (soccer)
Economy
Economy Type: Service-based, tourism-driven
GDP: Approx. $2.5 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, agriculture (especially sugar and bananas), construction, offshore banking
Key Exports: Sugar, bananas, rum, seafood
Unemployment Rate: ~8% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Tourism-centric around St. John’s, beach resorts, and off-shore financial services
Government
Government Type: Constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy
Head of State: King Charles III (since 2022)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Gaston Browne (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (House of Representatives & Senate)
Constitution: In effect since 1981 (independence constitution)
Travel Attractions
St. John’s: Historical buildings, waterfront, shopping
Antigua: Nelson’s Dockyard, Devil’s Bridge, beaches
Barbuda: Pristine beaches, Frigate Bird Sanctuary
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 1 (Nelson’s Dockyard) (last updated: 2023)