About Antigua

Geography

The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are situated in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean.

The larger of the two islands, Antigua, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Its highest point (Boggy Peak) is 1319 feet high and located in the south west corner of the island.

Barbuda lies approximately 32 miles due north and is a flat coral island with an area of 62 square miles.

The country also comprises an additional uninhabited island 25 miles to the south west called Redonda, which is only 0.6 square miles in area.

Climate

Typically, Antigua and Barbuda receives eight and a half hours of sunlight daily.

Temperatures are pretty consistent all year round. Day and night temperatures during the coolest months of January and February range between 81°F (27°C) and 72°F (22°C). During the hottest months of July and August, day and night temperatures range between 86°F (30°C) & 77°F (25°C).

Annual rainfall averages about 45 inches falling mainly during the wettest months from September to November.

Generally the humidity level is low.

Air Travel from the UK

Direct return flights from the UK are often available from as little as £149* per adult.

American Airlines
www.aa.com

British Airways
Reservations: 0845 77 333 77 (24hrs)
www.ba.com

Virgin Atlantic
Reservations: 01293 747 747
www.virgin-atlantic.com

Population

The population of Antigua is approximately 80,000 and mainly of African descent. The population of Barbuda has a population of about 1,200. Nowadays, there are many residents from Europe and North America who have made Antigua their permanent home.

Living standards

The living standard of Antigua and Barbuda is amongst the highest in the Eastern Caribbean along with its literacy rate. There is a high rate of home and car ownership, which is probably attributed to most employers paying higher than the minimum wage and there being no personal income tax. Unemployment is very low.

Government

The system of Government that exists in Antigua is one of democracy based upon the British Parliamentary system. The Government consists of a Cabinet of Ministers, which is headed by the Prime Minister who is elected at least once every five years.

Legal system

Antigua's legal system is strongly influenced by and based on the British system. Criminal cases and civil cases have a right of appeal in the Antiguan Court of Appeal with the final right of appeal goes to England's Privy Council.

Language

English is the official language of the country albeit it is often spoken in a distinctive dialect, which can sometimes be difficult to understand.

Currency

The currency used is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC $) which is tied to the United States dollar at the official exchange rate of US $1.00 = EC $2.70.

Tourism and sport

The tourist sector of Antigua and Barbuda contributes about sixty percent (60%) of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the economy.

The Heritage Quay is a major duty-free shopping complex, which exists in St. John's allowing visitors to shop at duty-free prices.

Antigua is a major sailing and yachting centre and every year hosts the annual Antigua Sailing Week Competition, which is held at the end of April each year attracting hundreds of entrants.

Game fishing, wind-surfing, diving and snorkelling are amongst many of the other water sport activities available to a high standard.

Golf is well catered for with two 18-hole courses located at The Cedar Valley Golf Club and the Jolly Harbour Golf Course.

With a reputed 365 beaches, Antigua offers a multitude of choice regarding where someone may want to enjoy their beach and swimming activities. All beaches are open to general public.

Arrangements for riding can be made at the several stables that exist.

Antigua is a renowned venue for international cricket with regular tours undertaken by the major cricketing countries.

Religion

The main religion is Christianity, however, there is complete freedom of religion. Most locals are Anglican with other denominations being Moravian, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah's Witness, and Pentecostal.

Banking and finance

Several international and local banks offer a full range of retail, commercial and investment banking services.

* Correct as at January 2005.