Antigua and Barbuda

Land of 365 Beaches – Twin-Island Nation of Heritage, Hospitality, and Hope

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island country located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, part of the Lesser Antilles. Known for its stunning beaches, British colonial architecture, and strong tourism sector, the nation balances natural beauty with a resilient democratic spirit and growing international presence.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Originally inhabited by the Siboney, followed by the Arawak and Carib peoples.

  • Colonized by the British in 1632, Antigua became a major sugar-producing colony.

  • Achieved independence on November 1, 1981, and remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

  • Antigua and Barbuda is now a stable democracy with a strong focus on tourism, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Antigua and Barbuda
Capital St. John’s (on Antigua)
Continent North America (Caribbean)
Official Language English
Currency Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Area Approx. 442 sq. km
Population Approx. 101,000 (2025 est.)
Time Zone Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4)
ISO Code AG
Internet TLD .ag
Calling Code +1-268

Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

Religion Population Share
Christianity (Anglican, Methodist, Pentecostal, Moravian) ~91%
Other / Unaffiliated ~9%

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2025)
Monarch King Charles III (Ceremonial Head of State)
Governor-General Rodney Williams
Prime Minister Gaston Browne (Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party – ABLP)
Government Type Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy
Legislature Bicameral – Senate and House of Representatives
Judiciary Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Administrative Divisions (Parishes & Dependencies)

Antigua and Barbuda consists of:

Antigua (6 Parishes):

  1. Saint George

  2. Saint John (includes capital, St. John’s)

  3. Saint Mary

  4. Saint Paul

  5. Saint Peter

  6. Saint Philip

Dependencies:

  • Barbuda – Has its own Barbuda Council with limited local autonomy

  • Redonda – Uninhabited rocky islet, administratively part of Saint John Parish

Local Government Structure

  • Parish system with limited local governance; most functions are centralized

  • Barbuda Council oversees local affairs on Barbuda under special constitutional provisions

  • Ongoing development efforts to strengthen decentralization and improve public services

Leadership & Governance

Antigua and Barbuda is a democratically governed state with regular elections and active civil society.
Key policy focuses:

  • Climate change adaptation

  • Renewable energy transition

  • Digital government and innovation

  • Blue economy and tourism expansion

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Security forces:

    • Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda

    • Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force

    • Immigration and Port Security Services

  • Generally considered safe for residents and tourists

  • Ongoing efforts to reduce petty crime and strengthen community policing

Economy & Industry

  • Main sectors:

    • Tourism and hospitality (dominates GDP)

    • Financial services and offshore banking

    • Construction and real estate

    • Agriculture (limited but growing through climate-smart initiatives)

  • GDP (2024): Approx. USD 1.9 billion

  • Government strategies:

    • Diversify economy through digital services and green investments

    • Promote investment citizenship and regional trade

Education & Institutions

  • Free and compulsory education from age 5 to 16

  • Literacy rate: ~98%

  • Leading institutions:

    • University of the West Indies – Five Islands Campus

    • Antigua State College

    • Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Information Technology (ABIIT)

  • Education focus:

    • Digital learning and smart classrooms

    • Scholarships and tertiary access

    • Vocational and entrepreneurial training

Healthcare

  • Public healthcare system provides free or low-cost services

  • Major facilities:

    • Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (Antigua)

    • Hannah Thomas Hospital (Barbuda)

  • Government investments in:

    • Telemedicine

    • Non-communicable disease management

    • Climate-resilient health infrastructure

Transport & Connectivity

  • Roads: Paved networks across Antigua; developing infrastructure in Barbuda

  • Public transport: Minibuses and private taxis

  • Airports:

    • V.C. Bird International Airport (main international gateway in Antigua)

  • Seaports:

    • Deep Water Harbour (St. John’s – cruise & cargo)

    • Barbuda Seaport (River Wharf & Codrington Ferry)

  • Inter-island ferry services connect Antigua and Barbuda

Tourism & Attractions

Natural Highlights:

  • 365 Beaches, Nelson’s Dockyard (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Devil’s Bridge, Stingray City, Barbuda’s Frigate Bird Sanctuary

Cultural Highlights:

  • Antigua Carnival, Barbuda Caribana, steelpan festivals

  • Historical forts, sugar mill ruins, and colonial architecture

Tourism identity:

  • Luxury resorts, wedding and honeymoon destination, eco-tourism growth

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic composition: Predominantly of African descent with European, Indigenous, and mixed heritage

  • Languages: English (official), Antiguan and Barbudan Creole English (widely spoken)

  • Cuisine: Fungee and pepperpot (national dish), ducana, saltfish, conch

  • Cultural vibrance:

    • Music: calypso, soca, reggae

    • Strong pride in heritage, family, and local festivals

Summary

Antigua and Barbuda shines as a resilient and radiant Caribbean republic, offering natural splendor, political stability, and a welcoming culture. With a strategic focus on tourism, innovation, and climate resilience, this twin-island nation continues to rise as a model of small-island sustainability and global engagement.