Antigua and Barbuda | History, Capital, Language, Flag, Facts & Geography of Antigua and Barbuda

History of Antigua and Barbuda:

The first inhabitants of Antigua were the Sibonians, also known as the Stone People. Next came the Arawak, a Native American tribe from Venezuela. Over time, the Arawak migrated north through the islands. They brought new crops such as pineapple, corn, tobacco and cotton.

In 1493 Christopher Columbus arrived on this island. He named the largest island Santa Maria de la Antigua. A few years later, in 1632, the British arrived to colonize the island. They built large sugar plantations and brought slaves to work on the land.

Slavery was abolished by him in 1834, but working conditions for local workers remained poor for many years. In 1981 Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations.

Information about Antigua and Barbuda:

Flag of Antigua and Barbuda:

Antigua and Barbuda Economy Key Industries:

Antigua and Barbuda Major Industries: tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances)

Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Products: cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock

Antigua and Barbuda Natural Resources: NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism

Antigua and Barbuda Major Exports: petroleum products 48%, manufactures 23%, machinery and transport equipment 17%, food and live animals 4%, other 8%

Antigua and Barbuda Major Imports: food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, oil

The Geography of Antigua and Barbuda:

Total Size of Antigua and Barbuda: 443 sq km (source: 2022 The world factbook)

Geographical Low Point of Antigua and Barbuda: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Geographical High Point of Antigua and Barbuda: Vinson Massif 4,897 m

Climate of Antigua and Barbuda: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation

General Terrain of Antigua and Barbuda: mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areas

World Region or Continent of Antigua and Barbuda:  Central America

Geographical Coordinates: 17 03 N, 61 48 W

The People of Antigua and Barbuda & Culture

Antigua and Barbuda Government Type: constitutional parliamentary democracy

Antigua and Barbuda Nationality: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)

Antigua and Barbuda National Holiday: Independence Day (National Day), 1 November (1981)

Antigua and Barbuda Independence: 1 November 1981 (from UK)

Antigua and Barbuda National Symbol:

Antigua and Barbuda National Anthem or Song: Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee

Antigua and Barbuda Languages Spoken: English (official), local dialects

Antigua and Barbuda Religions: Christian (predominantly Anglican with other Protestant, and some Roman Catholic)

Interesting Facts about Antigua and Barbuda:

Antigua and Barbuda is actually three islands

Mount Obama is the highest peak on the island of Antigua.

Antigua is one of the smallest countries on earth and ranks 182nd in terms of area.

Antigua is also called the land of 365 beaches

The current population of Antigua and Barbuda is 99,539.

Antigua has a rich cultural heritage with British and African influences.

English is the official language in Antica and Barbuda.

Antigua has the largest frigatebird breeding colony in the Caribbean

The chances of encountering sharks, especially reef sharks and nurse sharks, are very high while diving near the coast of Antigua.

At least 182 species of birds have been recorded in Antigua.

The flag was adopted on February 27, 1967 to mark the realization of autonomy.

Antigua is a gastronomic destination with fresh seafood, delicious rum and savory dishes.

Antigua was visited by Christopher Columbus in his 1493.

cricket is the national sport

The capital of Antigua is Saint John’s