ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
The country of Antigua and Barbuda is located in the Leeward Islands, which forms part of the Eastern Caribbean. Antigua is the larger of the islands with an area of 108 square miles (280 km2) with Barbuda being 68 square miles (176 km2). The third island Redonda is an uninhabited nature reserve with an area of only 0.6 square miles (1.6km2).
The capital city of Antigua is Saint John’s and the largest city in Barbuda is Codrington. The country, which is primarily of limestone composition is not surprisingly known for having some of the finest white sand beaches in the Caribbean. In fact, it boasts 365 beaches and these, coupled with the abundance of sunshine year-round make Antigua and Barbuda a very desirable place in which to live, work and vacation.
The country is well known internationally as a yachting and sailing destination. The hub of this activity is English Harbour, which is located on the south-eastern coast of Antigua and is also home to Nelson’s Dockyard, which is a restored British colonial naval base.
VISA FREE TRAVEL
The Country lies 1,289 miles (2,074 km) from Florida; 1,723 miles (2,772 km) from New York and 4,048 miles (6,515 km) from London.
It has excellent airlift with direct flights to and from major international destinations.
Holders of Antigua and Barbuda Passports can travel to 130 countries visa free including Hong Kong and the European Union Schengen countries.
GOVERNMENT
The style of Government is a parliamentary democracy with a Governor General representing the Queen of England who is the official Head of State.
A Prime Minister is the Head of Government.
The Country is a member of the British Commonwealth and maintains membership in various regional and international organizations including the United Nations.
CULTURE AND SPORTS
Antigua and Barbuda is host to several cultural and sporting activities throughout the year
Antigua Sailing Week is a major event on the international sailing calendar: April - May
Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta: April
Barbuda Carnival: May
Sport Fishing Tournament: June
Antigua Carnival: July to early August
Independence Festival is a week of celebrations and parades in November
Climate
Tropical Climate
Annual Temperatures 23°C – 30°C
Population
Approximately 68,000 persons
Language and Literacy
Official Language English
Literacy Rate >98%
Currency and Banking
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
$2.71XCD = $1USD
The majority of business places in the Country accept United States currency
Several Major International Banks
Economy and Taxes
There are no capital gains or inheritance taxes
Tourism is the mainstay of the economy