Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda, an enchanting sovereign island nation, is located in the heart of the Caribbean. One of the Lesser Antilles, this country is brilliantly situated at the meeting point of the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans. Because of its stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, both visitors and historians find great enchantment in Antigua and Barbuda.

The two main islands of Antigua and Barbuda make up the nation; they are separated by azure seas roughly forty kilometers (25 miles). A group of smaller islands beside these bigger ones accentuates the beauty and diversity of the nation. These include York, Redonda, Great Bird, Green, Guiana, Long, Maiden, Prickly Pear. As of 2019, the estimated permanent population is 97,120; of this total, 97% live on Antigua. While the vibrant capital city of St. John’s is the country’s main urban center and largest port, Codrington is the largest town on Barbuda.

The history of Antigua and Barbuda is just as varied and interesting as its scenery. Originally charting the island of Antigua in 1493, notable adventurer Christopher Columbus named it for the Church of Santa María La Antigua. The British occupied Antigua and Barbuda in 1632 and 1678 respectively. Originally a part of the Leeward Islands Federal Colony starting in 1871, the islands joined the West Indies Federation in 1958. After the federation broke up in 1962, Antigua and Barbuda joined the West Indies Associated States in 1967. Following a period of internal self-governance, the country at last acquired its independence from the United Kingdom on November 1, 1981 Under Charles III, Antigua and Barbuda remains a constitutional monarchy; the nation is happy to be a Commonwealth member.

With tourism accounting for an amazing eighty percent of Antigua and Barbuda’s GDP, it is the primary driver of the national economy. The islands’ economy depends on tourism since so many people visit to take advantage of their five-star hotels, turquoise seas, and lovely beaches. Like many island countries, Antigua and Barbuda faces the great difficulties resulting from climate change. Rising sea levels and more strong hurricanes threaten the coastal infrastructure of the country, so leading to issues including coastal erosion and water scarcity.

In view of these challenges, Antigua and Barbuda has taken many actions to fortify its stability and economy. One such initiative is the citizenship by investment program, which lets participants become citizens should they make significant financial contributions. One further benefit that attracts foreigners and investors to the nation is the lack of a personal income tax.

Antigua and Barbuda have a generally urban demographic profile since the most populous cities in Antigua home. Among those are Liberta, Piggotts, All Saints, and St. John’s. On Barbuda, Coderton is the most populous town. Just around 25% of the population lives in cities, despite their great concentration; this is far lower than the global average of 55%. Both visitors and residents can unwind in this distribution, which reflects the unique mix of manmade and natural surroundings of the nation.