Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda A country in the Leeward Island group of the Caribbean, comprising the islands of Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda (uninhabited).

Physical

The main island, Antigua, comprises 280 sq km (108 sq miles) of fairly bare scrubland. Formed of volcanic rock in the south-west and coral in the north and east, it is moderately hilly, rising to 405 m (1329 feet). Water is scarce.

Economy

The mainstay of the economy is up-market tourism. Manufacturing industry includes clothing and the assembly of electrical components for re-export. Aside from some cultivation of sugar cane and cotton, there is little agriculture.

History

Antigua and Barbuda were colonized from the 17th century by the British, who brought slaves from Africa to work on the islands. From 1871 until 1956 the islands were part of the British colony of the Leeward Islands. Antigua and Barbuda joined the West Indian Federation, and in 1967 became an Associated State of Britain, gaining internal autonomy. The country became fully independent in 1981. The Antiguan Labour Party (ALP) has held power since 1976.

Capital:	Saint John's
Area:	441.6 sq km (170.5 sq miles)
Population:	69,100 (1998 est)
Currency:	1 East Caribbean dollar = 100 cents
Religions:	Anglican 44.5%; other Protestant (mainly Moravian, Methodist, and Seventh-day Adventist) 41.6%; Roman Catholic 10.2%; Rastafarian 0.7%
Ethnic Groups:	Black 94.4%; Mixed 3.5%; White 1.3%
Languages:	English (official); English creole
International Organizations:	UN; Commonwealth; CARICOM