| Also
known as: |
The
Island of 365 Beaches. (Root: Waladli and
Wa'onomi (Amerindian)) |
|
Motto: |
Each Endeavouring All Achieving
|
| Location: |
Located in the Eastern Caribbean at the
southern end of the Leeward Islands, 40 km
(25 miles) northeast of Montserrat.
|
| History: |
Columbus landed on Antigua in 1493 and named
the island after the church of Santa Maria
de la Antigua in Seville, Spain. It was
colonised by the English in 1632 and apart
from a brief French occupation in 1667,
remained British until becoming an
'Associated State' in 1967. The islands
attained full independence on November 1,
1981. In the late 18th century the islands
served as a major naval dockyard for the
British fleet in the Eastern Caribbean.
|
| Elections: |
Last elections were held in 2009. Next
elections due 2014
|
| Ruling
Party: |
United Progressive Party (UPP)
|
| Major
Political Parties: |
Antigua Labour Party (ALP), United
Progressive Party (UPP), Barbuda People's
Movement (BPM)
|
| Head of
State: |
Louisse Lake-Tack, Governor-General
|
| Head of
Government: (Antigua)
|
The Honourable Winston Baldwin
Spencer
Prime Minister
|
| Economic Summary: |
Tourism is the main national income earner.
Dry climate and a large number of white sand
beaches play an important role in the
growing cargo and cruise passenger traffic.
The services sector has steadily grown to
become an area of significant economic
activity.
Agriculture, fishing and a growing
manufacturing sector also contribute to
national economic development.
|
| Airport: |
V. C. Bird International (Antigua)
Codrington (Barbuda)
|
| Status: |
Independent - 1 November 1981
|
| Capital: |
St. John's
|
| Area: |
442 km2 (170 miles2)
|
| Population: |
80,139 (mid-year 2004)
|
| Currency |
Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)
|
| Education: |
Compulsory from age 5 to 16 years |
| Infant Mortality
Rate: |
14.5
per 1000 live births (2003) |
| Life Expectancy:
|
Male
75.2 years; Female 79.1 years (2004) |
| GDP |
EC$2,209.8 Mn (2004) |
| GDP Per
Capita: |
EC$27,575 (2004)
|
| Total
Exports: |
EC$164.1 Mn (2004)
|
| Total
Imports: |
EC$1,074.2 Mn (2004)
|
|
Intra-Regional Exports: |
EC$7.6 Mn (2001)
|
|
Intra-Regional Imports: |
EC$92.3 Mn (2001)
|
| Business
Hours: |
Commercial: 08:00-12:00 hrs; 13:00-16:00 hrs
(Monday to Saturday). Closed on Thursday
afternoons.
Government: 08:00-16:30 hrs. (Monday to
Thursday); 08:00-15:00 hrs (Friday)
|
| National
Holidays: |
New Year's Day (01 January), Good Friday,
Easter Monday, Labour Day (First Monday in
May), Whit Monday (First Monday in June),
Summer Carnival (Monday and Tuesday of first
week of August), Independence Day (01
November), Vere Cornwall Bird, Snr Day (09
December), Christmas Day (25 December),
Boxing Day (26 December). Holidays that
fall on a Sunday are observed the following
Monday
|
| National Anthem: |
Fair Antigua and
Barbuda
Fair Antigua and Barbuda
We thy sons and daughters stand
Strong and firm in peace or danger
To safeguard our native land
We commit, ourselves to building
A true nation, brave and free
Ever striving, ever seeking
Dwell in love and unity. Raise the standard!
Raise it boldly!
Answer now to duty's call
To the service of your country
Sparing nothing, giving all
Gird your loins and join the battle
'Gainst fear, hate and poverty
Each endeavouring, all achieving
Live in peace where man is free. God of nations,
let thy blessings
Fall upon this land of ours
Rain and sunshine ever sending
Fill her fields with crops and flowers
We her children do implore thee
Give us strength, faith, loyalty
Never failing, all enduring
To defend her liberty.
(Words by Novelle H. Richards; Music by Walter
P. Chambers)
|
| Highest
National Award: |
Order of the Nation
|
| Favourite
dish: |
Antigua pepperpot
|
|
Date of CARICOM Membership: |
4 July 1974
|
| Government
web page: |
|
