Antigua and Barbuda
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About Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is a three-island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean, characterised by a tropical yet relatively dry climate. The largest island, Antigua, features numerous secluded bays, white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and volcanic rock formations, with its highest elevation at Mount Obama rising to approximately 400 metres above sea level. Barbuda, in contrast, is a low-lying coral island distinguished by expansive lagoons and natural habitats, while the small island of Redonda is steep, rocky, and currently uninhabited.
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About Antigua and Barbuda
Key facts
Date of Membership in CARICOM: 4 Jul 1974 - Learn more about membership in CARICOM Also Known as:The Island of 365 Beaches. (Root: Waladli and Wa'onomi (Amerindian)) Status of Independence:Independent 1981/11/01 Area: 442 km2 (170 miles2) Capital City: St. John's Population: : 90,801(2015) Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) Highest National Award: Order of the Nation
Economy
GDP Growth: GDP Growth: –3.6% p.a. 2009–13
GNI: US$1.2bn
GNI PC: US$12,910
Key dates in history
1493 Arrival of Columbus; named island after Cathedral in Spain – Santa Maria de La Antigua
1632 Colonised by Sir Thomas Warner 1667 Island formally became a British Colony
1871 Incorporated into Leeward Islands Federation
1939 First Labour Movement formed – Antigua Trades and Labour Union (ATLU) out of which evolved ALP
1951 First elections under universal adult suffrage took place 1958 Member of the West Indies Federation
1965 CARIFTA Agreement signed at Dickenson Bay, Antigua. Antigua and Barbuda one of three original signatories
1967 Associated Statehood with Britain (full internal self government) within the West Indies Associated States (WISA) Vere C. Bird, Snr, first Premier
1981 Independence achieved. Vere C. Bird, Snr. First Prime Minister