About Antigua

          Capital: St. John’s
          Population: 67,108 (approx)
          People: Antiguans
          Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollars
          Distance from UK: 4089 miles

Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda form an island nation in the Eastern Caribbean region, totalling 171 square miles between them, with Redonda being the only one that is still uninhabited.

Colonised by the British in 1632, having formerly been occupied by both the Spanish and the French for a brief period, Antigua and Barbuda gained independence from Britain on 1^st November 1981.

The 108 square miles that make up Antigua are fringed by 365 beautiful white sand beaches, many of which remain secluded and unspoilt.

St. John’s, Antigua’s capital town, is located on the island’s northwest coast and is a bustling port city where cruise ships dock in its man-made deep-water harbour. The Old Court House, built in 1748, and the Anglican Cathedral with its awesome twin spires, built in 1681, can also be found in St. John’s.

Antigua is a haven amongst yachtsmen from all over the world and the month of April sees a hub of excitement on the island when this group participates in Antigua Sailing Week and Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.

Visitors to Antigua can sail to nearby Barbuda (25 miles north of Antigua), which is a sportsman’s paradise for deer, wild pig and pigeons, to name but a few of the animal species to be found on the island.

Antigua is steeped in history that can be seen from its ancient forts and classic churches. English Harbour, home to the famous Nelson’s Dockyard, is another great tourist attraction on the island.

An increase in the island’s tourism industry (60% over the last seven years), coupled with its offshore financial services sector, make Antigua one of the most prosperous islands in the Caribbean.