The country consists of a number of islands, of which Antigua is the largest one, and the most populated. Barbuda, just north of Antigua is the other main island. The islands have a warm, tropical climate, with fairly constant temperatures year round.
The islands are mostly low-lying, with the highest point being Boggy Peak[?], at 402 m. The small country's main town is the capital Saint John's on Antigua; Barbuda's largest town is Codrington[?].
Main article: Economy of Antigua and Barbuda
Tourism continues to dominate the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP. Weak tourist arrival numbers since early 2000 have slowed the economy, however, and pressed the government into a tight fiscal corner. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a labour shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction work.
Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on income growth in the industrialised world, especially in the United States, which accounts for about one-third of all tourist arrivals.
Main article: Demographics of Antigua and Barbuda
Most of the population are descendants of the slaves that used to work in the sugar plantations, but there are also groups of Europeans, notably British and Portuguese. While the official language is English, most of the locals speak patois, a mixture of English, local languages and some other European languages.
Almost all Antiguans are Christians, with the Anglican Church (about 50%) being the largest denomination.
Countries of the world | North America
| Elsewhere |
 |
|
Search engine
Web directory
