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antigua and barbuda

Introduction

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island country located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, comprising two major islands: Antigua and Barbuda. With a population of approximately 97,000 people, it is one of the smaller countries in the region. The island chain has a rich history dating back to the indigenous Lucayan people, who inhabited the area before the arrival of European colonizers. Since then, the country has undergone significant changes in terms of politics, economy, and culture.

Key Facts

Geography

  • Location: Eastern Caribbean Sea, located north of Anguilla and south of Dominica.
  • Area: 442 km² (171 sq mi)
  • Coastline: 340 km (211 mi)
  • Population: approximately 97,000 people
  • Language: English (official), Bajan Creole (recognized as a minority language)

Government

  • Constitution: 1981, based on the British common law system
  • Parliamentary democracy
  • Monarchy: Queen Elizabeth II (represented by Governor-General David Jones)
  • Military: National Defence Force of Antigua and Barbuda

Historical Context

  • Pre-colonial era: Indigenous Lucayan people inhabited the island chain for thousands of years.
  • 1493: Christopher Columbus lands on St. John's Island in what is now Antigua, leading to European colonization.
  • 1629: The English take control of Antigua and Barbuda from the Dutch.
  • 1630s-1700s: Sugar plantations and other industries develop on the islands.
  • 1967: Antigua and Barbuda gain independence from British colonial rule.

Significant Contributions

Tourism

  • Antigua and Barbuda is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and historic sites like Nelson's Dockyard.
  • The island chain attracts millions of visitors each year.

Cultural Heritage

  • Antiguan culture is influenced by the indigenous Lucayan people, African slaves, British colonial rule, and other immigrant groups.
  • The country has a rich musical heritage, with genres like calypso and soca being popular.
  • English is widely spoken as an official language.

Impact

Economy

  • Tourism is a significant contributor to Antigua's economy, generating substantial revenue each year.
  • Agriculture, particularly sugar production, was once the mainstay of the economy but has declined in recent years.

Environment

  • The islands are vulnerable to

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  • Generation time: 2024-11-03 05:21:40
  • Keywords: antigua and barbuda, wiki, history, facts
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