Antigua and Barbuda

I

Introduction

Antigua and Barbuda, independent state located on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea, comprising three of the Leeward Islands—Antigua and two smaller islands, Barbuda to the north and Redonda, an uninhabited rocky islet, to the south-west. Lying at the southern end of the Leeward chain, the islands are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west; the islands of St Kitts and Nevis lie to the west, Montserrat to the south-west, and Guadeloupe to the south. Antigua and Barbuda gained its independence from the United Kingdom on November 1, 1981, and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The country has a total area of 442 sq km (171 sq mi), of which Barbuda accounts for 160.6 sq km (62 sq mi) and Redonda for 1.3 sq km (0.5 sq mi). The capital, largest town, and main port is St John’s, on Antigua.

II

Land and Resources

Antigua is low-lying with rolling hills made up of volcanic rock, coral, and limestone. Its highest point is Boggy Peak at 399 m (1,330 ft). The coastline is composed of coves and bays and is known for its 365 beaches. Barbuda is a flat, coral island with areas of mangrove swamp and sandy beaches. The climate is tropical, but drier than that of the other Leeward Islands. Rainfall averages 1,000 mm (40 in) a year; other low-lying islands of the group receive about 1,250 to 2,000 mm (50 to 80 in). The wettest months are July to November. Temperatures range from 21° to 32° C (70° to 89° F), with the coolest months being January to March. The islands are at risk from tropical storms and hurricanes.

A

Plants and Animals

The native forest on Antigua was cleared by settlers to grow the sugar cane that was once the main export, and there are now few areas of woodland. Animals are also scarce. However, the island has about 150 species of birds, both migratory and year-round residents, which are found along the coastline, on McKinnons salt pond, and at Potworks Dam. Breeding birds include the yellow-crowned night heron. Great Bird Island, off Antigua, is home to the red-billed tropicbird, while on Man of War Island, Barbuda, there is a breeding colony of frigate birds. Hawksbill turtles, an endangered species, lay their eggs on the beach at Pasture Bay, Long Island, which also lies off Antigua.

B

Environmental Concerns

The growth of the tourist industry has created some environmental problems, including uncontrolled disposal of sewage from hotels on the beach. Hotel development also threatens the Antiguan mangrove systems. Water management is another major area of concern because of limited natural freshwater resources. Coral reefs surround the islands and because fishing has nearly doubled since 1980, these reefs have suffered some disturbance to their ecosystem. The islands have protected status on such issues as nuclear testing, hazardous waste, depletion of the ozone layer, and whaling.

III

Population