Antigua

TurnerBeachAntigua

Antiguashoreline

Dickinson bay beach antigua

Jolly Harbour

Digging the Cane-holes - Ten Views in the Island of Antigua (1823), plate II - BL

Antigua is an island located in the West Indies, specifically in the Leeward Islands region of the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the twin-island nation known as Antigua and Barbuda, with Barbuda being the other major island. The capital and largest city of Antigua is St. John's, which is also the capital of the nation. Antigua is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and, notably, its stunning beaches, with the island often boasting about having "365 beaches, one for every day of the year."

History

The history of Antigua is marked by its discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1493 during his second voyage to the New World. Columbus named the island "Antigua" after the Church of Santa María La Antigua in Seville, Spain. Before European arrival, the island was inhabited by the indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples. In the early 17th century, the British established a permanent settlement on Antigua, and it became an important sugar colony. The island's economy during the colonial period was heavily reliant on slavery, with African slaves being forced to work on the sugar plantations until emancipation in 1834.

Geography

Antigua has a land area of approximately 281 square kilometers (108 square miles), making it the larger of the two main islands of Antigua and Barbuda. The island is characterized by its low-lying limestone and coral islands with some higher volcanic areas. The highest point is Boggy Peak, known locally as Mount Obama, which reaches 402 meters (1,319 feet) above sea level. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, which are popular with snorkelers and divers.

Economy

The economy of Antigua is heavily dependent on tourism, which accounts for the majority of the island's GDP and employment. The island attracts visitors with its beaches, resorts, and historical sites such as Nelson's Dockyard. In addition to tourism, the economy is supported by the financial services sector and some agriculture, particularly the cultivation of fruits and vegetables for local consumption.

Culture

Antigua's culture is a vibrant mix of African, British, and indigenous influences. Music and dance are integral parts of Antiguan life, with genres such as calypso, soca, and reggae being popular. The island is famous for its annual Carnival, which takes place at the end of July and includes parades, music, and dance competitions. Another significant cultural event is the Antigua Sailing Week, one of the premier yacht racing events in the Caribbean.

Government

As part of Antigua and Barbuda, the island is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The monarch of the United Kingdom is the head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General. The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the country's bicameral legislature.

Environmental Concerns

Antigua faces several environmental challenges, including water scarcity, coastal erosion, and the impact of hurricanes. The government and various non-governmental organizations are working on projects to address these issues, including water conservation measures and initiatives to protect the coral reefs that are vital to the island's economy and ecological health.