Antigua and Barbuda

Introduction to Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua is an island in the Caribbean, part of the country of Antigua and Barbuda. It has a population of about 68,000, of which over 24,000 live in the capital of St. John's, on the northwest coast. Antigua is located south of the country's other island, Barbuda.

It lies 50 miles east of St Kitts, in 17° 6' N. and 61° 45' W., and is 54 miles in circumference, with an area of 108 square miles. The surface is comparatively flat, and there is no central range of mountains as in most other West Indian islands, but among the hills in the south-west an elevation of 1328 feet is attained. Owing to the absence of rivers, the paucity of springs, and the almost complete deforestation, Antigua is subject to frequent droughts, and although the average rainfall is 45.6 inches, the variations from year to year are great. The high rocky coast is much indented by bays and arms of the sea, several of which form excellent harbours, that of St John being safe and commodious, but inferior to English Harbour, which, although little frequented, is capable of receiving vessels of the largest size. The soil, especially in the interior, is very fertile. Sugar and pineapples are the chief products for export, but sweet potatoes, yams, maize and guinea corn are grown for local consumption. The three chief towns are St John, Falmouth and Parham. St John, the capital, is situated in the north west, near to the airport and has a large harbour which is able to accommodate large cruise ships.