Antigua-Saint-Johns Antigua and Barbuda, independent Commonwealth nation (pop. 67,000), 171 sq mi (442 sq km), West Indies, in the Leeward Islands. It consists of the island of Antigua (108 sq mi/280 sq km) and two smaller islands, Barbuda and Redonda. Saint John's is the capital. Antigua is a hilly island with a heavily indented coast, while Barbuda is a flat coral island dominated by a large lagoon on its western side. Antigua is the main population center and the focus for business and tourist activity. Relatively-undeveloped Barbuda is home to smaller, exclusive resorts and a sanctuary for frigate birds. Just 28 miles or 45km to the north, 62 square mile (160 sq km) Barbuda has 1,500 people living in the island's only town, Codrington, which is really a village. Together, the islands offer everything a holiday-maker could want. Fought over by the French and the Spanish, Antigua was eventually won by the British. It became one of the Caribbean's largest sugar cane producers and a major transport hub. In 1493, on his second voyage, Christopher Columbus sighted the island of Antigua and named it after Santa Maria de la Antigua. Early settlement, however, was discouraged by insufficient water on the island and by Carib raids. Europeans did not establish settlements on Antigua until the English claimed the island in 1632. Antigua fell into French hands in 1666 but was returned to the English the following year under the Treaty of Breda. Antigua remained under British control from 1667 until independence was granted in 1981. Most residents are of African ancestry. Anglicanism is the predominant religion. Tourism is the most important industry, and the on-line gambling and offshore financial services sectors generate additional foreign currency earnings. Agriculture, fishing, and manufacturing (bedding, handicrafts, and electronics) also contribute to the economy. Periodic hurricanes can cause heavy damage to the islands. The country has a parliamentary-style government with a bicameral legislature. The British monarch is the titular head of state, but primary executive power lies with the prime minister. Antigua - Nelson Harbor Antigua - Nelson Harbour St. John's is Antigua's capital and economic center. Here there are two main shopping areas, with everything from tropical fashions and t-shirts to luxury goods and duty-free items. Look for artwork, European fashions, and island-made clothing. Antigua is a great spot for windsurfing and other water sports, including diving and snorkeling. Divers should not miss a trip to Barbuda, where there are more than 200 shipwrecks. As well, naturalists will want to visit Barbuda's bird sanctuary. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Antigua/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:42:41 EST Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico. Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda are located in the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. Located to the south are Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin. Antigua, the largest of the British Leeward Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing 108 square miles. Its highest point is Boggy Peak (1319 ft.), located in the southwestern corner of the island. Barbuda, with an area of 68 square miles, lies approximately 30 miles due north. The island is 15 miles long and 8 miles wide, mostly very rocky and flat. Much of the island is covered in bush and there are unmarked roads and tracks to the beaches. There is really only one main road on the island. It is possible to cycle almost as easily as driving as speed is of no importance here. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Antigua/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:42:41 EST Although drier than most other Caribbean islands, Antigua and Barbuda has a tropical climate with low humidity. The islands are tempered by sea breezes and trade winds. Annual average precipitation is approximately 1,000 mm (39 inches) and the hot season is between May to November. Average temperature ranges in St. John's are from 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) with night temperatures during the cool season falling between 16 to 18 degrees Celsius (60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit). http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/weather/Antigua/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:42:41 EST Driving is on the left and you must purchase a drivers license for approx $20US. Also, you will need to show a valid license from your home country in order to obtain it. http://www.remote.org/frederik/culture/antigua/driving.html http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/car_rentals/Antigua/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:42:41 EST Restaurants and Dining: http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/restaurants/Antigua/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:42:41 EST