Low-lying and volcanic in origin, Antigua and Barbuda form part of the Leeward Islands group in the northeast Caribbean.
Unsurprisingly, the island's way of life is governed by water. Nelson's Dockyard in the English Harbour is at the forefront of Antigua & Barbuda's vast yachting and sailing scene. The island is also famed for its 365 different beaches - one for every day of the year
Carnival, which is held late July/August highlights the cultural aspects of the country which includes a unique brand of soca (soul calypso) made internationally popular by an Antiguan band named Burning Flames.
Formed by volcanoes, the islands of Antigua and Barbuda were inhabited as early as 2400 B.C and discovered by explorer Christopher Columbus in 1493. About 170 years later it was colonized by the English who exported tobacco and sugar. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the islands remained the headquarters for the British fleet in the Caribbean. Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state in the British Commonwealth in 1981. Volcanic eruptions on nearby Montserrat have caused about 3,000 refugees to settle in Antigua and Barbuda since 1995.
Most inhabitants of this country are of African descent, although a minority of English, Portuguese, Lebanese and Syrian descendants are still active in business and commerce, with an 89% adult literacy rate. Major industries are Clothing, Cotton Production, Electronic Component Assembly, Food Processing, Fishing and Tourism.
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2011 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
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| 01-Jan |
New Year's Day |
04-Jul |
Caricom Day (substitute day) |
| 22-Apr |
Good Friday |
01-Nov |
Independence Day |
| 24-Apr |
Easter Sunday |
09-Dec |
National Heroes Day |
| 25-Apr |
Easter Monday |
25-Dec |
Christmas Day |
| 02-May |
Labour Day |
26-Dec |
Boxing Day |
| 13-Jun |
Whit Monday |
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| Climate |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Average Temp (C) |
28 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
32 |
31 |
29 |
28 |
| Average Rainfall (mm) |
122 |
86 |
112 |
89 |
97 |
112 |
155 |
183 |
168 |
196 |
180 |
140 |
Although drier than most other Caribbean islands, Antigua and Barbuda have a tropical climate with low humidity. The islands are tempered by sea breezes and trade winds. The hot season is between May to November. The hurricane season normally runs from June to November.
GMT -5 (GMT -4 in summer)