Antigua and Barbuda are part of the Lesser Antilles. The archipelago, which consists of the two large main islands and some smaller islands, is located southeast of Puerto Rico between the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. See andyeducation for education in Antigua and Barbuda.
| Capital City | Saint John’s |
| Size | 442 km² |
| Resident | 85.632 |
| Official Language | English |
| Currency | East Caribbean Dollar |
| Time Zone | UTC-4 |
| Telephone Area Code | +1 (268) |
Fast facts to know
- Belong to the Lesser Antilles archipelago.
- Consists of 2 main islands and several small islands.
- Volcanic island of Redonda is uninhabited.
- Feature a number of beaches, lagoons and numerous natural coves.
- Among the most beautiful islands in the world.
- Virtually no dangerous animals present, but fire ants can become very annoying.
- Population of the island is extremely friendly, helpful and reserved.
- Often used by cruise ships.
Exciting cities in Antigua and Barbuda
- Saint John’s
- Bridgetown
- All Saints
- English Harbour
History of Antigua and Barbuda
- Settled 10,000 years ago by Indians from the Siboney tribe.
- Later pushed out by Arawak Indians and then by the Caribs.
- After discovery by Columbus, the population was largely enslaved.
- After unsuccessful attempts by the Spanish, French and British to colonize the islands, they became retreats for pirates.
- 1666 first permanent settlement on Barbuda by the British.
- 1834 Abolition of slavery.
- 1860 Unification of Antigua and Barbuda.
- 1956 status of an independent colony.
- 1981 Independence from Great Britain under the new name of Antigua and Barbuda.
Climate & travel weather in Antigua and Barbuda
- Tropical climate.
- Temperatures vary only slightly around 27° C all year round.
- August to November with most precipitation, December to April very dry.
- Hardly affected by the June-November hurricane season.
- Recommended travel time:
- Winter months December to March offer the best travel weather, but are also high season.
Ideas for trips in Antigua and Barbuda
- Explore St. John’s and Bridgetown.
- Enjoy white sandy beaches and secluded bays.
- Barbados Wildlife Reserve.
- Farley Hill National Park.
- Morgan Lewis Mill, the country’s only windmill.
- Snorkelling at Folkestone Underwater Park.
- Speighttown with its charming church.
- Join the sailing tour.
- Nelson’s Dockyard Museum.
- Bird watching at Codrington Lagoon and Man of War Island.
Eating & Drinking in Antigua and Barbuda
- Mixture of African, Caribbean, European and West Indian cuisine.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol is frowned upon.
- Lobster and fish dishes as a specialty.
- Cocktails are very popular, Barbados rum is among the best in the world.
- Often and gladly processed: mangoes, papayas, bananas, cucumbers, guavas, avocados, coconuts, pumpkins, tomatoes, aubergines, breadfruit.
- Typical dishes:
- Lobster with lemon butter.
- Mushrooms (Maisreste mit Salzfisch).
- chicken casserole.
- Mutton or goat stew.
- Pilaws.
- Currygerichte.
- Flying fish.
- Black tree lamb chops with roasted pine nuts.
- Hot Pepper Pot with up to seven different types of meat.
- Oursin, Sea Egg (Seeigel).
- Crane Chubb (Karpfenfisch).
- Jug-jug (guinea grains and green beans).
- Conkies (cornmeal, coconut, squash, raisins, sweet potatoes, and spices stewed in a banana leaf).
Particularly scenic
- Animal Flower Caves
- Platinum Coast of Barbados
- Rock formations at Bathsheba
- Harrisons Cave & Welchman Hall Gully
- Picture-perfect tropical beaches
