Overview of Antigua and Barbuda

Quick Overview

Close to Guadeloupe, these two small English-speaking islands are among the "luxury destinations" of the Caribbean.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: two small islands located north of Guadeloupe.

• Latitude/longitude: 17.03' N, 61.48' W.

• Local time: Heure : 6800

• Capital: Saint John's.

• Nature of the state: constitutional monarchy and member of the Commonwealth.

• Official language: English. Creole is also spoken.

• Currency: East Caribbean dollar.

• Population: 95,882 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 441 km² (Antigua 280 km²; Barbuda 161 km²).

• Density: 217 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mount Obama (402 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 153 km.

• Driving: on the left.

Tourism

While not drawing crowds, the destination still welcomes around a quarter of a million visitors each year (269,000 in 2018), mostly from North America and England for beach holidays. The choice of luxury tourism combined with this steady flow means the sector alone accounts for over half of the country’s income. Naturally, Antigua and its hotel complexes attract the vast majority of tourists compared to its wilder, more "neglected" neighbor, Barbuda.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• By air: France-St. John’s round trip for 580 to 980 €.

• Entry requirements: passport + return ticket.

• Currency to bring: US dollar.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily budget for budget travelers:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks: low in terms of health and safety.

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices: late April/May and early December offer the best balance on all fronts.

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★/ ★★★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★★; Relaxation/Holidays ★★★★.

Addresses in France

Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office: 43 av. de Friedland, 75008 Paris. Tel.: 01 53 75 15 71. Or simply online (in English).

Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec

• Quebec: Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism & Trade, 60 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 304, Toronto, Ontario M4T 1N5. Tel.: (416) 961-3143.

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 70/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $26,400 (2017)

• Average monthly income: $1,113 (2014)

• Inflation: +2.5% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 11% (2014)

• Population below the poverty line:

• Life expectancy: 76.9 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: +2.2 (2017)

• Population growth: +1.2% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 99% (2015)

• Urban population: 24.6% (2018)

• Press freedom: 35/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime:

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook