Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean island nation known for its pristine beaches, colonial heritage, and vibrant maritime culture. | Flag | | | -------------------- | ------------------------ | | Country Code ISO2 | AG | | Country Code ISO3 | ATG | | Country Code Numeric | 028 | | Capital | St. John’s | | Currency | Eastern Caribbean Dollar | | Currency Code | XCD | | Internet TLD | .ag | | Calling Code | +1-268 | | Time Zone | UTC −04:00 | | Driving Side | Left | | Area (sq. kms) | 442 | | Demonym | Antiguan, Barbudan | | Official Language | English | | Largest City | St. John’s | | Date Format | DD/MM/YYYY |

History

The islands of Antigua and Barbuda were originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Arawaks and later the Caribs, before being encountered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 during his second voyage to the Americas. In the 17th century, United Kingdom established colonial rule, and the islands became part of the British Empire. During this period, Antigua developed into a major center for sugar plantations, heavily reliant on enslaved African labor, which significantly shaped its demographic and cultural identity.

Slavery was abolished in 1834, leading to social and economic transformations across the islands. Antigua and Barbuda remained under British control until gaining full independence in 1981, becoming a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth. Since independence, the country has focused on developing its economy, particularly through tourism, while maintaining its cultural traditions and political stability.