Key Facts

  • Antigua & Barbuda is actually made up of three islands

  • Previously known as Boggy Peak, Mount Obama was renamed by the government of Antigua and Barbuda in recognition of Barack Obama’s historic presidency and his ancestral ties to the Caribbean region.

  • Antigua is one of the smallest countries on earth, ranked 182nd by area

  • Antigua has been nicknamed the land of 365 beaches

  • The current population of Antigua and Barbuda combined is 99,539

  • Antigua has a rich cultural heritage of British and African influences 

  • English is the official language in Antiqua and Barbuda.

  • Antigua is home to the largest nesting colony of frigate birds in the Caribbean

  • It’s quite likely you’ll encounter sharks, particularly reef and nurse sharks when diving near the coats of Antigua

  • At least 182 bird species have been recorded in Antigua

  • The national flag was adopted on 27 February 1967 to mark the achievement of self-government. 

  • Antigua is a foodie destination because of its fresh seafood, delicious rum, and flavourful dishes

  • Antigua was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1493 

  • Cricket is the national sport

Did You Know That.......

  • Antigua and Barbuda, being low-lying coral islands, lack natural freshwater sources such as rivers and lakes. The islands’ topography and geology do not support the formation of permanent bodies of water.

  • Antigua and Barbuda rely on desalination plants and groundwater wells to supplement their freshwater supply.

  • Popular beaches include Dickenson Bay, Jolly Beach, Half Moon Bay, and Valley Church Beach on Antigua, as well as Pink Sands Beach, Darkwood Beach, and Ffryes Beach.

  • Antigua and Barbuda boast a wealth of dive sites, ranging from coral reefs teeming with colorful fish to shipwrecks steeped in history. Popular dive sites include the Pillars of Hercules. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including reef sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and a dazzling array of tropical fish.

  • Antigua and Barbuda has one of the least smoking countries in the world. Antigua and Barbuda have prioritized public health initiatives to combat smoking, including comprehensive tobacco control laws, public education campaigns, and smoking cessation programs. These efforts have contributed to a notable decline in smoking prevalence within the country.

  • Barbuda’s pink sand beaches, such as the famous Pink Sand Beach Princess Diana Beach. In addition to Pink Sand Beach, other beaches on the island, such as Low Bay and Coco Point, also boast varying shades of pink sand.

  • The capital of Antigua is St John’s