Exploring Antigua's Size: A Comprehensive Overview

Antigua is a small island in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. It is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, with an area of 108 square miles (280 square kilometres) and a population of around 80,000-90,000 people. The island is known for its beaches, with a purported 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. The island is mostly flat, with its highest point, Boggy Peak, reaching 402 metres (1,319 feet). Antigua is part of the country of Antigua and Barbuda, which has a combined area of 442 square kilometres and a combined population of around 97,000-100,000 people.

Antigua's perimeter and area

Antigua's perimeter is roughly 87 km (54 mi) and its area is 281 km^2^ (108 sq mi). The island is said to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year.

Antigua is one of the smallest countries in the world, ranked 182nd by area. It is only around 14 miles long and 11 miles wide. With an area of 442 km^2^, the islands are 550 times smaller than the UK.

Antigua is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, encompassing 108 square miles. The island is divided into six civil parishes: St. George, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Paul, Saint Mary, and Saint John.

The capital of Antigua is St John's, which is also the country's major city and largest port. Over 22,000 people live in St John's, which is situated in the northwest of the island and has a deep harbour that can accommodate large cruise ships.

Antigua's population

Antigua and Barbuda is a country in the Caribbean that consists of three islands: Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda. The population of the country is approximately 97,120, with 97% residing in Antigua. The population of Antigua alone is approaching 80,000, with a 2011 census recording 83,191 residents. The capital city of St. John's, located on Antigua, is home to over 22,000 people, while other leading population settlements on the island are All Saints (3,412) and Liberta (2,239), according to the 2001 census.

The population of Antigua and Barbuda is predominantly made up of people of West African, British, and Portuguese descent. The ethnic distribution consists of 91% Black, 4.4% mixed race, 1.7% White, and 2.9% other (primarily East Indian). Most Whites are of British descent, while Christian Levantine Arabs and a small number of East Asians and Sephardic Jews make up the remainder of the population.

The official language in Antigua and Barbuda is English, although there is a noticeable distinction between the Antiguan and Barbudan accents. Antiguan Creole is also used but is generally looked down upon by the upper and middle classes. Spanish is the second most common dialect due to an influx of immigrants from the Dominican Republic in the 1980s.

The population of Antigua and Barbuda is mostly urban, with an estimated 25% living in urban areas. The most populous cities are primarily on Antigua, including Saint John's, All Saints, Piggotts, and Liberta. Codrington, Barbuda's largest town, is the most populous city on the island of Barbuda.

The population of Antigua and Barbuda has a high literacy rate, with an adult literacy rate of approximately 99%. The majority of the population (77%) practices Christianity, with Anglicans being the largest single denomination at 17.6%.

The country offers a citizenship by investment program, and there is no personal income tax. An increasing percentage of the population lives abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Additionally, an estimated 4,500 American citizens reside in Antigua and Barbuda, making it one of the largest American populations in the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean.

Antigua's capital

Antigua and Barbuda's capital, St. John's, is located on the northwest coast of Antigua. It is a resort community and the island's main port, serving sugar, cotton, foodstuffs, machinery, and lumber. The port's sheltered harbour can accommodate ships with a draught of up to 35 feet (10.5 metres).

St. John's has a population of over 22,000 people and is served by the V.C. Bird International Airport, which is located 6 miles (10 km) northeast of the city. The city's attractions include an Anglican cathedral, the Government House, a botanic station, and nearby Fort James and Goat Hill. Fort St. John's has been damaged by earthquakes in 1690 and 1843, a fire in 1769, and a hurricane in 1847.

St. John's is also a popular cruise ship destination, with its deep harbour able to accommodate large cruise ships. It is the country's major city and largest port, with a population of 21,475 as of 2011.

Antigua's economy

Antigua and Barbuda's economy is largely dependent on tourism, which accounts for 80% of its GDP. The islands are promoted as a luxury Caribbean escape, with many hotels and resorts located along the coastline. The islands are also known for their extensive collection of five-star resorts, yachting and sailing destinations, and provisioning centres. Antigua has been nicknamed the "'land of 365 beaches', with one beach for every day of the year.

The agricultural sector in Antigua and Barbuda serves the domestic market, with most of the production directed towards the local markets within the nation. This is despite the nation's limited water supply and shortage of labourers due to the higher wages offered in the tourism and construction industries. The nation's main crop is sugar, which was introduced by English colonists in the 17th century and became the main crop in 1674. Other crops include tobacco, cotton, corn, sweet potatoes, chilli peppers, guava, and the famous Antiguan "black" pineapple.

The manufacturing sector in Antigua and Barbuda is small, comprising only 2% of GDP. It consists mainly of enclave-type assembly for export, with the major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. The nation also has a growing offshore banking sector, with major international financial institutions such as the Royal Bank of Canada and Scotiabank maintaining offices in Antigua.

The country levies no personal income tax, and has enacted policies to attract high-net-worth citizens and residents, such as a 0% personal income tax rate in 2019. The official currency is the East Caribbean dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar at a varied rate, averaging about US$1 = EC$2.7.

Antigua's beaches

Antigua is a small island in the Caribbean, with a perimeter of roughly 87km (54 miles) and an area of 281km squared (108 square miles). It is said to have 365 beaches, one for every day of the year.

Dickenson Bay

Dickenson Bay is located in the northwestern part of the island, in the parish of St John. It is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Antigua, with lots of water sports activities. The beach is about a mile long, and while it can get crowded, there is always space to find a peaceful spot. The water is calm and shallow, making it perfect for casual swimming. There are luxury beach resorts, restaurants, shops, and vendors selling beach chairs and umbrellas.

Ffryes Beach

Ffryes Beach is located on the western shore of the island, towards the southern end. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from St John's, the capital of Antigua. It is ideal for couples looking for a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy the sunset. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, and there are places to eat and drink. The water is deeper than at other beaches, and the waves can be strong.

Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay is located on the south coast of Antigua, about 40 minutes by car from St John's. It is a crescent-shaped beach surrounded by palm trees and luxury yachts. It is a quiet and tranquil beach with calm waters. There is a resort on one end and lots of palm trees on the other.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is located on the eastern shore of Antigua, in Saint Philip Parish, about a 40-minute drive from St John's. The crescent-shaped beach gets its name from its shape. The waves can be strong due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, making it ideal for bodysurfing and boogie boarding. There are restaurants nearby, and beach chair, lounger, and umbrella rentals are available.

Jolly Beach

Jolly Beach is located on the western side of Antigua, in Jolly Harbour. It is about a mile long and spacious, making it perfect for romantic walks. It is clean and comfortable, with calm conditions most days due to its location on the Caribbean Sea side of the island. There are restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance.

Pigeon Point Beach

Pigeon Point Beach is located in English Harbour, on the southern tip of Antigua, about a 40-minute drive from St John's. It is a popular beach with calm, clear waters, making it ideal for snorkelling. There are trees providing shade, but no chair rentals. Nearby is Catherine's Cafe, one of Antigua's top eateries. Hiking trails at Nelson's Dockyard are also within walking distance.

Turner's Beach

Turner's Beach is located on the west coast of Antigua, along the Caribbean Sea, south of Ffryes Beach and Darkwood Beach. It is a popular, spacious, clean, and beautiful beach with several restaurants and beach bars within walking distance. It is a great spot for snorkelling, and beach chair rentals are available for $10 USD.

Galleon Beach

Galleon Beach is located in English Harbour, about a 40-minute drive from St John's. It is a pristine and uncrowded beach, popular for snorkelling. The water is calm and transparent, making it ideal for spotting turtles, stingrays, tropical fish, and coral. There is a shipwreck located in the shallows, packed with fish. The beach is surrounded by hills and offers beautiful scenery, with opportunities for exploration and rock scrambling to the Pillars of Hercules.

Long Bay Beach

Long Bay Beach is located on the Atlantic side of the island, about a 35-minute drive from St John's. It is protected by a reef, making the water calm and ideal for swimming and snorkelling. It is rarely crowded, and vendors offer beach chair and umbrella rentals for $10-20 USD for the whole day.

Hawksbill Bay Beaches

The Hawksbill Bay Beaches are located on the western shore of Antigua, about a 20-minute drive from St John's. To access these beaches, you need to go through the Hawksbill Resort property, but all beaches are open to the public. These beaches are quite secluded, and one of them, Eden Beach, is clothing-optional.

Fort James Beach

Fort James Beach is located on the western shore of Antigua, just a 6-minute drive from St John's. It is a serene and unspoiled beach with a few eateries and bars nearby. There is parking, public showers, and beach chair and umbrella rentals available. The water can be turbulent, so it may not be suitable for kids or weak swimmers.

Other Notable Beaches

• Valley Church Beach: A quiet and peaceful beach with calm turquoise waters and two great places to eat and drink.
• Jabberwock Beach: A quiet beach with white sand and calm surf. There are palm trees for shade, and the Carlisle Bay Resort offers inexpensive cabanas.
• Hermitage Bay Beach: A beach with crystalline waters and tons of fish.
• Morris Bay Beach: An expansive beach ideal for a quiet and relaxing day.
• Mosquito Cove Beach: A beautiful spot with crystal clear waters and white sand.
• Rendezvous Bay Beach: An isolated beach located along an undeveloped stretch of coast, accessible via a rough track or trail, or by private yacht.
• Runaway Beach: A beautiful mile-long beach with turquoise water, but the facilities are not great, and there is a ridge to walk through to get into the water.
• Deep Bay Beach: A calm beach with beautiful white sand and turquoise water, but there is some poverty in the surrounding area.
• Darkwood Bay: A beach with iridescent waters and a secret section of reef, ideal for snorkelling.
• Galley Bay Beach: A wonderful, family-friendly beach with excellent food and great service.
• Pasture Point Beach: A good beach for groups.
• Windward Bay Beach: Accessible by asking the security guard at the end of Pigeon Point Beach Road to let you through.
• Landing Bay Beach: A beautiful spot with crystal clear waters and white sand, located close to the entrance of the Hawksbill Resort.

Frequently asked questions