Barbuda's Size And What It Offers Visitors

Barbuda is a small island in the Caribbean Sea, located about 30 miles (48km) north of the larger island of Antigua. It is part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda, and has an area of 62 square miles (160 square kilometres). The island is quite flat, with a terrain dominated by limestone and coral, and very few hills. The highest elevation is 44.5 metres (146 feet) in the highland plateau in the east of the island. The population of Barbuda is small, with around 1,600 people living on the island.

Barbuda is 62 square miles or 160.56 square kilometres

With an area of 62 square miles or 160.56 square kilometres, Barbuda is a small island located in the eastern Caribbean. It is part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda, and it is an autonomous entity. The island is situated approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Antigua, and its only settlements are Codrington and the surrounding localities.

Barbuda is a flat island, with the western portion dominated by the Codrington Lagoon and the eastern part characterised by an elevated plateau. The island's terrain is largely shaped by limestone formations, and it has very little topographical diversity. The highest elevation on the island is 44.5 metres (146 ft), found on the highland plateau east of Codrington. The island's shoreline is indented with beaches, lagoons, and natural harbours, and it is surrounded by reefs and shoals.

Despite its small size, Barbuda boasts a diverse range of native habitats and ecosystems. The island supports a wide variety of wildlife, including rare and endemic species such as the Barbuda warbler, the Antiguan racer snake, and the hawksbill turtle. The island's coral reefs and underwater life are also a significant attraction for tourists and nature enthusiasts.

The population of Barbuda is relatively small, with around 1,600 residents as of 2017. The economy of the island relies mainly on fishing, farming, and tourism. The central and local governments are the largest employers on the island, and fisheries account for the majority of its exports.

In summary, Barbuda, with its 62 square miles or 160.56 square kilometres of land, is a small but ecologically rich island in the Caribbean. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking seclusion and a connection with nature.

It is 30 miles (48km) north of Antigua

Barbuda is located 30 miles (48 km) north of Antigua. It is one of the twin islands that make up the state of Antigua and Barbuda, which is situated in the eastern Caribbean. The island is relatively small, covering an area of 62 square miles (160 km2). In fact, it is one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Caribbean, with a population of just 1,634 people.

The distance between Barbuda and Antigua is notable as it contributes to the distinct characteristics of each island. Despite their proximity, Barbuda and Antigua offer unique features and attractions to visitors. The separation has allowed each island to develop its own ecological and cultural identity.

The 30-mile distance between the two islands has also played a role in shaping their histories. When the world's sea levels rose significantly around 10,000 BC, the land that connected them was flooded, and they became separated by 28 miles of water. This geological event not only influenced the physical landscape of the region but also had cultural implications for the early inhabitants of the islands.

Today, the 30-mile distance between Barbuda and Antigua is easily traversable by ferry, with a 90-minute ride connecting Codrington Harbour in Barbuda to Antigua. This accessibility allows visitors to explore both islands and experience their unique offerings.

In summary, the 30-mile (48 km) distance between Barbuda and Antigua has contributed to the distinct characteristics and development of each island. The separation has fostered ecological diversity and cultural differences, while also providing a convenient travel option for those wishing to explore both destinations.

The island is flat, with a maximum elevation of 125 feet (38m)

The island of Barbuda is very flat, with a maximum elevation of 125 feet (38 metres). The island's topography is dominated by limestone, and the landscape is dotted with lagoons, salty ponds, and scrubland. The western portion of the island is dominated by the Codrington Lagoon, while the eastern portion features an elevated plateau.

The island's flatness is a result of its geological history. Barbuda was formed by a volcano around 30 million years ago, with reefs developing on its northern flank. This led to the island's low-lying nature and limestone composition. The island's highest point is located in the Barbuda Highlands in the eastern part of the island.

The island's flat terrain and proximity to the sea make it susceptible to the impacts of hurricanes and other natural disasters. In September 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda, destroying over 90% of the island's buildings and forcing the evacuation of the entire population to nearby Antigua.

Despite its low elevation, Barbuda's landscape offers a diverse range of natural habitats. The island supports a wide variety of wildlife, including the rare Barbuda warbler, the Antiguan racer snake, and the magnificent frigate bird. The island's lagoons and coastlines provide important breeding and nesting grounds for many species.

The island's flat topography also contributes to its climate, which is classified as tropical marine. The lack of significant elevation changes results in minimal variations in temperature across the island. The average daily high temperatures range from 27°C (81°F) in the coolest months to 30°C (86°F) in the warmest months.

In summary, Barbuda's flat landscape, with its maximum elevation of 125 feet, is a defining characteristic of the island. The island's geology, climate, and natural habitats are all influenced by its low-lying nature, making it a unique and ecologically significant destination in the Caribbean.

The population is approximately 1,600 people

With a population of approximately 1,600 people, Barbuda is one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Caribbean. The island is part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda, and it is located about 30 miles (48 km) north of Antigua. The only settlements on the island are Codrington and its surrounding localities, with Codrington being the largest town and home to an estimated 1,300 people as of 2011.

The population of Barbuda relies on fishing, farming, and tourism to sustain its economy. The island has a tropical marine climate, which means there is little seasonal temperature variation. The pleasant climate, pristine beaches, and diverse geography have attracted tourists for many years, making tourism a significant contributor to the local economy.

Barbuda's population primarily consists of people of African descent, with 95.11% identifying as African in the 2011 census. The island has a homogeneous population, with a small percentage of individuals identifying as Mixed Black/White (2.88%), and other ethnicities making up less than 1% each.

The population of Barbuda has a diverse religious makeup, with the majority identifying as Pentecostal (26.71%), Anglican (17.66%), Wesleyan Holiness (17.54%), and Baptist (11.94%). A small but notable percentage of the population, around 3.90%, identify as irreligious.

In terms of education, a significant portion of Barbuda's population, about 67.46%, lacks any form of educational examination. This highlights a lack of access to educational opportunities or a need for improved educational infrastructure on the island.

Health-wise, the population of Barbuda faces certain challenges. While there were no reported cases of AIDS or HIV in the 2011 census, other conditions such as allergies (10.75%), asthma (6.58%), diabetes (6.45%), and cancer (0.32%) were present in the population.

The island is a dependency of Antigua

The island of Barbuda is a dependency of Antigua, forming part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda. Located in the eastern Caribbean, Barbuda lies about 30 miles (48 kilometres) north of Antigua. The island is relatively small, covering an area of 62 square miles (160 square kilometres) and boasting a population of around 1,600 people. In comparison, Antigua has a population of nearly 80,000.

The history of Barbuda's dependency on Antigua dates back to 1859 when it was annexed as a dependency of Antigua through the Barbuda (Extension of Laws of Antigua) Act. This act subjected Barbuda to the laws of the Antigua colony. However, in 1976, Barbuda was granted a degree of autonomy with the passing of the Barbuda Local Government Act, which established the Barbuda Council. This council is responsible for administering various aspects of the island, including public utilities, roadwork, and the improvement of building and marine facilities.

Despite its small size, Barbuda has a diverse landscape. The island is mostly flat, with the western portion dominated by the Codrington Lagoon and the eastern portion characterised by an elevated plateau. The island features lagoons, salty ponds, and scrubland. The highest elevation on Barbuda is 44.5 metres (146 feet) in the highland plateau east of Codrington. The island's climate is tropical marine, with little seasonal temperature variation.

In terms of economy, Barbuda relies primarily on tourism, fishing, and farming. The island's pristine beaches, coral reefs, and natural attractions make it a popular tourist destination. The main settlement of Codrington, located on the Codrington Lagoon, is a hub for tourism on the island.

Barbuda has a rich history, with the first inhabitants being canoe-driving hunter-gatherers who arrived around 3,000-4,000 years ago. The island was later inhabited by the Arawak and Kalinago peoples. European colonisation began with early settlements by the Spanish, followed by the French and English, who formed a colony in 1666. In 1685, Barbuda was leased to the Codrington brothers, and the island has a history of slavery, with slavery being abolished in 1834.

Today, Barbuda continues to be a dependency of Antigua, with the Barbuda Council managing local affairs while being a part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda.

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