Barbuda: A Country Or Not?

Barbuda is not a country. It is an island and dependency located in the eastern Caribbean, forming part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda as an autonomous entity. Barbuda is approximately 30 miles north of Antigua and has a population of 1,634, making it one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Caribbean. The economy of Barbuda is largely based on tourism and government, with the central and local government being the largest employers on the island.

Is Barbuda a country?

Barbuda is not a country. It is an island and dependency that forms part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda. Barbuda is located in the eastern Caribbean, approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Antigua. The only settlements on the island are Codrington and its surrounding localities.

History

The first inhabitants of Barbuda were canoe-driving hunter-gatherers who arrived around 3,000-4,000 years ago. The island was subsequently inhabited by the Arawak and Kalinago peoples. Early Spanish settlements were followed by the French and English, who formed a colony in 1666. In 1685, Barbuda was leased to brothers John and Christopher Codrington, and the island was colonised in 1678. The Codrington family held Barbuda from 1685 to 1870, and during this time, the island became a slave colony.

Geography and Climate

Barbuda is a flat island with little topographical diversity. The western portion is dominated by the Codrington Lagoon, while the eastern portion features an elevated plateau, salty ponds, and scrubland. The island's climate is classified as tropical marine, with little seasonal temperature variation.

Economy and Industry

The economy of Barbuda is based mainly on tourism and government, with the central and local governments being the largest employers on the island. Fisheries account for the majority of the island's exports, particularly the lobster industry.

Politics and Government

Barbuda has a degree of autonomy and is guaranteed at least one member of the House of Representatives and two members of the Senate. The Barbuda Council is an 11-member body consisting of nine directly elected members and two ex officio members (Barbuda's House and Senate representatives in the national Parliament). The Council administers public utilities, manages roadwork, and improves building and marine facilities, among other duties.

Is Barbuda a dependency?

Yes, Barbuda is a dependency of Antigua and Barbuda, a sovereign archipelagic country in the Caribbean. It is one of two dependencies, the other being Redonda Island. While Barbuda is referred to as a dependency, it is an integral part of the state, making it an administrative division.

Barbuda is an autonomous entity, located around 30 miles (48 km) north of Antigua. It has a population of approximately 1,634 people and covers an area of 62 square miles (160 km2). The island is mostly flat, with a large lagoon in the northwest, and is known for its pristine beaches and tropical marine climate.

The first inhabitants of Barbuda were hunter-gatherers, and the island was later inhabited by the Arawak and Kalinago. It was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and subsequently settled by the Spanish, French, and English, who formed a colony in 1666. The Codrington family held rights to the island from 1685 until the late 19th century, when it reverted to the British crown. In 1859, Barbuda officially became a dependency of Antigua, subject to the laws of the Antigua colony.

Barbuda gained autonomy in 1976 with the passing of the Barbuda Local Government Act, which established the Barbuda Council. The island gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1981 as an integral part of Antigua and Barbuda, and it remains a part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

What is the population of Barbuda?

Barbuda is an island and dependency located in the eastern Caribbean, approximately 40km north of Antigua. It is part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda, an independent country and constitutional monarchy. Barbuda is an autonomous entity, with its own local government, the Barbuda Council.

Barbuda is one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Caribbean. As of 2019, the population of Barbuda was 1,634, with an estimated 1,300 people living in Codrington, the island's largest town and only settlement. The population density of Barbuda is significantly lower than that of Antigua.

In September 2017, the Category 5 Hurricane Irma caused the evacuation of the entire population of Barbuda to Antigua, destroying over 90% of the island's buildings. By February 2019, most residents had returned to the island.

What is the economy of Barbuda like?

The economy of Barbuda is largely based on tourism and government, with the central government and the local government being the largest employers on the island. Fisheries account for the majority of the island's exports, with a significant lobster-catching industry.

Tourism accounts for nearly 60% of the GDP of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda, of which Barbuda is a part. The island's pristine beaches, climate, and geography have attracted tourists for many years. Popular outdoor activities for tourists include swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and caving. Other points of interest include the Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Codrington Lagoon, the 19th-century Martello Tower, and the Indian Cave with its two rock-carved petroglyphs.

The island's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and is constrained by a limited water supply and a labour shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in the tourism and construction industries. The main crops are fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, mangoes, and eggplants.

Manufacturing comprises 2% of GDP and includes the production of bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Investment banking and financial services also make up a significant portion of the economy.

What is the geography of Barbuda like?

Barbuda is a flat island, with an elevated plateau in the east and the Codrington Lagoon in the west. The island is covered in coral limestone and has very little topographical diversity. The highest point on the island is in the Barbuda Highlands in the east, where hills can reach up to 38 metres (125 feet). The northwest corner of the island is home to many lagoons.

Barbuda is one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Caribbean, with a population of around 1,634 and an area of 62 square miles (160 km2). The island's only settlements are Codrington and its surrounding localities, with a population of around 1,300.

The island's climate is tropical marine, with little seasonal temperature variation. The average daily high temperature is 27°C (81°F) in January and February (the coolest months), and 30°C (86°F) in July and August (the warmest months). The island is at risk of hurricanes between August and October.

Barbuda is home to several rare and endemic species, including the Barbuda warbler, the Antiguan racer (one of the rarest snakes in the world), and Griswold's ameiva (a species of lizard). The island is also home to the Magnificent Frigate Bird Sanctuary, a crucial breeding area for threatened birds.

Barbuda has pristine beaches and a peaceful way of life, attracting tourists for many years. Popular outdoor activities for visitors include swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and caving.

Frequently asked questions