Barbuda is an island in the Caribbean that is part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda. It is located in the Leeward Islands, which is a chain of islands in the Lesser Antilles. Barbuda is a dependency of Antigua, and together with the uninhabited island of Redonda, these three islands form an independent nation within the Commonwealth of Nations. Barbuda is located about 40km (25 miles) north of Antigua and has a population of approximately 1,500 people, who mostly live in the island's only village, Codrington.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Is Barbuda part of the US? | No, it is part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda |
Country | Antigua and Barbuda |
Population | Approximately 1,500 Barbudans |
Area | 62 square miles (160 km2) |
Capital | St. John's, on Antigua |
Main Religion | Christianity |
Main Ethnic Group | African descent |
Main Language | English |
Main Economic Activity | Tourism |
What You'll Learn
Barbuda is part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda
The permanent population of Antigua and Barbuda is approximately 97,120, with 97% residing in Antigua. The capital, St. John's, is also the country's major city and largest port. Barbuda's largest town is Codrington, which is home to most of the island's population.
The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981 and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It has a constitutional monarchy with Charles III as its head of state. The economy of Antigua and Barbuda is largely dependent on tourism, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP.
Barbuda is a flat, coral island with a diverse range of native habitats. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lagoons, and abundant wildlife. The island has a tropical marine climate and is vulnerable to hurricanes and other extreme weather events.
The first inhabitants of Barbuda were hunter-gatherers, and the island has a rich history of colonisation and slavery. Today, Barbuda is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and peaceful way of life.
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Barbuda is approximately 30 miles north of Antigua
Barbuda is a small island in the Caribbean, located approximately 30 miles north of Antigua. It is part of a three-island state, along with Antigua and the uninhabited island of Redonda. Together, they form the sovereign country of Antigua and Barbuda. Barbuda is a flat coral island with a western side dominated by the Codrington Lagoon and an eastern side dominated by an elevated plateau. The island is mostly covered in impenetrable bush, with a few roads leading to its many beaches. The island's largest town, Codrington, is home to around 1,300 people.
Barbuda has a population of approximately 1,634 people, making it one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Caribbean. The island has a unique system of communal land ownership, where Barbudans have the right to use the island's lands in common. The local government, the Barbuda Council, administers public utilities, manages roadwork, and improves building and marine facilities, among other duties.
The economy of Barbuda is largely based on tourism and fishing, with the central and local governments being the largest employers on the island. The island has a significant lobster-catching industry, and its pristine beaches and natural environment attract many tourists.
Barbuda has a rich history, dating back to its first inhabitants – canoe-driving hunter-gatherers – around 3,000-4,000 years ago. The island was subsequently inhabited by the Arawak and Kalinago people, and later colonised by the Spanish, French, and English. The Codrington family held ownership of the island from 1685 to 1870, and the island gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1981 as an integral part of Antigua and Barbuda.
In recent years, Barbuda has faced the challenges of hurricane devastation, with Hurricane Irma in 2017 destroying most of the island's buildings and infrastructure. However, the island has been rebuilding and continues to be a sought-after destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and natural Caribbean experience.
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Barbuda is a dependency of Antigua
The first inhabitants of Barbuda were hunter-gatherers who arrived by canoe around 3,000-4,000 years ago. The island was subsequently occupied by the Arawak and Kalinago peoples. The Spanish were the first Europeans to settle on Barbuda, followed by the French and English, who formed a colony in 1666. In 1685, Barbuda was leased to the Codrington family, who were granted the island by the Crown. The Codringtons held the island until 1870, and during this time, the slave population grew from 172 in 1746 to 503 in 1831.
Slavery was abolished in Barbuda in 1834, and the island became a dependency of Antigua in 1859. In 1976, Barbuda was granted autonomy, and the Barbuda Council was established to manage local affairs.
Today, the economy of Barbuda relies heavily on tourism and government, with the central and local governments being the largest employers. The island has a small population of around 1,600 people, and the main settlement is Codrington. English and Barbudan Creole are the most commonly spoken languages, and Christianity is the dominant religion.
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Barbuda is not part of the US but is a constitutional monarchy with Charles III as King
The island of Barbuda is located in the eastern Caribbean, forming part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda as an autonomous entity. It is approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Antigua and has a population of around 1,634 people. The island is mostly flat, with a western portion dominated by the Codrington Lagoon and an eastern portion characterised by an elevated plateau, salty ponds, and scrubland.
Barbuda has a unique system of communal land ownership, with the right for Barbudans to use the island's lands enshrined in law. The island's economy is largely based on tourism and government activities, with fisheries, particularly lobster catching, accounting for a significant portion of exports.
While Barbuda is not a part of the US, it is a constitutional monarchy with Charles III as its King. This means that it is a sovereign state with a monarch as its head of state, but it has its own government and constitution. The monarch of Barbuda is also the monarch of the United Kingdom, currently King Charles III, who ascended the throne in 2022 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
As a constitutional monarchy, Barbuda recognises the monarch as the head of state, but the role of the monarch is largely ceremonial and symbolic. The monarch has limited powers and does not actively participate in the day-to-day governance of the country. The actual governing power lies with the elected representatives and the prime minister, who is the head of government.
Barbuda gained its independence from the United Kingdom on 1 November 1981, becoming a separate entity from the UK while still recognising the British monarch as its head of state. This type of arrangement is common in former British colonies, where the country gains independence but maintains its connection to the Crown.
In summary, Barbuda is not a part of the US but is a separate country with its own government and economy. It is a constitutional monarchy with Charles III as its King, recognising the British monarch as its head of state while maintaining autonomy over its internal affairs.
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Barbuda is in the Caribbean Sea
Barbuda is an island in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of a three-island state with Antigua and uninhabited Redonda in the north-eastern Caribbean. It is often described as Antigua's "sister" island. The island is approximately 15 miles long and 8 miles wide, and is separated from Antigua by about 28 miles of sea.
Barbuda is a flat island with a western portion dominated by the Codrington Lagoon, and an eastern portion dominated by an elevated plateau, with salty ponds and scrubland spread throughout. The island is host to several rare and endemic species, including the Barbuda warbler, the Antiguan racer, and Griswold's ameiva.
The first inhabitants of Barbuda were canoe-driving hunter-gatherers around 3,000-4,000 years ago. The island was subsequently inhabited by the Arawak and Kalinago. Early settlements by the Spanish were followed by the French and English, who formed a colony in 1666. In 1685, Barbuda was leased to brothers John and Christopher Codrington. In 1834, slavery was abolished in Barbuda.
With a population of around 1,500, Barbuda is one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Caribbean. The economy of Barbuda is based mostly on tourism and government, with the central government and the local government being the largest employers on the island. The island is known for its pristine beaches, lagoons, and natural habitats, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
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