The Population Of Barbuda: Current Numbers And Insights

The current population of Barbuda is estimated to be 1,634, making it one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Caribbean. Located in the eastern Caribbean, Barbuda is an island and dependency that, along with Antigua, forms the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda. In September 2017, the Category 5 Hurricane Irma caused widespread destruction on the island, leading to the evacuation of the entire population to Antigua. However, by February 2019, most residents had returned to Barbuda.

The population of Barbuda is 1,634

The island of Barbuda is located in the eastern Caribbean and is part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda, an autonomous entity. The only settlements on the island are Codrington and its surrounding localities. Barbuda is a flat island, with a western portion dominated by the Codrington Lagoon and an eastern portion characterised by an elevated plateau, salty ponds, and scrubland.

The first inhabitants of Barbuda were canoe-driving hunter-gatherers, who arrived around 3,000-4,000 years ago. The island was later inhabited by the Arawak and Kalinago peoples. The early settlements by these groups were followed by Spanish, French, and English colonists who formed a colony in 1666. In 1685, Barbuda was leased to brothers John and Christopher Codrington.

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma caused large-scale destruction on the island, destroying more than 90% of its buildings, and leading to the evacuation of the entire population to Antigua. By February 2019, most residents had returned to Barbuda.

The economy of Barbuda relies heavily on tourism and government activities, with the central and local governments being the largest employers on the island. Fisheries, particularly the lobster industry, also play a significant role in the island's exports.

With a population of 1,634 and a low population density, Barbuda stands as one of the least populated islands in the Caribbean region.

97% of the population of Antigua and Barbuda live on the island of Antigua

The current population of Antigua and Barbuda is estimated to be between 93,219 and 97,120 people, with 97% of the population living on the island of Antigua. The country consists of two major islands, Antigua and Barbuda, which are approximately 40 km (25 mi) apart, and several smaller islands. The population of Antigua is estimated to be around 82,000 to 88,000 people, while the population of Barbuda is much smaller, with only around 1,634 people.

Antigua is the larger and more populous of the two main islands, with a population that is nearly 50 times that of Barbuda. The capital of the country, St. John's, is located on Antigua and is the country's largest city and port. In addition to being much larger, Antigua also has a higher population density than Barbuda.

The difference in population size between the two islands can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Antigua has a larger land area and is more developed than Barbuda. It is the economic and political centre of the country, with more opportunities for employment and a higher standard of living. Secondly, Antigua has a longer history of human settlement and was the first island to be colonized by the British, which likely contributed to its larger population.

Despite being much smaller in population, Barbuda still plays an important role in the country. It has a unique culture and history, with a strong emphasis on communal land ownership and a distinct Creole language. The island is also a major tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches and natural attractions.

Overall, the population distribution between the two islands is uneven, with the vast majority of people choosing to live on Antigua due to its larger size, better economic opportunities, and higher standard of living.

The population density of Barbuda is significantly lower than that of Antigua

The twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda has a combined population of approximately 97,120 (2019 estimates), with 97% residing in Antigua. The country's population has been growing steadily for decades and is currently projected to continue this growth into the 21st century. By 2050, the population is estimated to reach 115,000. The median age in Antigua and Barbuda is 35.9 years, and the country has a total land area of 440 Km2 (170 sq. miles). This results in a population density of 213 people per square km (552 people per square mile) for the country as a whole.

The difference in population density between Barbuda and Antigua can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Antigua is the larger and more developed island, serving as the economic and political centre of the country. It attracts more tourists and offers more economic opportunities, especially in the tourism and construction industries. Additionally, Antigua has been historically settled by various ethnic groups, including people of West African, British, and Madeiran descent, while Barbuda has a more homogeneous population, with 95.11% identifying as African.

The impact of natural disasters has also played a role in the population distribution. In September 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda, destroying more than 90% of the island's buildings, and forcing the entire population to evacuate to Antigua. While most residents have since returned, the recovery and rebuilding efforts have been ongoing. Furthermore, the low population density of Barbuda can be attributed to its geography and land use. Barbuda is a flat island with a tropical marine climate, dominated by the Codrington Lagoon in the west and an elevated plateau in the east. In contrast, Antigua has a slightly more diverse topography, with the Boggy Peak, the highest point on both islands, located in the southwest.

The political and administrative structure of Antigua and Barbuda also contributes to the population density disparity. The island of Barbuda maintains a significant degree of autonomy, with its own local government, the Barbuda Council, which regulates public works, finance, agriculture, and other activities. This autonomous status may have influenced the distribution of population and development between the two islands.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma forced the evacuation of the entire population of Barbuda to Antigua

In 2017, Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on the island of Barbuda, leading to the evacuation of its entire population to the nearby island of Antigua. With winds reaching speeds of up to 185 mph, Irma caused catastrophic damage to the small Caribbean island. The storm hit Barbuda on September 6, 2017, and resulted in the death of a two-year-old boy. It is estimated that 90% of properties were damaged, with the island's infrastructure, including its lone airport, left in ruins.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, the Barbudan government ordered a mandatory evacuation of all 1,800 residents to Antigua, which suffered only minor damage. This decision was made due to concerns about the potential impact of Hurricane Jose, which was following a similar path to Irma. The evacuation was a challenging process, as the damaged airport remained closed, and residents had to rely on boats and ferries to reach Antigua.

The impact of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda was long-lasting. Even weeks after the storm, the island resembled a ghost town, with empty streets and abandoned houses. The recovery efforts were slow, and the evacuation made the rebuilding process even more difficult. It took months for basic services, such as electricity, to be restored, and only a small fraction of the population had returned by then.

The hurricane also had significant economic consequences for Barbuda. The island's economy relies heavily on tourism and fishing, and the destruction caused by Irma disrupted these industries. Additionally, the storm's impact on housing and infrastructure led to a proposed change in land ownership laws, which sparked controversy and accusations of "disaster capitalism".

The evacuation and relocation of Barbudans to Antigua presented a range of challenges. Some residents stayed in hotels or with friends and family, while others sought shelter in impromptu accommodations, such as the Sir Vivian Richards cricket stadium. The stadium staff and local authorities struggled to manage the influx of evacuees, and there were concerns about the long-term feasibility of these temporary living situations.

Despite the challenges, the evacuation and subsequent recovery efforts also brought the two islands closer together. The disaster highlighted the resilience and unity of the Barbudan people and fostered a sense of mutual support between the residents of Barbuda and Antigua.

The population of Antigua and Barbuda is 93,909 as of October 24, 2024

Antigua and Barbuda has a relatively small population compared to other countries, ranking 199th in the world. The population is unevenly distributed between the two main islands, with around 97% of people living on Antigua, the larger of the two islands. The population of Barbuda, the smaller island, is approximately 1,634, making it one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Caribbean.

The country has a total land area of 440 square kilometres (170 square miles), resulting in an overall population density of 213 people per square kilometre. However, due to the uneven distribution of the population, Barbuda has a much lower population density compared to Antigua.

The median age in Antigua and Barbuda is 35.9 years, and the country has an urban population of 26,559, representing 28.3% of the total population. The country's largest cities include Saint John's, All Saints, Piggotts, and Liberta, all located on Antigua. Codrington, Barbuda's largest town, has an estimated population of 1,300 as of 2011.

In recent years, the population of Antigua and Barbuda has been impacted by natural disasters, particularly hurricanes. In September 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda, destroying more than 90% of the island's buildings, and leading to the evacuation of the entire population to Antigua. The effects of this hurricane highlight the vulnerability of small island nations like Antigua and Barbuda to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

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