Orientation Information
Antigua, the larger of the twin-island state of Antigua & Barbuda, is located in the middle of the Leeward Island chain in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. The climate is tropical, with temperatures generally ranging from the mid 70's in the winter to the mid 80's in the summer; dry season is from January to April, and the rainy season from May to August. With the northeast trade winds blowing almost constantly throughout the year, humidity is generally low, and at and average of 45 inches of rain a year, Antigua is the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean islands. Antigua's terrain is mostly limestone in the low-lying areas, with volcanic upper regions.
Antigua's first inhabitants can be traced back as far back as 2400 B.C. with the Meso-Indian tribe know as the Siboney. Later inhabitants were the Arawak and Carib tribes. The first European contact was made by Chirstopher Columbus on his second voyage in 1493. Actual European selttlement , however, didn't take place for over a century, largely because of the lack of fresh water, and the resistance put up by the inhabiting Carib Indians at the time. Antigua remained a British colony until it became independent on November 1st, 1981.
Despite being independent Antigua remains a member of the Commonwealth. Its parliamentary and legal structures are based on the British system. The country enjoys a high level of political and economic stability.
The current population is estimated at 70,000, with the majority (over 90%) being of African descent with the remainder being of European, Syrian, Lebanese descent and other nationalities. This English speaking nation is noted for its glorious coastline, boasting some 365 beaches of white coral sand. .
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC) which is fixed to the US Dollar at a rate of EC$2.70 = US$1.00. The country has a well-developed infrastructure and professional services are readily available.
Antigua has a small, open economy. Following the decline of the sugar industry in the 1970's the economy has been based heavily on tourism which is estimated to contribute around 60% of G.D.P.
Further, economic development is being pursued in the form of a highly reputable international financial services industry, where Antigua boasts some of the toughest anti-money laundering regulations in the region.
The island has an excellent telephone, telefax, and postal service. International telecommunications services are provided by LIME, including all digital, internet and leased Data lines to T1 capacity and beyond.
With the liberalisation of the telecommunications industry, there are other cellular phone service providers that include Digicel and APUA, a local statutory body.
The island is readily accessible from the US, Canada and Europe. Direct Flights are available from New York, London, Puerto Rico and Toronto. The major airlines serving Antigua include Air Canada, Delta, American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
There are also facilities to accommodate several cruise ships daily. Visitors coming by way of chartered or private yachts have a choice of several marinas with full service facilities.
Antigua encourages foreign investment offering tax concessions and tax incentives. International Business Companies (IBC) take advantage of tax exemptions, low tax rates and freedom of exchange controls.
The island has a well established banking system with a diverse mixture of local and international banks. Banks providing domestic and international services include Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank of Canada, First Caribbean International Bank, RBTT Bank as well as 3 domestic banks.
Antigua is four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and is one hour ahead of US Eastern Time (EST). Daylight savings time is not observed.
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