Antigua real estate and Barbuda real estate investment information for Saint John's and Codrington. Scroll down for more information about Antigua and Barbuda.

About Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda Population: 68,320 (July 2004 est.)
Languages: English (official), local dialects
Capital: Saint John's (Antigua)
Government Type: cConstitutional monarchy with UK-style parliament.
Independence Day: 1 November 1981 (from UK)
Legal System: Based on English common law.
Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Executive Branch:

Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General James B. CARLISLE (since 10 June 1993) head of government: Prime Minister Baldwin SPENCER (since 24 March 2004).

Head of Government: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister.

American Embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda (embassy closed 30 June 1994)

General Overview: The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak and Carib Indians populated the islands when Columbus landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.

Economic Overview: Tourism continues to dominate the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP. Weak tourist arrival numbers since early 2000 have slowed the economy, however, and pressed the government into a tight fiscal corner. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on income growth in the industrialized world, especially in the US, which accounts for slightly more than one-third of tourist arrivals.

International Disputes: None