This country consists of islands situated at the north end of the Leeward Islands in the east Caribbean, bordering on the Atlantic Ocean.
Antigua has an intricate coastline, with bays and headlands fringed with reefs and shoals. The absence of mountains and forests distinguishes Antigua from the other Leeward Islands.
Barbuda is a coral island.
Tourism is the major economic sector of the country.
The islands’ carnival takes place in August, lasting 10 days with pageants, shows and steel band competitions. You’ll hear a lot of calypso and soca music that accompanies the dancers.
Cricket is the national sport. Other popular sports are football and, not surprisingly with so much water, surfing and boat racing.
Antigua & Barbuda’s former Prime Minister Lester Bryant Bird was an athlete during the late 1950s and 1960s. He was a high jump star on the American college circuit and won a Bronze medal at the 1959 Pan American Games.
Antigua & Barbuda became a member of the Commonwealth in 1981. The country had already taken part in the Kingston 1966 Commonwealth Games and has competed in six Games after that.