Location and GeographyAntigua and Barbuda are located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, north of Guadelupe, and east of St. Kitts and Nevis. The country consists of the two titular islands as well as many smaller ones, such as Guiana, Great Bird, and Redonda, to the southwest. Antigua, the larger island, is around 108 square miles, while Barbuda is around 62.
Government.Antigua and Barbuda are a representative democratic monarchy. The Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II is represented by Govener General Sir Rodney Williams, whos job it is to advise the Prime Minister, The Head of Government. Since 2014 the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda has been Gaston Browne. Antigua and Barbuda have two branches of Parliment, which excersize legislative authority over the islands.
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Antigua and Barbuda's FlagThe flag of Antigua and Barbuda contains a rising sun, representing a new dawn for its people. The band of black represents the African heritage of many of it's citizens, the blue band represents hope, and the red symbolises the dynamism of the people. The "V" seen in red stands for "victory". The center of the flag also refers to the sun, the sea, and the sand.
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DemographicsMost of Antigua and Barbuda's population of 95,882 live in Antigua, with its capital city Saint John's being its most populous.
87.4 percent of Antiguans and Barbudans are of African heritage, with an additional 4.7 percent being of mixed heritage. 2.7 percent of the population is Hispanic, while 1.6 percent is White. Most of Antigua and Barbuda are Protestant, with the largest single group being the Anglican Chuch. Antigua and Barbuda are 99 percent literate. Primary School and Secondary School education is mandatory for citizens of Antigua and Barbua between 6 and 15 years old. There are three colleges in Antigua and Barbuda, The University of Health Sciences, The University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies, |
Data from the World Fact Book
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Economy |
While industry in Antigua and Barbuda was historically agricultural, the primary source of employment and income is tourism. People are attracted to the clear watered beaches and distinct wildlife of the islands, which boast various luxury hotels and resorts. Since Hurricane Irma, though, Antigua and Barbuda have been seeking to diversify their economy with more agricultural trade as well as economic citizenships (Browne 2017).
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English is the primary language of Antigua and Barbuda. According to Global Englishes: A Resource Book for Students, English is spoken as a first language by 97 percent of the population (Jenkins, p. 5, 2015) with a smaller communities speaking Spanish as a first language (World Travel Guide). Most people on the Islands speek Leeward Caribbean Creole , which is also spoken on Anguilla, St. Kitts, Montserrat, and Nevis, reflecting their shared designation as the British controlled "Leeward Islands" (Brown, 2006), and they use Standard English for buisness and official use. This would indicate that Antigua and Barbuda are in the Outer Circle of World Englishes.
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Eammon Garland, Winter 2019
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