64,612 (1996).

155.4 per sq km.

St John's

22,342 (1991).

Antigua & Barbuda comprises three islands; Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda. Low-lying and volcanic in origin, they are part of the Leeward Islands group in the northeast Caribbean. Antigua's coastline curves into a multitude of coves and harbours (they were once volcanic craters) and there are more than 365 beaches of fine white sand, fringed with palms. The island's highest point is Boggy Peak (402m, 1320ft); its capital is St John's. Barbuda lies 40km (25 miles) north of Antigua and is an unspoiled natural haven for wild deer and exotic birds. Its 8km-long (5-mile) beach is reputed to be amongst the most beautiful in the world. The island's village capital, Codrington, was named after the Gloucestershire family that once leased Barbuda from the British Crown for the price of 'one fat pig per year if asked for'. There are excellent beaches and the ruins of some of the earliest plantations in the West Indies. The coastal waters are rich with all types of crustaceans and tropical fish. Redonda, smallest in the group, is little more than an uninhabited rocky islet. It lies 40km (25 miles) southwest of Antigua.

Constitutional monarchy. Gained internal full independence in 1981. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Sir James Carlisle since 1993. Head of Government: Prime Minister Lester Bird since 1994.

English is the official language. English patois is widely spoken.

Anglican, Methodist, Moravian, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Baptist and Seventh Day Adventist.

GMT - 4.

220/110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style 2-pin plugs. Some hotels also have outlets for 240 volts AC; in this case European-style 2-pin plugs are used.