Antigua and Barbuda is a beautiful place to visit on your holidays. This is an island nation, which is situated in the eastern Caribbean Sea. There are two islands which comprise the country, namely, Antigua and Barbuda. The country's neighbors are the Leeward Islands. You are sure to enjoy your tour to this land.
Location
Antigua and Barbuda belong to the Lesser Antilles archipelago. The islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago lie to the south, Saint Kitts and Nevis lie to the west, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin and Anguilla are to the northwest and Montserrat is to the southwest of the country.
History
The first inhabitants of Antigua and Barbuda were the pre-ceramic Amerindians. They occupied this land in 2400 BC. Later, this country was inhabited by the Arawak and Carib Amerindian tribes. These natives gave the name 'Wadadli' to Antigua and is still called thus by the locals. In 1493, Christopher Columbus landed here and gave the name Santa Maria de la Antigua, after a church in Spain. From 1632, the English ruled this land, replacing all establishments of the Spanish. Slavery, which was dominant at the time, especially in the sugar plantations of Antigua, was finally abolished in 1834.
On November 1, 1981 the islands of Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state within the Commonwealth Nations and Elizabeth II was the first queen of this nation. Honorable Vere Cornwall Bird was the first prime minister.
Culture
A scientific study which was conducted around the world, ranked the islands of Antigua and Barbuda as the 16th happiest country in the world. These islands have a culture which is mainly British. However, American culture also has a strong influence on it. The people of Antigua hold family and religion close to their hearts. Every year, in the month of August, a national Carnival is held. This celebrates the abolition of slavery in the land. This festival features pageants, contests, shows and various festive activities. Soco music and Calypso are important features of culture of this land.
Besides this, the sports activities and tourist attractions are an interesting read. Be sure to travel to Antigua and Barbuda on your tour to the Caribbean islands.
Authentic online information on Antigua and Barbuda is offered only on travel.mapsofworld.com.
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