History
It was named by Christopher Columbus who went to the country in 1493. It was named after the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua in Seville Spain.
Later, English explorers from Saint Kitts colonized the country in 1632.
Then, it became an independent state in 1967 within the British Commonwealth, although the defence control and foreign affairs were still under the control of Britain. It gained full independence in 1981.
Food/ culture
The country’s culture is influenced by the British colonists and Africans who were in the country as slaves.
The crops grown include cotton, bananas, coconuts, fruits, cucumbers, mango and sugarcane.
The common foods are fungie, ducana, seasoned rice, lobster and saltfish.
Wildlife
The animals living in the country are such as Antiguan racer, donkeys and lizards.
Annual events/ celebrations/ festivals
Independence Day is celebrated on 1st November.
Antigua Carnival is conducted at the end of July to celebrate the end of slavery.
Other common festivals are Wadadi Day, A & B International Kite Festival and the annual Seafood Festival.
Things to see
Nelson’s Dockyard listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site is a cultural heritage site of the country.
Dickenson Bay is a secluded beach in Antigua with white beaches and calm seas.
Other must-visit places are Long Island, Fort James and Darkwood Beach.
Interesting facts
Redonda Island of the country is wholly a national park.
The most popular sport in the country is cricket.
The official language is English.
Borders
Antigua and Barbuda share marine borders with Saint Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Dominica, Saint Barthelemy and Montserrat.
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