Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean twin island state in the West Indies, blessed with 365 white sand beaches. Antigua is also known as Wadadli, from the original Amerindian inhabitants, and means approximately "our own". The island's circumference is roughly 87 km (54 mi) and its area 281 km2 (108 sq mi). Its population was 85,632 as of July 2009. It is the largest of the Leeward Islands, and the most developed and prosperous due to its upscale tourism industry, offshore banking, internet gambling services and education services, including two medical schools.
The capital is situated in north-west, near to VC Bird International Airport, and has a deep harbour which is able to accommodate large cruise ships. English Harbour on the south-eastern coast is famed for its protected shelter during violent storms. It is the site of a restored British colonial naval station called "Nelson's Dockyard" after Captain Horatio Nelson. Today English Harbour and the neighboring village of Falmouth are internationally famous as a yachting and sailing destination and provisioning centre. During Antigua Sailing Week, at the end of April and beginning of May, the annual world-class regatta brings many sailing vessels and sailors to the island to play sports.
Antigua's economy is reliant upon tourism, and it markets itself as a luxury Caribbean escape. The island's single airport is serviced by several major airlines including Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, US Airways, American Airlines, Continental, Delta Air Lines, Caribbean Airlines and Air Canada. The country's official currency is the East Caribbean dollar. However, many prices in tourist-oriented businesses are shown in US dollars. The EC dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of $1 US = $2.67 EC.
Being surrounded by water, sailing has been one of the most popular sports for years with Antigua Sailing Week and Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta being two of the regions most reputable sailing competitions. Hundreds of yachts from around the world compete around Antigua each year. Sport Fishing is also a very popular sport with several big competitions held yearly.
Since the 1980’s, Antigua has had an ever expanding real estate market and with many new developments island wide, Antigua has some of the most desirable and highly sought after locations in the Caribbean. So whether it’s a Antigua beachfront villa, Caribbean Style home or a hillside property with stunning ocean views, Antigua is the perfect place for your next real estate investment.
