Country Profile: Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a dual-island nation located in the Caribbean, characterized by its tropical maritime climate and beautiful coastline. With a population of approximately 102,634, the majority reside on the island of Antigua, which is renowned for its tourism-driven economy. The country operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, having gained independence from the UK in 1981. The economy is primarily supported by tourism and construction, facing challenges such as limited water resources and vulnerability to hurricanes.

Geography

Antigua and Barbuda is situated in the Caribbean between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico. The country spans a total area of 443 square kilometers, including the islands of Antigua (280 sq km) and Barbuda (161 sq km), featuring a predominantly low-lying landscape with some volcanic areas. The climate is tropical, and the islands are prone to hurricanes, particularly from July to October.

Total area: 443 sq km
Coastline: 153 km
Highest point: Mount Obama at 402 m
Natural resources: Minimal resources; tourism is a key economic driver.
Population distribution: 97% of the population resides in Antigua.

People and Society

The estimated population of Antigua and Barbuda is around 102,634 (2024). The inhabitants identify primarily as Antiguan or Barbudan, with a majority of African descent. English is the official language, and the society is predominantly Protestant, with a significant portion of the population adhering to various Christian denominations. Life expectancy is around 78.3 years, with a birth rate of 14.9 births/1,000 population.

Ethnic composition: 87.3% of African descent
Median age: 33.9 years
Urbanization rate: 24.3% of the population is urban
Health expenditure: 5.9% of GDP (2021)
Education expenditure: 3.1% of GDP (2023)

Economy

Antigua and Barbuda's economy is largely dependent on tourism and construction, with a growing interest in a “blue economy” model. The estimated GDP (PPP) for 2024 stands at $2.772 billion, with real GDP growth projected at 4.3%. The agriculture sector contributes a minor 1.9% to the GDP, while services dominate the economy at 69.1%.

GDP (official exchange rate): $2.225 billion (2024)
Real GDP per capita: $29,600 (2024)
Exports: $1.314 billion (2024)
Imports: $1.282 billion (2024)
Remittances: 1.2% of GDP (2024)

Government

Antigua and Barbuda operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The capital city is Saint John's. The legal system is based on the English common law model, and the country has a bicameral Parliament consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The current Prime Minister is Gaston Browne, having been in office since June 2014.

Independence: 1 November 1981
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Executive branch head: Prime Minister Gaston Browne
Parliament structure: Bicameral
Most recent election: House elections on 1/18/2023

Military and Security

The Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force (ABDF) consists of approximately 300 active personnel and includes the Coast Guard and Air Wing. The country has no conscription and focuses on internal security, natural disaster response, and maritime patrol. The ABDF is part of the Caribbean Regional Security System, facilitating joint security efforts among member nations.

Active personnel: ~300
Military service age: 18-23 years for voluntary service
Military equipment: Limited to small arms and patrol vessels
Established: 1981
Key responsibilities: Internal security and disaster response

Energy

Antigua and Barbuda has achieved 100% electricity access for its population, with an installed generating capacity of 148,000 kW. The energy production is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, accounting for 93.6% of total installed capacity, while solar energy contributes 6.4%.

Electricity consumption: 322.923 million kWh (2023)
Electricity generation from fossil fuels: 93.6%
Carbon dioxide emissions: 725,000 metric tonnes (2023)
Energy consumption per capita: 110.114 million Btu/person (2023)

Transportation

Antigua and Barbuda's transportation infrastructure includes 4 airports and a small merchant marine fleet. The main port is located in St. John's. The country has a developing transportation network which supports tourism and commerce.

Airports: 4 (2025)
Merchant marine size: 614 vessels (2023)
Key port: St. John's
Civil aircraft registration code: V2

Communications

The country boasts a relatively high level of communications infrastructure, with 78% of the population using the internet. Fixed and mobile telephony services are also present, contributing to connectivity.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 184,000 (2021)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 27,000 (2021)
Broadcast media: Multiple radio and TV stations managed by state-controlled ABS.
Internet users: 78% of the population (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	102,634	2024 estimate
Area	443 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$2.772 billion	2024 estimate
Life expectancy	78.3 years	2024 estimate
Birth rate	14.9 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	N/A	Not specified
Electricity access	100%	2022 estimate
Median age	33.9 years	2024 estimate
Agricultural land	20.5%	Percentage of total land (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	110.114 million Btu/person	2023 estimate