Country Profile: Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation located in the Caribbean, known for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture. With a population of approximately 102,634, it boasts a tropical maritime climate and a diverse economy heavily reliant on tourism and construction. The country is governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, achieving independence from the UK in 1981. Despite facing challenges such as susceptibility to hurricanes and limited freshwater resources, Antigua and Barbuda continues to thrive on its natural beauty and friendly investment climate.

Geography

Antigua and Barbuda is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico. Its total area is 443 square kilometers, comprising the islands of Antigua (280 sq km), Barbuda (161 sq km), and the smaller island of Redonda. The terrain is predominantly low-lying, made up of limestone and coral with some volcanic regions, while its coastline stretches for 153 kilometers, offering numerous natural harbors and beautiful beaches.

Highest Point: Mount Obama at 402 m.
Area Comparative: 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Natural Hazards: Vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from July to October.
Agricultural Land Use: 20.5% of total area (2023 estimated).

People and Society

Antigua and Barbuda has an estimated population of 102,634 in 2024, with a demographic largely composed of individuals of African descent. The predominant language is English, accompanied by Antiguan Creole, and the majority of the population practices various forms of Protestantism. The median age is approximately 34.1 years, reflecting a relatively youthful population.

Urban Population: 24.3% of total in 2023.
Life Expectancy: 78.3 years (2024 estimate).
Birth Rate: 14.7 births per 1,000 population (2025 estimate).
Dependency Ratio: 47.9 (2024 estimate).

Economy

Antigua and Barbuda's economy is primarily driven by tourism and construction, with a growing focus on the sustainable "blue economy." The GDP (PPP) is estimated at $2.772 billion for 2024, showcasing steady growth. Although natural resources are limited, the country remains friendly to foreign investment and is exploring innovations in cryptocurrency.

Real GDP Growth Rate: 4.3% (2024 estimate).
GDP Composition: Services sector contributes 69.1% (2023 estimate).
Public Debt: 86.2% of GDP (2016 estimate).
Exports: $1.314 billion (2024 estimate).

Government

The governance structure of Antigua and Barbuda is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth realm. The head of state is King Charles III, represented locally by the Governor-General, with day-to-day governance led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The legal system is based on English common law, and the country is divided into six parishes and two dependencies.

Independence: Achieved on November 1, 1981.
Suffrage: Universal voting rights at 18 years of age.
Parliament: Bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Political Parties: Includes Antigua Labor Party (ABLP), United Progressive Party (UPP).

Military and Security

The Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force (ABDF) is responsible for national security and has a total strength of approximately 300 active personnel. The military's role encompasses internal security, disaster response, and maritime surveillance. The country does not practice conscription but allows voluntary service for both men and women aged 18-23.

Military Equipment: Limited to small arms and light vehicles; Coast Guard operates ex-US vessels.
Established: The ABDF was formed in 1981.

Energy

Antigua and Barbuda has achieved full electricity access for its population, with a total installed generating capacity of 148,000 kW as of 2023. The energy landscape is primarily dependent on fossil fuels, with efforts underway to expand renewable energy sources.

Electricity Generation: 93.6% from fossil fuels (2023).
Energy Consumption per Capita: 110.114 million Btu (2023 estimate).

Environment

The country faces challenges due to limited freshwater resources, compounded by issues related to deforestation for agricultural expansion. Antigua and Barbuda participates in several international environmental agreements, focusing on biodiversity and climate change.

Freshwater Resources: Limited; total available is 52 million cubic meters (2022).
Waste Recycling: Approximately 15.3% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022 estimate).

Transportation

Antigua and Barbuda's transportation infrastructure includes four airports and an active merchant marine fleet of 614 vessels. The key port is located in St. John's, facilitating both commercial and international trade.

Civil Aircraft Registration: Prefix is V2.
Ports: 1 port with oil terminals (2024).

Communications

The country has a relatively high rate of internet penetration, with approximately 78% of the population using the internet as of 2023. Communication services include a mix of fixed-line and mobile cellular subscriptions, supported by state-controlled broadcasting services.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 186,182 (2022).
Broadcast Media: 1 state-run TV station and approximately 20 radio stations.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population (2024 est.)	102,634
Area	443 sq km	Total area of Antigua and Barbuda
GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)	$2.772 billion
Life Expectancy (2024 est.)	78.3 years
Birth Rate (2025 est.)	14.7 births/1,000 population
Unemployment Rate (2023 est.)	Not specified
Electricity Access	100%	Total population with electricity access
Military Personnel	300	Active personnel in the defense force
Urban Population (2023 est.)	24.3%
Environmental Agreements Participation	Various agreements	Including Climate Change and Biodiversity