Antigua and Barbuda are beautiful Caribbean paradise islands located in the Lesser Antille.
With jaw-dropping white sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage, this country is and is a perfect destination for couples or honeymooners.
These fun facts will make you want to book a trip!
1. Three Islands Come Together to Make Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is the official name of this island country, but three islands make it up.
The name of the third island is Redonda, which is uninhabited. In addition, there are many other small atolls around this geographic location, with the most popular being Guiana Island, Long Island, and Bird Island.
2. Antigua and Barbuda is Known as the Land of 365 Beaches
Can you imagine having a different beach to hang out on every day of the year? The people of Antigua and Barbuda have claimed this saying for their island.
The beaches here have distinctive coloration, like a pinky hue, as the sand grains here have a red shell.
3. Sir Vivian Richards, A Legend of Cricket, Was Born Here
Sir Vivian Richards was born in Saint John’s, Antigua, and Barbuda. He is one of the greatest cricket players that the world has ever seen.
Cricket has become the national game of this country and has garnered a cult-like following. They even have a national stadium named after Sir Vivian Richards.
4. Antigua and Barbuda’s Highest Mountain Peak is Named After Barack Obama
Antiguans were elated when the 44th President, Barack Obama, was first elected.
They decided to name the highest peak of their country, Boggy Peak, after President Obama and named it ‘Mount Obama’.
5. Buckle Up to Take the Best Sailing Classes
Many sailors from all across the world prefer to dock their boats in Antigua and Barbuda, due to the impressive ports and docking facilities.
Sailing is treated as both a business and tourism opportunity. If you are keen to learn how to sail or simply want to cruise around, then you’ll have plenty of choices here.
6. Antigua and Barbuda Have a Sailing Week
To help you understand how big sailing is in Antigua and Barbuda, you must know they have a dedicated week to celebrate it.
Professional sailors from around the world travel to this island to participate in yacht racing and other sailing events.
Beyond the competition, sailors, tourists, and locals take this time out to party and enjoy the amazing island celebration. This celebration week marks an end to a high season in Antigua and Barbuda.
7. Antigua and Barbuda has More Females than Males
As per a survey done in 2021, the sex ratio of Antigua and Barbuda is 93.4 males for every 100 females. In 2021, there were 47.68 thousand males and around 51 thousand females.
8. The Name of the National Dish of Antigua and Barbuda is ‘Fungie’
Fungie, similar to cou-cou, a common name used for the dish in other Caribbean countries, is the national dish of Antigua and Barbuda.
Don’t go by the biological-sounding name! It is a simple dish made out of water and cornmeal. The origin of this dish goes all the way back to Africa.
9. Antigua and Barbuda Hosts the Biggest Frigatebird Colony
The western side of this country has the largest bird colony for the frigatebirds, and this species has become the national bird of Antigua and Barbuda.
When you see these frigatebirds inflating their pinky-red chests, they are attracting a mate.
10. Antigua and Barbuda Was One Of The First Countries to Permit Online Gambling
While Antigua and Barbuda was looking for new economic opportunities outside of tourism, it became one of the first nations across the globe to regulate and legalize online gambling sports.
Today it remains one of the prime countries for all online gambling firms. However, this decision has triggered Word Trade Organization (WTO) disputes for Antigua with several other countries, particularly the United States.
11. The Real Owners of Barbuda Island are its Inhabitants
As specified in the Barbuda Land Act of 2007, all the citizens of Barbuda are the communal owners of all land on that island. You must gain consent from the citizens before initiating any major development in Barbuda.
One of the big projects that the citizens of Barbuda approved through votes was a resort development initiative. The project is being led by billionaire James Packer and actor Robert De Niro.
12. Antigua and Barbuda Struggles to Source Freshwater
The island nature makes it complex for the people of Antigua and Barbuda to source fresh water. And that becomes even more difficult with the reduced rainfalls.
Climate change might still be the first concern for island countries, but sourcing freshwater seems to be the second biggest concern in recent times.
13. Antigua and Barbuda Have Postcard-Perfect Weather
Most Caribbean nations are mostly sunny and warm, but Antigua and Barbuda is the sunniest nation among the Eastern Caribbean islands.
The average temperature is around 21-degree celsius in the winter and 26.5-degree celsius in the summer.
The island receives a constant gush of northeast trade winds with the humidity quotient being low throughout the year. The average annual rainfall is also recorded as 45-inches.