There is a place on Earth where white sand beaches stretch, the purest azure waters of the Caribbean splash, the breeze plays with palm branches and the islanders smile good-naturedly. There is almost always great weather, developed infrastructure, a lot of opportunities for recreation for every taste and such an alluring, such an attractive exotic. That's what it is, Antigua and Barbuda. Where is this small state that looks like paradise? How do people live there? What impressions does this paradise leave on tourists?
Geographic location
The state with the unusual and slightly exotic name Antigua and Barbuda on the map can be found in the northeastern region of the Caribbean Sea, where the Lesser Antilles group is located, just 480 kilometers from Puerto Rico. Geographically, it occupies three islands -the largest is Antigua, a little smaller than Barbuda and a very tiny, plus completely deserted, island of Redonda. You can get there by water and air. Antigua has both marinas and an international airport. Barbuda also has a small airport and a marina for communication with its neighbor - Antigua. By plane, you can fly from island to island in 20 minutes. The ferry journey takes an hour and a half. The flight time from the mainland to Antigua depends on the point of departure. It takes almost 16 hours to get there from Moscow. It should be remembered that the islands are in a different time zone. Local time differs from Moscow by 8 hours.
History of the State
The indigenous people of Antigua and Barbuda call their country Wadadli, which translates as "our property." The name is associated with historical events that took place here for more than 5 centuries. Since the 2nd century BC, the Siboney Indians have lived on these islands, mainly engaged in fishing and hunting. Later, the Arawaks, specializing in agriculture, moved here from the continent. In the 13th century, both of them were replaced by the Caribs - a brave and warlike people. In 1493, Christopher Columbus stumbled upon this heavenly corner of the globe during another expedition. He named the larger island Antigua in honor of Saint Mary, patron of Seville. The little one was named Redonda, which means round. The middle island was named Barbuda, that is, the beard. The lands discovered by Columbus became a colony of Spain. In 1632, the Spanish were driven back by the British. On conquered landsthey organized farms for growing tobacco, coconuts, and sugar cane. Negro slaves brought by them worked on the plantations. Slavery on the islands lasted 200 years and 2 years. The country fought for its independence for a long time and finally, in 1981, it achieved it.
Flag of Antigua and Barbuda
The deer is chosen as the animal symbol of the country, and the emblem, anthem and flag are the national symbols. Antigua and Barbuda have a flag unlike any other in the world. It is a rectangular panel on which the rising sun is depicted, symbolizing the beginning of a new free life, as well as the sand of the beaches - the country's national treasure. The black background is the color of the skin of the indigenous population, because it is mainly represented by the descendants of former slaves. The white-blue stripes are the waves of the sea, as well as the colors of hope and purity. The red color on the flag means the energy of the people, and the V-shape of the design symbolizes victory.
Coat of arms
The coat of arms of Antigua and Barbuda was created in 1966 by Gordon Christopher. Its drawing is very complex, but numerous details give almost complete information about this state. The picture of the coat of arms is a shield supported by two deer - animal symbols. In the upper part of the shield there is a pineapple and some species of plants that prevail on the islands. On the shield are the same as on the flag, the sun shining on a black background and the white-blue stripes of the sea. At the bottom of the shield is a sugar factory. All this is crowned with a ribbon with the inscription "Through the efforts of each, the common is accomplished." This is the motto of the country. This is so wonderfulcoat of arms.
Capital
The state of Antigua and Barbuda, whose capital is St. John's, is very small in terms of population. There are a little less than 87 thousand people here, and 31 thousand of them are concentrated in the capital. It is located on the island of Antigua. At a distance of almost 8 km from the city there is an international airport, but, unfortunately, there is no communication with Russia. Russian tourists can get to the island from America, Canada, Germany and England. You can only get to the city by taxi or by a car rented here at the airport. All it takes is a license and money. But you can ride buses around the city. They ply almost the entire territory of the island, except for its northern part and Dickenson Bay. Tickets are very inexpensive, however, the number of buses is sharply reduced on weekends.
The city has a well-developed tourism business, many hotels have been built, there are wonderful beaches, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and casinos.
Islands
Antigua is a large island country. Its area is 281 square kilometers. The climate of the island is very favorable. The temperature in winter does not fall below +25 degrees, and in summer it is in the range of 30-33 degrees. It rains only from September to November. Usually they are very powerful, but short-lived. Sometimes there are strong hurricanes on the island. The relief of Antigua is flat. Only in the southwest are there hills, the highest of which is Boggy Hill, recently renamed Obama Hill. Its height is 402 meters. Forests and wildlife are poorly preserved, but there are many exotic birds, and coastal waters abound with amazingly beautiful marine life.
Barbuda is located 48 kilometers away. This island is so flat that even with small waves it is difficult to see it from a mile away. Its area is only 161 square kilometers, and the only town - Codrington - looks like a village. Less than one and a half thousand people live on the island, there are almost no asph alt roads, but the beaches are just as good as on Antigua, only more deserted. Nature on this island is much better preserved. There are several noteworthy caves here. Flocks of frigatebirds are also of interest.
Antigua and Barbuda - this photo perfectly demonstrates - are composed mainly of coral reefs that form multiple bays and lagoons of amazing beauty. The disadvantage of these places is the lack of fresh water. It is taken from wells or desalinated from the sea.
Redonta is a small volcanic island 40 km from the central island of Antigua. Its area is about 1.6 square kilometers. There are no people here, only animals and birds, which is especially appreciated by lovers of nature and secluded relaxation.
Medicine
Antigua and Barbuda is striving to become world-class in quality he alth care and education. There are medical schools in the country, where qualified medical personnel are trained, and a medical university, a modern hospital is being built, which will be equipped with modern devices and equipment. Currently onThere are 10 excellent hospitals on the islands, where they can provide almost any medical service. For the convenience of tourists, English-speaking doctors work at the hotels. However, it is extremely undesirable to get sick during a holiday in this country, since many medical institutions require a contribution of $4,000 before treatment.
Currency
Antigua and Barbuda has its own currency, East Caribbean dollars, issued by the East Caribbean Bank. Banknotes exist in denominations from 1 to 100 dollars. All banknotes depict the Queen of Great Britain. 1 dollar equals 100 cents. The coins of Antigua and Barbuda are minted from aluminum and copper-nickel alloys. They differ in diameter and weight. On one side of the coins, the denomination is indicated, and on the other side, Queen Elizabeth II or Francis Drake's sailboat is depicted.
In addition to the national currency in the country, you can pay with credit cards and US dollars, the import of which is allowed in unlimited quantities. Change is always given in local currency.
According to an unwritten law, when paying for the services of a porter, taxi driver, maids and waiters, it is necessary to leave a tip, so a change in your pocket can always come in handy.
Citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda
As part of the investment program, the laws of Antigua and Barbuda allow dual citizenship to be issued to anyone who can invest in the country's economy under one of the three programs provided.
- Investments are made in the amount of 400thousand US dollars.
- A charitable amount of at least 200 thousand US dollars is contributed to the economic fund of the state.
- Amount from one and a half million US dollars is contributed to the country's own or any existing business at this stage.
In addition, those wishing to become citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are required to pay a special fee for each adult family member and each child over 18 years old for 50 thousand dollars, and for children under 18 years old for 25 thousand.
The second fee is called the Due Diligence Fee. It provides for different amounts, depending on age and family status.
Citizenship gives you the right to enter many countries without a visa.
Holidays and festivals
Cricket is very popular in Antigua and Barbuda. It even hosted 8 matches during the World Championship in this sport. Also, the islanders are big fans of football, diving, surfing and sailing. Almost every month there is a sports tournament or holiday in the country. In January, the Grand Regatta and volleyball and cricket tournaments start, in February the second regatta and exhibitions of dogs and horses, in March Easter celebrations, in April the traditional Yacht Week, a water model tournament, in May the competition of anglers and tennis players, in June the badminton competition and bodybuilding. But the most significant and striking is the carnival dedicated to the independence of the country of Antigua and Barbuda. The capital in the carnival week blooms with hundreds of colors. Various musical performances, a masquerade, a fair,and in the end, the choice of the queen.
Hospitality
Tourism is Antigua and Barbuda's main source of income. Therefore, everything related to the tourism business is quite well developed. A lot of modern hotels, designed for different budgets and working on the BB system, 365 delightful beaches with clean white sand and clear water, a lot of excursions, amazing cuisine, fun and enthusiasm of discos and romance of remote quiet corners, Antigua and Barbuda offers its guests. Reviews of tourists overwhelmingly confirm the high level of service at relatively low prices. Those who have ever visited Antigua or Barbuda will forever leave memories of this wonderful country and amazing vacation in their hearts.
Sights and excursions
Every country has its sights. Antigua and Barbuda boasts St. John's Cathedral and English Harbor, which has the largest number of historical monuments in the country. Chief among them is the Nelson Shipyard, associated with the name of the famous Nelson. Now there is a National Park. Of interest is the Clarence House and the old cemetery. Popular with tourists is the Dows Hill Center, where theatrical performances are held. Another attraction is Fort Berkeley, which once protected the entrance to the harbor, and was subsequently destroyed. It is currently being restored. On Barbuda, in addition to natural beauties, you can admire the Martello Tower, which is considered the historical value of the country, and the remainsthe once large estate of Willy Bob. Of great interest are the caves of the island with huge stalactites and stalagmites. In the Indian cave, petroglyphs of the ancient Indians have been preserved. And Derby Cave has a huge underground lake.
Tourists will not be bored. For them, safaris are organized to the far corners of the islands, swimming with dolphins in Marina Bay, sailing to uninhabited islands on a catamaran, flying over an active volcano in a helicopter, a cruise on a real pirate ship with a stop in a quiet remote bay and much more.
Tourist Tips
Antigua and Barbuda is considered a relatively prosperous country in terms of crime. However, pickpocketing does happen here. Therefore, in crowded places, you need to be careful. It is also not recommended to walk alone in the remote corners of the islands and at night.
A visa is not required to enter the country, and a tax of 20 US dollars is paid upon departure.
The islands have a huge number of beaches. There are special places for nudists. Being topless on public beaches is allowed, but not accepted. And in the city and even in some hotels, the appearance in bathing suits is not welcome. In public places, it is desirable for women to wear dresses, and for men to wear trousers and shirts.
You can take pictures of indigenous people, but only if they have agreed to it.
You can bring everything into the country except for drugs and weapons, and it is forbidden to export items of national interest.
