Part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, the history of the islands goes back thousands of years. Today, the islands are an independent member state of the commonwealth as well as a member of the United Nations, CARICOM and the Organisation of American States, among many other international organisations.
A twin-island state, consisting of Antigua and its smaller sister island, Barbuda, the nation also consists of a number of smaller islands such as Redonda, Great Bird, Green, Guinea, Long, Maiden and York islands.
The year-round tropical climate tempered by cooling trade-winds and 365 palm-fringed beaches is home to a multi-cultural population of around 100,000 as well as internationally famous celebrities who have chosen this paradise to escape the pressures and spotlight of their regular lives.
Just a four-hour flight from New York and eight hours from Europe, the islands have a politically stable government, low crime rate, a growing economy and its currency, the Eastern Caribbean dollar, is pegged to the US dollar.
Anyone who has been to Antigua & Barbuda will agree that the islands have that je ne sais quoi; that certain something that is difficult to put into words. With all the ingredients to embody the tropical paradise dream of visitors; turquoise, crystal-clear waters, white sand and swaying palms, balmy sea breezes and a year-round perfect temperature, the twin islands have it all. The destination and its luxury hotel properties have won consecutive World Travel Awards in most categories to show.
For small and big alike, the lifestyle in Antigua is second to none. With a host of sports on offer, both on land and on water, including one of the best sailing grounds in the world and a myriad of scenic hiking trails, incredible international restaurants and local eateries - not forgetting of course the incredible beaches and transparent balmy waters for which the islands are so famous – a healthy and happy lifestyle is guaranteed.
Antigua & Barbuda is one of the top wellness destinations in the Caribbean. The climate, beaches, sea and nature are all conducive to good health and wellbeing. So, whether you are looking to enjoy Thalasso therapy in our warm turquoise waters, a massage on the beach, a yoga retreat, healthy eating with farm-to-table cuisine, one of our island's fantastic spas or just wanting to unwind and enjoy the famous island time, you will be well taken of.
Having forged itself as one of the main mega yacht charter hubs in the region, Antigua’s yachting season kicks off in early December with the largest yacht charter show in the world and ends in April with the Antigua Sailing Week, widely considered to be one of the most prestigious sailing events in the world. Other events like the Antigua Classics and the Superyacht Challenge also take place.
For such a small island, Antigua & Barbuda have a surprising number of educational facilities. The literacy rate is one of the highest in the Eastern Caribbean at 99 percent and education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 years. From world-class international baccalaureate programmes to medical, hospitality and other specialities at one of the universities, the educational offer covers it all.
One of the fastest growing economies in the Caribbean. With a service-based economy, tourism continues to dominate, however, the government is rapidly diversifying the economy and with a skilled and educated workforce, sectors such as financial services, tertiary education and e-commerce as well as the booming real estate and construction sectors have become significant contributors.
One of the pillars of the economy, the financial services sector, and its providers, are regulated under the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) making the islands a safe harbour, not only for the yachts that flock to the world-renowned sailing grounds, but for financial investors looking to protect their wealth and investments.
The Nomad Digital Visa allows you a chance to work from our beautiful dual-island nation for up to two years. The visa’s requisite is that you earn a minimum of US$ 50,000 per year of your stay and can prove that you can provide for yourselves and any dependents. Working remotely is now a reality for many, so why not work, live and play in paradise if you can?
The twin islands are made up of a mosaic of cultures; from the Amerindians who populated the islands until the British arrived in the 17th century, to the West African slaves brought by the colonialists to work the sugar plantations. Each with their own traditions, customs and food creating a hypnotic blend of cultures. Today, the islands are a cosmopolitan melting-pot with citizens from all over the globe who have brought their own cultures to the mix.
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