Antigua and Barbuda on the world map: the capital, flag, coins, citizenship and attractions of the island state. Where is the state of Antigua and Barbuda and what are the reviews of tourists about it?

There is a place on the Earth where white sand beaches stretch, the clearest azure waters of the Caribbean Sea splash, the breeze plays with palm branches and the islanders smile with good-natured smiles. There is almost always excellent 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, like paradise? How and what do people live there? What impressions does this paradise leave for tourists?

Geographical position

The state with an unusual and slightly exotic name Antigua and Barbuda on the map can be found in the north-eastern region of the Caribbean, where the group of the Lesser Antilles is located, just 480 kilometers from Puerto Rico. Territorially it occupies three islands - the largest Antigua, a little smaller than Barbuda and a very tiny, plus completely deserted, Redond Island. You can get there by water and by air. Antigua has both a pier and an international airport. Barbuda also has a small airport and a jetty for communication with its neighbor Antigua. You can fly from island to island in 20 minutes. The ferry takes an hour and a half on the ferry. The time of flight from the mainland to Antigua depends on the point of departure. From Moscow to get there almost 16 hours. It should be remembered that the islands are in a different time zone. Local time is 8 hours from Moscow time.

History of the State

The indigenous people of Antigua and Barbuda call their country Vadadli, which translates as "our property". The name is associated with historical events that have occurred here for more than 5 centuries. On these islands, from the 2nd century BC, there lived the Sibonaeans, engaged mainly in fishing and hunting. Later, the Arawaks, specializing in agriculture, moved here from the continent. In the 13th century, both those and others were replaced by the Caribs, a brave and militant people. In 1493, Christopher Columbus, during another expedition, came across this heavenly corner of the globe. The largest island he named Antigua in honor of St. Mary, the patron saint of Seville. The little one got the name Redond, which means round. The middle island was named Barbuda, that is, a beard. The lands discovered by Columbus became a colony of Spain. In 1632 the Spaniards were pushed back by the English. On the conquered lands, they organized farms for the cultivation of tobacco, coconuts, sugar cane. Worked on the plantations brought them Negro slaves. Slavery on the islands lasted 200 years and 2 years. The country struggled 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 national symbols are the coat of arms, anthem and flag. Antigua and Barbuda flag have, unlike any other in the world. It is a rectangular panel that depicts the rising sun, symbolizing the beginning of a new free life, as well as sand beaches - the national heritage of the country. The black background is the skin color of the indigenous population, because it is mainly represented by descendants of former slaves. White-blue stripes are waves of the sea, as well as colors of hope and purity. The red color on the flag means the energy of the people, and the V-shaped form of the figure symbolizes victory.

Coat of arms

The emblem of the country Antigua and Barbuda was created in 1966 by Gordon Christopher. His drawing is very complicated, but numerous details give almost complete information about this state. The coat of arms is a shield supported by two deer - animal symbols. In the upper part of the shield - pineapple and some types of plants that prevail on the islands. On the shield 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 "Everyone's work is accomplished by the efforts of everyone." This is the motto of the country. Here is such a wonderful coat of arms.

Capital

The state of Antigua and Barbuda, whose capital is St. John's, is very small in population. Here there are just under 87 thousand people, and 31 thousand of them are concentrated in the capital. It is located on the island of Antigua. At an 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. The city can only be reached by taxi or rented here at the airport, car. This requires only rights and money. But in the city you can go by bus. They cruise almost all over the island, except for its northern part and the bay of Dickenson. Tickets are very inexpensive, however, on weekends the number of buses is sharply reduced.

The city is well-developed tourist business, built many hotels, there are wonderful beaches, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and casinos.

The Islands

Antigua is a large island of the country. Its area is 281 km square. The climate of the island is very favorable. The temperature in winter does not fall below +25 degrees, and in summer it is within 30-33 degrees. Rains are only from September to November. Usually they are very powerful, but short-lived. Sometimes on the island there are strong hurricanes. The relief of Antigua is flat. Only in the south-west there are hills, the highest of which is Boggi hill, recently renamed into Obama hill. Its height is 402 meters. Forest massifs and wildlife have been poorly preserved, but there are many exotic birds here, and coastal waters abound in 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 from a distance of a mile. Its area is only 161 km square, and the only town - Codrington - is similar to the village. There are fewer than 1,500 people on the island, almost no asphalt roads, but the beaches are just as good as those on Antigua, only more deserted. Nature on this island is much better preserved. There are several noteworthy caves here. Flocks of frigates also cause interest.

Antigua and Barbuda - a photo that perfectly demonstrates - are composed mainly of coral reefs, forming many amazingly beautiful bays and lagoons. The lack of these places is the lack of fresh water. It is taken from wells or desalinated by sea.

Redonta is a small volcanic island 40 km from the central island of Antigua. Its area is about 1.6 km square. There are no people here, only animals and birds, which is especially appreciated by lovers of nature and secluded rest.

Medicine

Antigua and Barbuda aims to reach the world level in terms of the quality of medical care and education. There are medical schools in the country where qualified medical personnel are trained, and a medical university is being built, and a modern hospital is being built that will be equipped with modern instruments and equipment. Currently, there are 10 excellent hospitals on the islands, where virtually any medical service can provide. For the convenience of tourists, the hotel operates doctors who speak English. Nevertheless, it is extremely undesirable to get sick during rest in this country, as many medical institutions require a contribution of 4 thousand dollars before the treatment.

Currency

Antigua and Barbuda has its own currency - East Caribbean Dollars, issued by the East Caribbean Bank. Banknotes exist in the nomination from 1 to 100 dollars. All the bills depict the Queen of Great Britain. 1 dollar equals 100 cents. Coins of Antigua and Barbuda use minted from aluminum and copper-nickel alloys. They differ in diameter and weight. On one side of the coins is indicated the denomination, and on the other is depicted the Queen Elizabeth II or the sailboat Francis Drake.

In addition to the national currency in the country, you can pay with credit cards and American dollars, the import of which is allowed in unlimited quantities. Surrender is always given in local currency.

According to the unwritten law, when paying for the services of a porter, taxi driver, maids and waiters, it is necessary to leave a tip, so a small thing in your pocket can always come in handy.

Nationality of Antigua and Barbuda

In the framework of the investment program, the laws of Antigua and Barbuda allow the issuance of dual citizenship to anyone who can invest in the country's economy in one of the three envisaged programs.

1. Investments are made in the amount of 400 thousand US dollars.
2. A charitable amount of 200 thousand US dollars is paid to the state economic fund.
3. In its own or in any existing business at the current stage of the country's business, a sum of one and a half million US dollars is paid.

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 the age of 18 to 50 thousand dollars, and for children under the age of 18, 25 thousand each.

The second collection is called Due Diligence Fee. It provides for different amounts, depending on the age and status of the family.

Citizenship gives the right to enter very many countries without a visa.

Holidays and festivals

In Antigua and Barbuda, cricket is very popular. Here, even 8 matches took place during the World Championship in this sport. Also, the islanders are great fans of football, diving, surfing and sailing. In the country, almost every month, there is a sports tournament or a holiday. In January, the Great Regatta and volleyball and cricket tournaments start, in February the second regatta and dog and horse shows, in March, Easter celebrations, in April, the traditional Yacht week, the water-model sport tournament, in May the competition of anglers and tennis players, in June the badminton competition And bodybuilding. But the most significant and bright is the carnival, dedicated to the independence of the country of Antigua and Barbuda. The capital in the carnival week blossoms with hundreds of colors. Pass various musical performances, masquerade, fair, and under the curtain the choice of the queen.

Hotel business

Tourism is the main income item in Antigua and Barbuda. Therefore, everything that concerns the tourist business is rather well developed. A lot of modern hotels, designed for different purse and working on the BB system, 365 delightful beaches with white clean sand and clear water, a lot of excursions, amazing cuisine, fun and discotheque of discos and romance of remote quiet places offers its guests Antigua and Barbuda. Reviews of tourists in overwhelming majority confirm high level of service at rather low prices. Those who have ever visited Antigua or Barbuda, always leave in their hearts memories of this wonderful country and a delightful holiday.

Attractions and excursions

Any country has its own sights. Antigua and Barbuda boasts the Cathedral of St. John and the English Harbor, where there is the largest number of historical monuments of the country. The main one is Nelson's shipyard, connected with the name of the famous Nelson. Now there is a National Park. The Clarence House mansion and the old cemetery are of interest. The Dowz Hill Center is popular with tourists, where theatrical performances are arranged. Another attraction - the fort Berkeley, once defended the entrance to the harbor, and subsequently destroyed. Now it is being restored. In Barbuda, in addition to natural beauty, you can admire the tower of Martello, considered the historical value of the country, and the remains of the once large estate of Willie-Bob. Of great interest are the caves of the island with huge stalactites and stalagmites. Petroglyphs of ancient Indians were preserved in the Indian cave. And in the cave Derby Cave there is a huge underground lake.

You do not have to miss tourists. For them, safaris are organized along the far corners of the islands, swimming with dolphins in Marina bay bay, swimming to uninhabited islands on a catamaran, flying over an active volcano in a helicopter, cruising on a real pirate ship with a stop in a quiet remote bay and much more.

Tips for tourists

Antigua and Barbuda is considered a relatively prosperous country in terms of crime. However, pocket thefts do happen here. Therefore, in places of large concentrations of people 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 for entry into the country is not needed, and a tax of 20 US dollars is paid on departure.

On the islands there is a huge number of beaches. Special places are allocated for nudists. Topless on public beaches can be, but not accepted. And in the city and even in some hotels, an appearance in bathing suits is not welcome. In public places, it is advisable for women to be dressed, and for men in trousers and shirts.

You can take pictures of the indigenous people, but only if they agree to this.

You can import everything into the country except drugs and weapons, and you can not export items of national interest.