Antigua-West Indies-Caribbean Island
Antigua-West Indies-Caribbean Island
The island of Antigua was explored by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and named for the Church of Santa María La Antigua.[5] Antigua was colonized by Britain in 1632; Barbuda island was first colonised in 1678.[5] Having been part of the Federal Colony of the Leeward Islands from 1871, Antigua and Barbuda joined the West Indies Federation in 1958.[6] With the breakup of the federation, it became one of the West Indies Associated States in 1967.[7] Following self-governance in its internal affairs, independence was granted from the United Kingdom on 1 November 1981. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth and Elizabeth II is the country's queen and head of state.[8]
The economy of Antigua and Barbuda is particularly dependent on tourism, which accounts for 80% of GDP. Like other island nations, Antigua and Barbuda are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise, and increased intensity of extreme weather like hurricanes, which have direct impacts on the island through coastal erosion, water scarcity, and other challenges.[9] As of 2019, Antigua and Barbuda has a 0% individual income tax rate,[10] as does neighboring St. Kitts and Nevis.
Antigua-West Indies-Caribbean Island
Antigua-West Indies-Caribbean Island
The island of Antigua was explored by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and named for the Church of Santa María La Antigua.[5] Antigua was colonized by Britain in 1632; Barbuda island was first colonised in 1678.[5] Having been part of the Federal Colony of the Leeward Islands from 1871, Antigua and Barbuda joined the West Indies Federation in 1958.[6] With the breakup of the federation, it became one of the West Indies Associated States in 1967.[7] Following self-governance in its internal affairs, independence was granted from the United Kingdom on 1 November 1981. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth and Elizabeth II is the country's queen and head of state.[8]
The economy of Antigua and Barbuda is particularly dependent on tourism, which accounts for 80% of GDP. Like other island nations, Antigua and Barbuda are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise, and increased intensity of extreme weather like hurricanes, which have direct impacts on the island through coastal erosion, water scarcity, and other challenges.[9] As of 2019, Antigua and Barbuda has a 0% individual income tax rate,[10] as does neighboring St. Kitts and Nevis.