Learn 5 surprising facts about Antigua and Barbuda that will make you want to book a flight to the Leeward Islands. >>REQUEST INFORMATION ABOUT: Travel Programs to the Leeward Islands About Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda is an island nation chain that covers 170 square miles located right where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. In 1493, Christopher Columbus named the main island “Santa Maria La Antigua.” Great Britain colonized Antigua in 1632, and Barbuda in 1678, establishing British influence and West African heritage influences that shape the country in modern days. The nation’s 97,120 residents live across two inhabited main islands, but there are several smaller ones, including the tiny island of Redonda. Antigua’s 108 square miles contain 97% of the population and the capital city, Saint John’s. The country is part of the British commonwealth of nations with Charles III as head of state. Today, tourism drives 80% of GDP in the no personal income tax economy. 5 Fun Facts About Antigua and Barbuda Antigua’s 365 beaches make it the Caribbean’s most beach-dense nation Salt production shaped Antigua’s landscape for 320 years Antigua renamed a peak in honor of the former U.S. president Barack Obama An $8 billion fraud operation ran from Antigua’s financial district The Leeward Islands generated $12 billion from tourism in 2023 1. Antigua’s 365 beaches make it the Caribbean’s most beach-dense nation In 2021, Forbes ranked 3 of Antigua’s beaches among the Caribbean’s best: Dickenson Bay, Darkwood Beach, and Half Moon Bay. The island’s limestone and coral geology created 95 miles of coastline containing these beaches. Today, beach tourism generates $382 million in annual revenue. Barbuda’s 17-mile Pink Sand Beach contains a unique mix of crushed coral and shells, creating a rose-colored shoreline visible from satellite imagery. The pink intensity varies seasonally based on shell deposits from ocean currents. >>KEEP READING ABOUT TRAVELS TO THE CARIBBEAN Belize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan Culture 2. Salt production shaped Antigua’s landscape for 320 years In 1640, colonists established Antigua’s first commercial salt ponds by damming coastal inlets. Salt production peaked at 12,000 tons annually in 1872 before declining by 1960 due to refrigeration technology. Today, these 15 former salt ponds serve as critical habitats for 150 species of migratory birds.
3. Antigua renamed a peak in honor of the former U.S. president Barack Obama Mount Obama is the highest point on the island at 1,319 feet (402 meters) tall. It was originally known as Boggy Peak until 2009 when the mountain was renamed in honor of Barack Obama’s presidential election. The renaming honored Obama’s election and his Caribbean ties, as his father was Kenyan and his family has roots to the West Indies–two island chains in the Caribbean Sea between North and South America. The name reverted to Boggy Peak in 2016. You can still visit Barak Obama Drive on your teen tour to Tanzania. Antigua’s highest peak requires 2 to 3 hours to climb 1,476 feet with guide access. Boggy Peak Trail Details: Distance: 4 miles round trip Elevation: 1,476 feet (450m) Duration: 2 to 3 hours total Difficulty: 6.5/10 Guide: Required for summit access 4. An $8 billion fraud operation ran from Antigua’s financial district Texas billionaire Allen Stanford operated the Caribbean’s largest Ponzi scheme from Antigua between 1995 and 2009. His Stanford Financial Group managed $8 billion in fraudulent investments before its 2009 collapse. Stanford received knighthood in 2006, lost it in 2010, and now serves a 110-year U.S. prison sentence. What does it mean to be knighted? To be knighted means to be honored by a king or queen for outstanding service or achievement. It’s a prestigious title that recognizes contributions to society and comes with special privileges like access to royal events. 5. The Leeward Islands generated $12 billion from tourism in 2023 Antigua anchors the northeastern Caribbean’s Leeward Islands, a 12-nation archipelago running 500 miles. British, French, and Dutch territories compose the chain, and have controlled vital shipping routes since the 1600s. The islands now welcome 8 million annual visitors through its 12 international airports. Here is the list of the Leeward Islands: Antigua and Barbuda Saint Kitts and Nevis Dominica Virgin Islands Anguilla (British Overseas Territory) Montserrat (British Overseas Territory) Guadeloupe (French Overseas Region) Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts) (French Overseas Collectivity) Saint Martin (Northern Part) (French Overseas Collectivity) Sint Maarten (Southern Part) (Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Saba (Special Municipality of the Netherlands) Sint Eustatius (Special Municipality of the Netherlands) References: One Caribbean Caricom