Country Profile: Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation located in the Caribbean, characterized by its tropical maritime climate and a geography dominated by low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some volcanic areas. The population is approximately 102,634, with a significant majority residing on Antigua. The economy is primarily driven by tourism and construction, with a growing interest in blockchain technologies. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, the islands became independent from the UK in 1981.

Geography

Antigua and Barbuda is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico. The total area covers 443 square kilometers, comprised of Antigua (280 sq km) and Barbuda (161 sq km). The islands feature a tropical maritime climate and are subject to hurricanes and tropical storms from July to October, influencing their natural landscape.

Coastline: 153 km
Highest Point: Mount Obama at 402 m
Natural Hazards: Hurricanes and periodic droughts
Land Use: 20.5% agricultural land (2023)
Urbanization: 24.3% urban population

People and Society

The estimated population is 102,634 as of 2024, predominantly of African descent (87.3%). English is the official language, alongside Antiguan Creole. The society is largely Protestant, with significant representation from other religions. The age structure shows a youthful population, with a median age of 34.1 years.

Population Growth Rate: 1.09% (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy: 78.3 years (2024 est.)
Birth Rate: 14.7 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
Urbanization Rate: 0.87% annual increase (2020-25 est.)
Adult Obesity Rate: 18.9% (2016)

Economy

Antigua and Barbuda's economy is primarily driven by tourism and construction, with efforts to diversify into a "blue economy." The GDP (PPP) is projected at $2.772 billion for 2024, with a growth rate of 4.3%. The country remains open to foreign investment, particularly in technology and finance.

GDP Composition: 69.1% services, 19% industry, 1.9% agriculture (2023)
Exports: $1.314 billion (2024 est.)
Imports: $1.282 billion (2024 est.)
Public Debt: 86.2% of GDP (2016 est.)
Remittances: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Antigua and Barbuda is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth realm, with the King of the United Kingdom as the head of state. The government is led by a Prime Minister, and the parliament consists of a bicameral legislature. The nation gained independence on November 1, 1981.

Capital: Saint John's
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Major Political Parties: Antigua Labor Party (ABLP), United Progressive Party (UPP)
Next Election: January 2028 for the House of Representatives
Judicial System: Based on common law, with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court as the highest court.

Military and Security

The Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force (ABDF) consists of approximately 300 active personnel, providing internal security, disaster response, and maritime policing. Military service is voluntary for individuals aged 18-23, with no conscription in place.

Military Branches: Includes the Regiment, Air Wing, and Coast Guard
Military Equipment: Limited inventory focused on small arms and patrol vessels
International Agreements: Participates in the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS)
Internal Security Role: Assists police forces in law enforcement

Energy

The country achieves 100% electrification, relying heavily on fossil fuels for its energy needs, with a small portion from solar sources. Electricity consumption is significant, reflecting the tourism-driven economy.

Installed Capacity: 148,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption: 322.923 million kWh (2023 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita: 110.114 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Total Energy Sources: 93.6% fossil fuels, 6.4% solar (2023 est.)

Environment

Antigua and Barbuda faces environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and hurricane susceptibility. Extensive tree-clearing for agriculture exacerbates water management issues.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 725,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Municipal Waste: 30,600 tons generated annually (2024 est.)
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 52 million cubic meters (2022)
Recycling Rate: 15.3% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)

Transportation

The islands are served by four airports and maintain a small merchant marine fleet. Significant investments are ongoing to improve road infrastructure to support the tourism industry.

Airports: 4 (2025)
Merchant Marine: 614 vessels (2023)
Key Port: St. John's

Communications

A robust telecommunications network supports both fixed and mobile services, with a high percentage of internet users. Broadcast media is state-controlled, complemented by several private radio stations.

Internet Users: 78% of the population (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 186,182 (2022)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 27,000 (2021)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	102,634	Estimated for 2024
Area	443 sq km	Total area including islands
GDP (PPP)	$2.772 billion	Projected for 2024
Electricity Access	100%	Total population access
Life Expectancy	78.3 years	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	14.7 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Unemployment Rate	Not directly present	Data not provided
Agricultural Land	20.5%	Percentage of total land (2023 est.)
Remittances	1.2% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	725,000 metric tons	Estimated for 2023