Country Profile: Anguilla
Anguilla is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean, characterized by its flat, low-lying terrain made of coral and limestone. The island has a population of approximately 19,416 people, primarily concentrated in the capital, The Valley. Its economy heavily relies on tourism, though it faces challenges such as high public debt and recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Anguilla is governed through a parliamentary democracy under the British monarchy, with the Governor representing the UK.
Geography
Anguilla is situated in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico, and is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. The island covers a total area of 91 square kilometers and features a coastline of 61 kilometers. The climate is tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds, while the highest point, Crocus Hill, rises to only 73 meters above sea level.
- 91 sq km - Total area of Anguilla
- 61 km - Length of the coastline
- 12 nm - Territorial sea limit
- 200 nm - Exclusive economic zone
- 73 m - Highest elevation at Crocus Hill
People and Society
Anguilla's population is estimated at 19,416, with a diverse ethnic composition predominantly made up of African/Black (85.3%). English is the official language, and the community is largely Protestant (73.2%). The population is fully urbanized, with all residents living in urban areas, mainly The Valley, which acts as the central hub for the population.
- 100% - Urban population (2023)
- 1.72 children - Total fertility rate (2025 est.)
- 82.6 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
- 1.51 physicians - Physicians per 1,000 population (2018)
- 97.5% - Access to improved drinking water
Economy
The economy of Anguilla is small and heavily reliant on tourism, which has faced significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government is considering reopening an oil refinery and has seen a partial recovery in tourism, supported by timeshare residences. The gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024 is estimated to be around $362.5 million.
- $362.5 million - Estimated GDP (PPP) for 2024
- $31,000 - Estimated GDP per capita (PPP) for 2024
- 3% - Inflation rate (2022 est.)
- 20.8% - Public debt as a percentage of GDP (2014 est.)
- 100% - Electricity access (2020)
Government
Anguilla operates as a parliamentary democracy and is a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom. The island’s governance is characterized by a unicameral legislature known as the House of Assembly, with 11 seats. The Premier leads the government, while the Governor represents the British monarchy.
- 18 years - Universal suffrage age
- 11 - Total seats in the House of Assembly
- 27.3% - Percentage of women in the legislature
- King CHARLES III - Head of state since September 2022
- Premier Cora RICHARDSON-HODGE - Head of government since February 2025
Military and Security
As a British overseas territory, Anguilla's defense is the responsibility of the UK. The island does not have its own military forces and relies on British defense services for its protection.
Energy
Electrification in Anguilla is comprehensive, with 100% of the population having access to electricity as of 2020. The energy infrastructure supports the needs of its small population and tourism industry.
Environment
Anguilla faces environmental challenges, including inadequate potable water. The island’s land use consists mostly of forest, while agricultural land is minimal, with zero arable land reported in 2022.
Transportation
Anguilla has limited transportation infrastructure, including one airport and a small merchant marine fleet comprising two vessels. The civil aircraft registration code for the island is VP-A.
- 1 - Active airport (2025)
- 2 - Total merchant marine vessels (2023)
Communications
The island has a well-developed communication infrastructure, with a high mobile cellular subscription rate and substantial internet usage among residents.
- 81.6% - Percentage of the population using the Internet (2021)
- 25,870 - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
- 6,000 - Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2021)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,416 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 91 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $362.5 million | 2024 estimate |
| GDP per capita (PPP) | $31,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity access | 100% | Total population (2020) |
| Life expectancy | 82.6 years | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 11.69 births/1,000 population | 2025 estimate |
| Unemployment | Not specified | Not available |
| Urban population | 100% | Total population (2023) |
| Physician density | 1.51 physicians/1,000 people | 2018 estimate |
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