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Country Profile: Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a dual-island nation located in the Caribbean, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The population, estimated at 102,634 in 2024, predominantly resides on Antigua, which features a tropical maritime climate and is characterized by its low-lying coral and limestone terrain. The economy is primarily driven by tourism, agriculture, and construction, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and foreign investment. A parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, the country gained independence in 1981.

Geography

Antigua and Barbuda consists of these two main islands plus several smaller ones, totaling an area of 443 sq km. The islands are positioned east-southeast of Puerto Rico, with a coastline extending 153 km. The landscape is primarily low-lying with some volcanic formations, while the climate is tropical, promoting tourism.

  • Highest Point: Mount Obama at 402 m
  • Coastline: 153 km
  • Natural Hazards: Prone to hurricanes, especially from July to October
  • Land use: 20.5% of land is agricultural (2023 est.)
  • Population Distribution: 97% of the population lives on Antigua

People and Society

The population of Antigua and Barbuda is approximately 102,634 as of 2024. The majority of citizens (87.3%) are of African descent, with English being the official language. The society is predominantly Protestant, with a significant Anglican representation.

  • Urban Population: 24.3% of total population (2023)
  • Life Expectancy: 78.3 years (2024)
  • Infant Mortality Rate: 13.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025)
  • Literacy Rate: Estimated at 100%
  • Median Age: 34.1 years (2025 est.)

Economy

Antigua and Barbuda's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which makes up a significant portion of its GDP. The GDP is projected to reach $2.772 billion in 2024. Despite challenges such as limited natural resources and vulnerability to hurricanes, the country is exploring opportunities in the blue economy and financial innovations.

  • Real GDP Growth Rate: 4.3% (2024 est.)
  • GDP per Capita: $29,600 (2024 est.)
  • Tourism Contribution: Accounts for 69.1% of GDP (2023)
  • Unemployment Rate: 10.7% (2023)
  • Public Debt: Estimated at 86.2% of GDP (2016)

Government

Antigua and Barbuda operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is King Charles III, represented locally by the Governor General. The Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, leads the government, which is supported by a bicameral Parliament.

  • Independence: Achieved on 1 November 1981
  • Suffrage Age: 18 years
  • Legislative Structure: Bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and Senate
  • Next Election Date: January 2028
  • Major Political Parties: Antigua Labor Party, United Progressive Party, Barbuda People's Movement

Military and Security

The Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force (ABDF) is a small military force tasked with internal security and disaster response. The country is part of the Caribbean Regional Security System and maintains a modest active personnel count of about 300.

  • Military Age: Voluntary service starts at 18 years
  • Defense Force Purpose: Internal security, drug interdiction, and disaster response
  • Equipment Inventory: Limited to small arms and patrol vessels
  • Established: In 1981, transitioning from colonial forces
  • Coast Guard: Operates ex-US patrol vessels

Energy

The country boasts 100% electrification of its population, with electricity generation predominantly sourced from fossil fuels. There is a significant push towards renewable energy sources like solar power.

  • Installed Capacity: 148,000 kW (2023 est.)
  • Electricity Consumption: 322.923 million kWh (2023)
  • Energy Consumption per Capita: 110.114 million Btu/person (2023)
  • Electricity Losses: 38.121 million kWh due to transmission/distribution (2023)
  • Refined Petroleum Consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Environment

Antigua and Barbuda faces environmental challenges, including limited freshwater resources and the impact of tree-clearing for agriculture, which exacerbates rainfall runoff.

  • Forest Coverage: 18% of land (2023 est.)
  • Waste Recycling Rate: 15.3% of municipal waste (2022)
  • Total Water Withdrawal: 11.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
  • Climate Agreements: Signatory to multiple international environmental accords
  • Carbon Emissions: Approximately 725,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Transportation

Transportation in Antigua and Barbuda includes air, sea, and road networks, with the capital featuring a key port for maritime activities.

  • Airports: 4 total (2025)
  • Merchant Marine Strength: 614 vessels (2023)
  • Total Ports: 1 medium port (2024)
  • Heliports: 2 (2025)
  • Civil Aircraft Registration Prefix: V2

Communications

The communication infrastructure is well-developed, with a high percentage of the population possessing mobile phones and access to the internet.

  • Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 186,182 (2022)
  • Internet Users: 78% of the population (2023)
  • Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 27,000 (2021)
  • Broadcast Media: Operated by the state-controlled Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service (ABS)
  • Broadband Subscriptions: 10,000 (2022)

Key Metrics

MetricValueNote
Population102,6342024 estimate
Area443 sq kmTotal area
GDP$2.225 billion2024 estimate (official rate)
Energy Consumption322.923 million kWh2023 estimate
Birth Rate14.7 births/1,000 population2025 estimate
Unemployment10.7%2023 estimate
Life Expectancy78.3 years2024 estimate
Total Fertility Rate1.92 children born/woman2025 estimate
Literacy Rate100%Estimated
Carbon Emissions725,000 metric tonnes2023 estimate

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