Pink Shells ~ Antigua and Barbuda

1. A brief overview of the national conditions

1. Physical geography

Antigua and Barbuda is located in the north of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, in the south of Antigua and Barbuda. It faces Drop Island and is adjacent to St. Kitts and Nevis to the west. The area is approximately 441 square kilometers.

Antigua consists of the main island of Antigua and Barbuda and the three islands of Redonda. Antigua Island has an average altitude of 300 meters, with rare rivers, few trees, and many harbors and headlands. Barbuda is a coral island with flat terrain, dense woods, and abundant wildlife. The only village on the island, Codrington, has about a thousand residents. Redonda is an uninhabited reef.

Antigua and Barbuda has a tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 27°C and an average annual precipitation of about 1020 mm. May to October is the hottest season, with temperatures reaching 33°C. This is a hurricane zone and is often hit by hurricanes.

2 Brief History of Development

In 1493, Columbus arrived at Antigua during his second voyage to America. From 1520 to 1629, it was invaded by Spanish and French colonists. It was occupied by the British in 1632. It officially became a British colony in 1667. It became an associated state of the United Kingdom in 1967. Declared independence in 1981.

On January 1, 1983, diplomatic relations were established with China. Visa exemption for Chinese citizens.

3 Flags and National Emblem

The flag of Antigua and Barbuda is composed of 3 triangles. The left and right triangles are red, the middle triangle is composed of black, blue and white, and a half is painted in the middle of the black part. The golden sun in the round symbolizes the people, the red and V shape symbolizes the strength and victory of the people, the half-round sun symbolizes the dawn, the blue symbolizes hope, and the three colors of yellow, blue and white are connected together to symbolize the country's rich resources.

The national emblem of Antigua and Barbuda has a coat of arms in the center, the rising sun in the upper part, symbolizing the independence and freedom of the people of the island country, and the white and blue ripples in the lower part represent the Caribbean Sea and the kiln tower. Symbolizes the developed sugar industry. The left side of the coat of arms is a doe and sugar cane, the right side is a doe and agave, the upper part has a pineapple and a hibiscus flower, and the lower part of the ribbon reads "Everyone must work hard to marry successfully."

4 Population, Ethnicity, Language, Religion

Antigua and Barbuda has a population of about 98,000, most of whom are of African descent.

The official language of Antigua and Barbuda is English.

Most residents of Antigua and Barbuda believe in Christianity.

5 Capitals

The capital, Saint John, is the national economic center and the main port on Antigua Island. The city has a distinct European color and is a beautiful coastal city. As early as the 18th century, it was an important supply station for the British naval fleet's base in the West Indies.

6 Politics, Economy

Antigua and Barbuda is a "unified and sovereign democratic country". The Queen of England is the head of state. The Governor-General must be a national, appointed by the Queen of England on the advice of the Prime Minister, and assumes executive power on behalf of the Queen. Parliament consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives and enjoys legislative power.

The main political parties in Antigua and Barbuda: United Progressive Party, Antigua Labor Party.

Antigua and Barbuda does not have a complete national economic production system, with a weak economic foundation and a single industrial category, mainly agriculture and tourism. Agriculture produces cotton, sugar cane and potatoes. Tourism is the most important sector in the national economy, accounting for 40% of the gross national product. The offshore financial industry and the online gambling industry are the main financial sources.

7 major holidays

In addition to religious holidays, New Year’s Day is January 1st, Labor Day is May 5th, Queen’s Birthday is June 14th, and Canada Day is July 1st. 7, the Carnival is August 4-5, the Business Festival is October 7, and the National Day is November 1.

8 Folk Etiquette

The people of Anba live a simple life, have a cheerful personality, are open-minded and open-minded, and are very thoughtful in etiquette. In social situations, they often shake hands with Mr. Madam, Madam, Madam. Summer wear all year round, suits are worn for formal occasions.

On Sundays or holidays, crowds of people flock to churches to worship.

9 currencies, time difference

The currency of Antigua and Barbuda is the East Caribbean dollar, and the exchange rate with the RMB is 1:2.35 RMB.

The time difference is 12 hours behind Beijing time.

2. Classic Attractions

Antigua and Barbuda is the first country among the Caribbean island countries to develop tourism. Its tropical climate and 365 beaches attract tourists from all over.

1 St. John's City

The streets in the city are orderly, the exterior walls of the houses are brightly colored, and the interior design is antique. It is considered to be one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Americas.

2 Bird Island

Located on Barbuda Island, the beach is beautiful and quiet. There are more than 170 species of birds on the island. It is the largest colony of great frigatebirds in the world. Every April It is the breeding season of the great frigatebird and the best time to watch the birds.

3 Louis Beach

A rare white sand beach with fine sand and pure white color. The thousand-meter-long beach is like a jade belt. There are only more than a thousand residents on the island. Tourists are here Here you can enjoy a leisurely and peaceful holiday life.

4 Pink Beach

There are countless pink shells on the beach, mixed with the sand. From a distance, the beach is pink and complements the deep blue Atlantic water, which is very spectacular.

5 Nelson Naval Dockyard

The English Port in St. John's was originally a British naval base and was converted into a naval dock in 1889.

3. Travel Information

1. Food and Beverage

Anba people like to eat spicy food, and curry powder is an essential condiment. My favorite food is pig, chicken, fish and potatoes, and my favorite drink is the rum I brewed.

2 Special Shopping

Mainly rum, pottery, mattresses

3 Tips from the tour leader

You will have to pay 10% when taking a taxi Tips are also required for carrying luggage, and 10% tip is paid to the waiter in the hotel.

Excerpted from "Tourism Destination Overview"