Political Status: Former British dependency; joined West Indies Associated States in 1967; independent member of the Commonwealth since November 1, 1981.

Area: 171.5 sq. mi. (444 sq. km.), encompassing the main island of Antigua (108 sq. mi.) and the dependent islands of Barbuda (62 sq. mi.) and Redonda (0.5 sq. mi.).

Population: 77,426 (2001C); 81,000 (2006E).

Major Urban Center (2005E): ST. JOHN’S (22,700).

Official Language: English.

Monetary Unit: East Caribbean Dollar (official rate November 2, 2007: 2.70 EC dollars = $1US).

Sovereign: Queen ELIZABETH II.

Governor General: Sir James B. CARLISLE; sworn in to succeed Sir Wilfred Ebenezer JACOBS, who retired June 10, 1993.

Prime Minister: Winston Baldwin SPENCER (United Progressive Party); sworn in March 24, 2004, following election of March 23, succeeding Lester Bryant BIRD (Antigua Labour Party).

The Country

Located in the northern ...