Antigua and Barbuda: Tourist & Vacation Guide

Antigua & Barbuda: Country Profile & Smart Travel Guide

Known for its 365 beaches—one for every day of the year—Antigua & Barbuda offers turquoise waters, colonial heritage, sailing culture, and some of the most relaxing shorelines in the Caribbean.

Capital St. John's

Population (2019 est.) 97,118

Total Area 440 km² (170 mi²)

Currency East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

Calling Code +1 268

Country Codes & Identifiers

International Calling Code

/international-calling-codesCalling codes
+1 268

ISO 3166‑1 Codes

Alpha‑3: ATG Alpha‑2: AG Numeric: 028

EAN‑13 Barcode

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Olympic & FIFA Codes

Olympic: ANT FIFA: ATG

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Useful Country Information

General Facts

Total area: 440 km²
Population: 97,118 (2019)
Capital: St. John’s (~27,000)
Other cities: English Harbour, Codrington

Capital City

St. John's: Capital City Profile

Currency & Exchange

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)

CurrencyRate

Government Officials

Current government officials

Languages

English (official), local dialects

Ethnicity / Race

black 91%, mixed 4.4%, white 1.7%, other 2.9%

Religions

Protestant (various denominations), Roman Catholic, other Christian groups, other faiths, and non-religious.

National Holiday

Independence Day — November 1

Literacy Rate

~99% (est.)

Best Time to Visit Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua & Barbuda enjoys warm tropical weather year‑round. The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and breezy—perfect for beach days, snorkeling, sailing, and exploring the island.

The off‑season (May–November) brings warmer temperatures, occasional showers, and the lowest hotel prices. It’s a great time for quiet beaches and budget-friendly travel.

Dec–Apr: Peak season—ideal weather, best conditions for all activities.
May–Jun: Warm, quieter, excellent deals.
Jul–Oct: Rainier months and hurricane season—lower prices.
Nov: Pleasant shoulder season before peak begins.

Travel Tip: Visit in late April or early May—amazing weather with fewer crowds.

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Background

Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda form the independent nation of Antigua and Barbuda, within the Commonwealth. They are part of the Leeward Islands in the West Indies. The islands were home to Amerindian peoples before European contact. Named “Santa Maria de la Antigua” by Columbus, the islands later saw Spanish, French, and English settlements. A British colony from 1667, Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence in 1981.