TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Anguilla has recently built large-scale tourist complexes, successfully aiming for top-quality, high-end development with relatively limited impact on the island's scarce resources. As a result, the island feels very safe, welcoming and relaxed. If you're happy with beach wandering, watersports and plenty of good restaurants, Anguilla is hard to beat. Shoal Bay is one of the region's greatest beaches, big enough that you'll find your own quiet spot away from the crowds, and dotted with several good. Take a ferry out to the tiny islnd of Scilly Cay and snack on tasty fresh lobster, grilled for you right by the beach. There are no towns or villages as such on the island, and the closest thing you'll find are the small clusters of houses found in areas such as Sandy Ground and Island Harbour.

TRAVEL TIPS

Most visits to Anguilla are trouble-free. The crime rate is low in Anguilla. Nevertheless, you should take the same sensible precautions as you would at home, such as locking doors and windows at night and securing your car when you leave it. Do not leave valuables lying around; keep them in your hotel or other safe deposit box. There is no public transport except taxis but car rental is widely available. You will need to bring your driver's licence if you plan to rent a car (and obtain a local driving licence from the car rental company at a cost of US $20). If driving a vehicle, remember to drive on the left, the same as in the UK. There are harsh penalties if you are caught with drugs of any kind. Topless/nude bathing is not permitted. You should observe the customs regulations on the importation and exportation of agricultural products and the protection of marine and animal life. There are a number of marine and animal specimens that may not be taken from the island. The hurricane season in Anguilla normally runs from June to November. With just one small hospital and three private clinics on the Island, medical facilities are relatively limited. Serious cases requiring major surgery may have to be transferred to neighbouring islands or to Miami once stabilised. We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Anquilla.
Check the official web site of the Government of Anquilla.

BRIEF HISTORY

Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single British dependency, along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, with Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency.

GEOGRAPHY

Area: total: 102 sq km; land: 102 sq km; water: 0 sq km.
Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds.
Terrain: flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone.
Natural Resources: salt, fish, lobster.
Natural Hazards: frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October).
Environmental Problems: supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system.

PEOPLE

Population: 14,000.
Median Age: total: 31 years; male: 31years; female: 31 years.
Life Expectancy: male: 74.35 years, female: 80.3 years.
Fertility Rate: 1.73 children born per woman.
Major Ethnic Groups: black (predominant) 90.1%, mixed, mulatto 4.6%, white 3.7%, other 1.5%.
Religions: Anglican 29%, Methodist 23.9%, other Protestant 30.2%, Roman Catholic 5.7%, other Christian 1.7%, other 5.2%, none or unspecified 4.3%.
Languages: English (official).

GOVERNMENT

Type: overseas territory of the UK.
Capital City: The Valley.
Time Difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time). Check current time.
National Holiday: Anguilla Day, 30 May.
Chief of State: Queen of the UK represented by Governor.
Head of Government: Chief Minister.
Cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the Governor.
Legislative Branch: unicameral House of Assembly (11 seats).

ECONOMY

Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism industry, which has spurred the growth of the construction sector, has contributed to economic growth. Anguillan officials have put substantial effort into developing the offshore financial sector, which is small, but growing. In the medium term, prospects for the economy will depend largely on the tourism sector and, therefore, on revived income growth in the industrialized nations as well as on favorable weather conditions.
GDP: $108.9 million, Growth Rate: 10.2%, GDP Per Capita: $8,800.
Unemployment Rate: 8%
Population Below Powerty Line: 23%.
Agriculture Products: small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising.
Major Industries: tourism, boat building, offshore financial services.
Export Commodities: lobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum.
Export Partners: UK, US, Puerto Rico, Saint-Martin.
Import Commodities: fuels, foodstuffs, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, textiles.
Import Partners: US, Puerto Rico, UK.
Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD). Check current rate of exchange.

TRANSPORT

Airports: 3
Roadways: 105 km.
Major Ports and Terminals: Blowing Point, Road Bay.