Antigua & Barbuda, part of the Island of British West Indies, comprises three Islands: Antigua, Barbuda and (uninhabited) Redonda. Columbus landed on Antigua in 1493. Became independent on Nov.1,1981.

The population is of mixed European-Negro origin. About 3000 refugees fleeing a volcanic eruption on Montserrat have settled in Antigua since 1995. The economy is agricultural.
Main exports: Sugar and sea island cotton. Tourism is a major source of income.
Manufactures: Garments, fans, refrigerators and rum.