Americas · Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda

Capital: Saint John's
Population: 97,928
Region: Americas
Languages: English

Fun fact

This island nation is famously known as the Land of 365 Beaches, claiming to offer a different stretch of sand for every day of the year. Beyond its shores, the country is a premier destination for competitive sailing and hosts one of the world's most prestigious regattas. Interestingly, the territory also includes the uninhabited island of Redonda, which is technically a micro-monarchy with its own appointed kings who have historically been figures from the literary world.

Currency

The official currency is the East Caribbean Dollar, identified by the ISO code XCD. It has been pegged to the United States Dollar at a fixed rate of 2.70 since 1976, providing long-term economic stability for the country and its regional partners.

Flag symbolism

The flag features a central V-shape which represents victory and the potential for future growth. Within this shape, the sun symbolizes the dawn of a new era following the nation's transition to independence. The black field reflects the African heritage of the people, while the blue represents the surrounding Caribbean waters and the white indicates the purity of their hopes. Red, which forms the background, signifies the dynamism and energy of the local population.

Emblem history

The coat of arms showcases a pineapple at the top, which was a fruit once prized by the indigenous inhabitants and later cultivated during the colonial era. Two deer serve as supporters, representing the unique wildlife found on the islands, specifically the European fallow deer which was introduced centuries ago. The central shield depicts a sugar mill, a direct nod to the historical industry that shaped the economy and social structure of the islands for generations. Below the shield, a scroll displays the national motto, which emphasizes that each individual must contribute to the collective achievement of the nation.