History: Carib Indians were the first inhabitants of Antigua and Barbuda. In 1493,
Christopher Columbus became the  first European to reach Antigua. British settlers established a colony on Antigua in 1632. The colony, which later included Barbuda and Redonda, was called Antigua. The British brought African slaves to the islands to work on sugar cane plantations. The slaves were freed in 1834, the year after the United Kingdom abolished slavery throughout its empire. Most of the British people eventually left, but the United Kingdom retained control of the colony.

In 1967, the colony of Antigua became part of the West Indies Associated States and gained control of its internal affairs. It became the independent nation of Antigua and Barbuda on Nov. 1, 1981.

In 1989, Hurricane Hugo struck Antigua and Barbuda. The hurricane caused two deaths and $80 million in property damage. Another powerful hurricane, Hurricane Luis, hit the islands in 1995. It resulted in two deaths and at least $300 million in property damage.

Government: Antigua and Barbuda is a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations . A prime minister heads the government. The prime minister and a Cabinet conduct government operations. A 17-member Parliament—composed of a House of Representatives and Senate—makes the laws. The people elect the Parliament members. The head of the majority party of the House of Representatives serves as prime minister. The prime minister appoints the Cabinet members. 

People: The vast majority of the people of Antigua and Barbuda are descendants of black Africans. About half of the people live in St. John's, and most of the rest live in rural areas. Most of the people live in one-story houses made of concrete blocks or wood. They wear clothing similar to that worn in the United States and other Western nations. Their main foods include beans, fish, lobsters, and sweet potatoes.

Almost all the people of Antigua and Barbuda speak English, the nation's official language. Most of the people are Protestants. Anglicans make up the largest Protestant group. Antigua and Barbuda has well-developed primary and secondary educational systems. 

Land and climate: The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are mostly flat. They were formed from volcanoes that were worn down by wind and rain. The islands have beautiful beaches covered with white sand. Antigua's coast has numerous bays and inlets. Redonda is rocky and has little plant life. The average temperature of the islands is 80 °F (27 °C). The islands receive about 45 inches (114 centimeters) of rain annually. However, long periods of drought strike the area from time to time. 

Public Holidays: Jan 1 2002 New Year's Day. Mar 29 Good Friday. Apr 1 Easter Monday. May 6 Labour Day. May 27 May Bank Holiday. Jul 1 Caricom Day. Aug 5-6 Carnival. Nov 1 Independence Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2003 New Year's Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 5 Labour Day. May 26 May Bank Holiday. Jul 5 Caricom Day. Aug 4-5 Carnival. Nov 1 Independence Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas.