Introduction to Anguilla

Anguilla is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean, one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. It consists of the main island of Anguilla itself, approximately 26 km (16 miles) long by 5 km (3 miles) wide at its widest point, together with a number of much smaller islands and cays with no permanent population. The island's capital is The Valley. The total land area of the territory is 102 km² (39.4 square miles), with a population of approximately 14,000.

(Source: Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anguilla)

Anguilla was colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, and administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single UK dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis (*Source: Wikitravel - wikitravel.org/en/Anguilla)

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 has spurred the growth of the construction sector, contributing 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.

(Source: CIA World Factbook - ANGUILLA, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/av.html)

Unhurried, uncomplicated time to concentrate your thinking on nothing more than choosing which pleasurable activity you will select to round out your day of beach and sea pleasures. Visitors to Anguilla are met by caring, friendly and welcoming Anguillians, and quickly embraced as friends. Innkeepers, whether of five-star luxury resorts or our charming escapes, apartment hotels, villa and condo beach clubs, value their guests and strive to ensure that vacationers here return to their homes and careers fully rested and restored, in body, mind and spirit. Anguilla truly offers 33 of the best beaches in the world! Stunningly white, powder soft sands meet gentle seas of pristine waters colored in vibrant and varied hues of turquoise. (*Source: Government of Anguilla Official Site: www.gov.ai/).

Anguilla is the culmination of your search for the idyllic tropical escape. In addition to white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, a contemporary international style, extraordinary vistas, world-class accommodations and mouth-watering cuisine, are the other stand out features that has solidified Anguilla’s sparkling reputation.

The island is a retreat for couples, families and singles, offering accommodations for the most discerning traveler. A plethora of choices await you. Visiting art galleries, touring historic sites and museums, horseback riding, dancing to island beats, excursions to our undersea world, sailing and snorkeling, or quiet days basking in the sun and enjoying the simple pleasure of sunset strolls.

International air service into Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and Antigua makes getting here easy. Entry requirements differ by country of origin but a valid passport is preferred. Our language is English, our currency the Eastern Caribbean dollar. And, along with our first rate tourism product, we are an exceptional location for business and commerce.

Anguilla is inviting, intriguing and truly incomparable. We value our visitors as much as our visitors value the time they spend on our island. We proudly share our traditions - be it festivals or our national sport, boat racing - but best of all, we share the warmth and friendliness of our people. (*Source: http://www.anguilla-vacation.com)

Anguilla Contents

Introduction to Anguilla