Population: 68,722 (July 2005 est.)

Capital: Saint John's (Antigua)

Languages: English (official), local dialects

Religions: Christian, (predominantly Anglican with other Protestant, and some Roman Catholic)

Government: constitutional monarchy with UK-style parliament

Climate: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain: mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areas

Geography: Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a very large western harbor

Ethnic groups: black, British, Portuguese, Lebanese, Syrian

Economy: Tourism continues to dominate the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP. Weak tourist arrival numbers since early 2000 have slowed the economy, however, and pressed the government into a tight fiscal corner. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on income growth in the industrialized world, especially in the US, which accounts for slightly more than one-third of tourist arrivals.

GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $11,000 (2002 est.)

GDP real growth: 3% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate: 11% (2001 est.)

Internet country code: .ag

Dial code: +268