Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Antigua and Barbuda
CapitalSaint John's
Population94,209
GDP$2.3bn
Area440 km²
RegionLatin America & Caribbean
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
The Siboney were the first people to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but the Arawaks populated the islands when Christopher COLUMBUS landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early Spanish and French settlements were succeeded by an English colony in 1667. Slavery, which provided labor on the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. In 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the island of Barbuda, devastating the island and forcing the evacuation of the population to Antigua. Almost all of the structures on Barbuda were destroyed and the vegetation stripped, but Antigua was spared the worst.
Reference: 2017, 1981Geography
Location
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area
total: 443 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km)
land: 443 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km
land: 443 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km
Area - comparative
2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
153 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate
tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain
mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areas
Elevation
highest point: Mount Obama 402 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Natural resources
NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism
Land use
agricultural land: 20.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 9.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 18% (2023 est.)
other: 61.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 9.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 18% (2023 est.)
other: 61.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
1.3 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Population distribution
the island of Antigua is home to approximately 97% of the population; nearly the entire population of Barbuda lives in Codrington
Natural hazards
hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts
Geography - note
Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a large western harbor
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)
adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan
adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan
Ethnic groups
African descent 87.3%, mixed 4.7%, Hispanic 2.7%, White 1.6%, other 2.7%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.)
note: note: data represent population by ethnic group
Reference: 2011note: note: data represent population by ethnic group
Languages
English (official), Antiguan Creole (an English-based creole)
Religions
Protestant 68.3% (Anglican 17.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.4%, Pentecostal 12.2%, Moravian 8.3%, Methodist 5.6%, Wesleyan Holiness 4.5%, Church of God 4.1%, Baptist 3.6%), Roman Catholic 8.2%, other 12.2%, unspecified 5.5%, none 5.9% (2011 est.)
Reference: 2011Age structure
0-14 years: 21.8% (male 11,384/female 11,034)
15-64 years: 67.6% (male 32,312/female 37,094)
65 years and over: 10.5% (2024 est.) (male 4,615/female 6,195)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 67.6% (male 32,312/female 37,094)
65 years and over: 10.5% (2024 est.) (male 4,615/female 6,195)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 47.9 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 32.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 15.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.4 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 32.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 15.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 6.4 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 33.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 31.9 years
female: 35.7 years
Reference: 2024male: 31.9 years
female: 35.7 years
Population growth rate
1.11% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
14.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
5.7 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
the island of Antigua is home to approximately 97% of the population; nearly the entire population of Barbuda lives in Codrington
Major urban areas - population
21,000 SAINT JOHN'S (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
35 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.94 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 98.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 5.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.92 physicians/1,000 population (2017)
Reference: 2017Hospital bed density
3.3 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 95.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 97.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 4.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 2.6% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 97.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 4.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 2.6% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
18.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 11.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.97 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 3.95 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.55 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 2.97 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 3.95 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.55 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
31.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Charles III | — | 2022-09-08 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Gaston Browne | — | — | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Antigua and Barbuda
conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda
etymology: antiguo is Spanish for "ancient" or "old;" Christopher COLUMBUS named the island in 1493, after the church of Santa Maria la Antigua (Old Saint Mary's) in Seville, Spain; barbuda is Spanish for "bearded" and may refer to the island's lichen-covered fig trees
conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda
etymology: antiguo is Spanish for "ancient" or "old;" Christopher COLUMBUS named the island in 1493, after the church of Santa Maria la Antigua (Old Saint Mary's) in Seville, Spain; barbuda is Spanish for "bearded" and may refer to the island's lichen-covered fig trees
Capital
name: Saint John's
geographic coordinates: 17 07 N, 61 51 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: named after Saint John the Apostle
geographic coordinates: 17 07 N, 61 51 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: named after Saint John the Apostle
Administrative divisions
6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint Philip
Legal system
common law based on the English model
Constitution
history: several previous; latest presented 31 July 1981, effective 31 October 1981 (The Antigua and Barbuda Constitution Order 1981)
amendment process: proposed by either house of Parliament; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as citizenship, fundamental rights and freedoms, the establishment, power, and authority of the executive and legislative branches, the Supreme Court Order, and the procedure for amending the constitution requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the membership of both houses, approval by at least two-thirds majority in a referendum, and assent to by the governor general; passage of other amendments requires only two-thirds majority vote by both houses
Reference: 1981amendment process: proposed by either house of Parliament; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as citizenship, fundamental rights and freedoms, the establishment, power, and authority of the executive and legislative branches, the Supreme Court Order, and the procedure for amending the constitution requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the membership of both houses, approval by at least two-thirds majority in a referendum, and assent to by the governor general; passage of other amendments requires only two-thirds majority vote by both houses
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Rodney WILLIAMS (since 14 August 2014)
head of government: Prime Minister Gaston BROWNE (since 13 June 2014)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the governor general usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister
Reference: 2022, 2014head of government: Prime Minister Gaston BROWNE (since 13 June 2014)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the governor general usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Representatives
number of seats: 18 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 1/18/2023
parties elected and seats per party: Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) (9); United Progressive Party (UPP) (6); Barbuda People's Movement (BPM) (1); Independents (1); (1); Republican Force (1)
percentage of women in chamber: 5.6%
expected date of next election: January 2028
Reference: 2028, 2023number of seats: 18 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 1/18/2023
parties elected and seats per party: Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) (9); United Progressive Party (UPP) (6); Barbuda People's Movement (BPM) (1); Independents (1); (1); Republican Force (1)
percentage of women in chamber: 5.6%
expected date of next election: January 2028
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate
number of seats: 17 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 2/17/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 41.2%
expected date of next election: February 2028
Reference: 2028, 2023number of seats: 17 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 2/17/2023
percentage of women in chamber: 41.2%
expected date of next election: February 2028
Judicial branch
highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
subordinate courts: Industrial Court; Magistrates' Courts
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
subordinate courts: Industrial Court; Magistrates' Courts
Political parties
Antigua Labor Party or ABLP
Barbuda People's Movement or BPM
Democratic National Alliance or DNA
Go Green for Life or GGL
United Progressive Party or UPP
Barbuda People's Movement or BPM
Democratic National Alliance or DNA
Go Green for Life or GGL
United Progressive Party or UPP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Sir Ronald SANDERS (since 17 September 2015)
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 362-5122
FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225
email address and website: embantbar@aol.com
https://www.antigua-barbuda.org/Aghome01.htm
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Reference: 2015chancery: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 362-5122
FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225
email address and website: embantbar@aol.com
https://www.antigua-barbuda.org/Aghome01.htm
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
1 November 1981 (from the UK)
Reference: 1981National holiday
Independence Day, 1 November (1981)
Reference: 1981Flag
description: red, with an inverted isosceles triangle in the center that spans the flag from top to bottom; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising sun in the black band
meaning: the sun stands for the dawn of a new era, black for the African heritage of most of the population, blue for hope, and red for the dynamism of the people; the "V" shape of the triangle stands for victory; the yellow, blue, and white colors are also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun, sea, and sand
meaning: the sun stands for the dawn of a new era, black for the African heritage of most of the population, blue for hope, and red for the dynamism of the people; the "V" shape of the triangle stands for victory; the yellow, blue, and white colors are also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun, sea, and sand
National symbol(s)
fallow deer
National color(s)
red, white, blue, black, yellow
National anthem(s)
title: "God Save the King"
lyrics/music: unknown
history: royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country
lyrics/music: unknown
history: royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Antigua Naval Dockyard (Nelson's Dockyard)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Antigua Naval Dockyard (Nelson's Dockyard)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda | — | — | — |
Economy
Economic overview
dual island-tourism and construction-driven economy; emerging “blue economy”; limited water supply and susceptibility to hurricanes limit activity; improving road infrastructure; friendly to foreign direct investment; looking at financial innovation in cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $2.772 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $2.657 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $2.594 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $2.657 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $2.594 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $29,600 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $28,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $27,900 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $28,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $27,900 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 1.9% (2023 est.)
industry: 19% (2023 est.)
services: 69.1% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2023industry: 19% (2023 est.)
services: 69.1% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Agricultural products
tropical fruits, milk, mangoes/guavas, eggs, lemons/limes, pumpkins/squash, sweet potatoes, vegetables, cucumbers/gherkins, yams (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances)
Industrial production growth rate
1% (2023 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2023note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $251.418 million (2014 est.)
expenditures: $266.044 million (2014 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2014expenditures: $266.044 million (2014 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 86.2% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$181.366 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$271.047 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$291.674 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$271.047 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$291.674 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $1.314 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $1.185 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.111 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $1.185 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.111 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Suriname 29%, Poland 21%, USA 8%, Dominican Republic 7%, Australia 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, soybean meal, shellfish, paintings (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $1.282 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $1.273 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $1.227 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $1.273 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $1.227 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 43%, Poland 6%, China 5%, UK 4%, Germany 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, cars, plastic products, furniture (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $358.441 million (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $364.367 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $396.506 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $364.367 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $396.506 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 2.7 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 2.7 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 2.7 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2.7 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2.7 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 2.7 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 2.7 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 2.7 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2.7 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2.7 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$181.366 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$271.047 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$291.674 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$271.047 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$291.674 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $1.314 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $1.185 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.111 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $1.185 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $1.111 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Suriname 29%, Poland 21%, USA 8%, Dominican Republic 7%, Australia 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, soybean meal, shellfish, paintings (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $1.282 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $1.273 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $1.227 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $1.273 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $1.227 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 43%, Poland 6%, China 5%, UK 4%, Germany 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
ships, refined petroleum, cars, plastic products, furniture (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 148,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 322.923 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 38.121 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 322.923 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 38.121 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 93.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 6.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 6.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
imports: 25 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 110.114 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 27,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
35 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 5.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 14% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.92 physicians/1,000 population (2017)
Reference: 2017Hospital bed density
3.3 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
18.9% (2016)
Reference: 2016Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
common law based on the English model
Judicial branch
highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
subordinate courts: Industrial Court; Magistrates' Courts
judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
subordinate courts: Industrial Court; Magistrates' Courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force (ABDF): Antigua and Barbuda Regiment, Air Wing, Coast Guard
Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) (2025)
Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 300 active Defense Force personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the ABDF's equipment inventory is limited to small arms, light weapons, and soft-skin vehicles; the Coast Guard maintains ex-US patrol vessels and some smaller boats (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-23 years of age for voluntary military service for both men and women; no conscription (2025)
Military - note
the ABDF’s responsibilities include providing for internal security and support to the police in maintaining law and order, interdicting narcotics smuggling, responding to natural disasters, and monitoring the country’s territorial waters and maritime resources; established in 1981 from colonial forces originally created in 1897, it is one of the world’s smallest militaries
the country has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1982, 1981the country has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Sir Ronald SANDERS (since 17 September 2015)
chancery: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 362-5122
FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225
email address and website: embantbar@aol.com
https://www.antigua-barbuda.org/Aghome01.htm
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Reference: 2015chancery: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016
telephone: [1] (202) 362-5122
FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225
email address and website: embantbar@aol.com
https://www.antigua-barbuda.org/Aghome01.htm
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1981-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1981-11-11 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 5 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
V2
Airports
4 (2025)
Heliports
2 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 614 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 24, container ship 109, general cargo 425, oil tanker 6, other 50
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 24, container ship 109, general cargo 425, oil tanker 6, other 50
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 1
small: 0
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: St. John's
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 1
small: 0
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: St. John's
Environment
Environmental issues
limited natural freshwater resources; water management hampered by tree-clearing to increase crop production, causing rapid rainfall runoff
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation
Land use
agricultural land: 20.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 9.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 18% (2023 est.)
other: 61.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 9.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 9.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 18% (2023 est.)
other: 61.5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 24.3% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 725,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 725,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from petroleum and other liquids: 725,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
8.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 30,600 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.3% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.3% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 7.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 2.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 2.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 1.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
52 million cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 27,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
state-controlled Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service (ABS) operates 1 TV station; multi-channel cable TV subscription services are available; ABS operates 1 radio station; roughly 20 radio stations (2024)
Reference: 2024Internet country code
.ag
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 89,969 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 90,468 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 90,926 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 91,364 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 91,846 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 92,349 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 92,840 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 93,316 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 93,772 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 94,209 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $1,489,603,704 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $1,534,855,556 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $1,661,529,630 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $1,726,448,148 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $1,411,637,037 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $1,602,125,926 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $1,857,114,815 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $2,054,096,296 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $2,162,366,667 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $2,338,196,296 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 29,386 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 30,473 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 7,368 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 7,792 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 8,297 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 7,978 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 8,143 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 12,860 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 12,999 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 13,111 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 9 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 12 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 94,209 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 94,626 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 101,489 | 2023 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 30,473 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 32.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 13,111 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 12 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 97 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 39 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 2022 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $2,338,196,296 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $24,819 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 5.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 1.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 77.8 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.6 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 24.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 72.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 55.0% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 63.3% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 118.3% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 98.9% | 2001 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 108.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 3.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 0.9% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 3.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 7.0 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 18.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 200.5 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 10.7 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 970 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 17.1175° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -61.8456° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 17.1167° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -61.8500° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC−04:00, America/Antigua | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | constitutional monarchy | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: availability) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:12