Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a tropical but dry country of 3 islands in the Eastern Caribbean. The largest, Antigua, has secluded bays and sandy beaches, coral reefs and volcanic rocks rising to about 400 metres at Mount Obama. Barbuda is a flat coral island with a large lagoon, while tiny Redonda is rocky and uninhabited.

Secretariat support for Antigua and Barbuda 

Elections 

The Secretariat Secretariat sent observers to Antigua and Barbuda’s general election in March 2018. The Commonwealth taught senior officials how to run fair and trusted elections which are inclusive of women, young people and disabled people.

Elections work

Youth

Supported by the Secretariat's Youth Division, the Commonwealth Youth Council’s campaign to support the rights of young disabled people, I am ABLE, held its first conference in Antigua and Barbuda in December 2017. 

Youth work

Countering violent extremism 

The Secretariat helped set up talks between Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad and Tobago to encourage awareness and partnership on tackling violent and extremist views. It also supported the second Faith in the Commonwealth initiative in Antigua and Barbuda, to promote understanding and respect among different communities and faiths. 

Countering violent extremism work

Preventing corruption  

The Secretariat gave Antigua and Barbuda technical advice on government buying of goods and services, auditing accounts and managing risks. The aim was to help stop corruption and improve public financial management.  

Tackling corruption

Climate change 

With help from the Secretariat, Antigua and Barbuda made progress on creating a new law for agriculture that takes climate change into account. The country used the Commonwealth’s Climate Finance Access Hub, with support from an adviser sent by the Secretariat, to prepare proposals to access money to help it tackle climate change. 

Climate change work

Maritime boundaries 

The Secretariat sent a consultant to help Antigua and Barbuda negotiate its sea border with Anguilla. This will improve its sustainable development of and access to marine and other natural resources. 

Natural resources work

Blue Charter

Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance and Sustainable Blue Economy Action Groups.

Blue Charter

Find out more 

Learn more about the Secretariat's work

Total population

Key Facts

Population
97,928 (2022)
Area
Antigua 280 square kilometres, Barbuda 161 square kilometres, Redonda 1.6 square kilometres
Capital city
Saint John’s
Joined the Commonwealth
1981, following independence from Britain