Rwanda and Antigua and Barbuda on July 17 signed a set of agreements aimed at strengthening the two countries' bilateral cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest. The agreements were signed by Rwanda’s new envoy to the UN, Amb. Martin Ngoga and Amb. Walton Webson of Antigua and Barbuda, in New York. Here are 10 things you should know about Antigua and Barbuda: 1. Twin-island nation in the Caribbean Antigua and Barbuda covers 442 square kilometres and comprises two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda—along with several smaller ones. It is an independent state with its capital, Saint John's, situated in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean Sea, at the southern end of the Leeward Islands chain. The country is a constitutional monarchy with a British-style parliamentary system, and it is represented by an appointed Governor General as the head of state. 2. Home to 365 beaches If you love the beach, Antigua might just be your dream destination. Antigua has over 365 beaches, all pristine with white sand and surrounded by turquoise waters. These stunning beaches, along with coral reefs and clear waters, make the country a global tourism destination. The most famous beaches in the country are Dickenson Bay, Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Beach, Ffryes Beach, Jolly Beach, and Long Bay Beach, and they are popular for their soft, white sand, clear turquoise waters, and various water activities like snorkeling, swimming, and watersports. 3. English is widely spoken Antigua and Barbuda, is a member of the Commonwealth since 1981, the same year they gained independence from the United Kingdom. The main language spoken by the people of Antigua and Barbuda is Antiguan and Barbudan Creole. However, due to the country’s history as a former British colony, English is also widely spoken and serves as the official working language. Antigua’s official language is English. Spanish is also spoken by more than 10,000 inhabitants. 4. Population of 104,000 people With a population of more than 104,000 people, it’s one of the smallest nations in the world. But it punches above its weight in diplomacy, tourism, and sports. The nation’s population includes both residents and those temporarily abroad. Its life expectancy ranges around 75.6 years for men and 80.1 years for women. The majority of its population are of African descent and the two-thirds of the people are Christian where the largest proportion are Anglican. 5. Citizenship by investment Antigua and Barbuda runs a Citizenship by Investment Program, attracting foreign investors. While unrelated to the visa waiver, it’s a known economic strategy in the region. The top-ranked Caribbean passport program grants lifetime citizenship to international investors who contribute at least $100,000 (donation option from October 2020) or invest $200,000 in real estate, according to the country’s Citizenship by Investment website. Processing is quick, typically taking just three to four months. The passport is initially valid for five years and can be easily renewed later for a modest fee of $350 (approximately Rwf500,000). 6. Tourism is the biggest economy driver According to the National Bureau of Statistics in Antigua and Barbuda, the country’s tourism industry is an important contributor to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounting for more than half of the country’s GDP. According to reports, the tranquil island – a Hollywood star’s retreat – is not a destination for budget travellers since even the cheapest hotels are still above the average of what you usually pay for a cheap hotel anywhere else. 7. Fungee and Pepperpot is common dish Antigua and Barbuda cuisine represents the traditional foods of the twin Caribbean islands. The national dish is fungee (pronounced foon-jee) served with pepperpot. Fungee is mainly made from cornmeal and resembles Italian polenta. Other popular local dishes include ducana, seasoned rice, saltfish, and lobster from Barbuda. Traditional sweets include sugar cake, fudge, raspberry and tamarind stew, and peanut brittle. While many of these dishes are native to Antigua and Barbuda and also found in other parts of the Caribbean, the country's cuisine has expanded to include foods from neighbouring islands—like Jamaica’s jerk meats and Trinidad’s roti—along with other regional specialties. 8. Education is free and compulsory In Antigua and Barbuda, education is free and mandatory for children aged 5 to 16, with the nation boasting a high adult literacy rate of around 99%. To help the government cover education-related expenses such as school supplies, transportation, and maintenance, a levy is applied to all basic wages, to ensure that the costs of schooling are fully supported by the state. 9. Sailing is big in Antigua With its winding coastline and many different ports and docking facilities, Antigua has become one of the ideal destinations for sailing. Antigua Sailing Week is a premier annual event that attracts professional sailors from all over the world to participate in yacht racing. An amazing atmosphere that marks the end of the high season in Antigua, the annual event is also an occasion to party and enjoy the island vibes. 10. The national sport is cricket While football is also popular, the main sport in Antigua and Barbuda is cricket. And it’s worshipped like a religion. Even with such a small population, some of the world’s best cricket players are Antiguans, among whom Sir. Viv Richards is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, one of Antigua’s national heroes is a retired Antiguan cricketer who represented the West Indies cricket team between 1974 and 1991. Cricket is deeply ingrained in the culture and considered more than just a sport, almost a way of life.
