President Paul Kagame is in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda for the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), bringing renewed attention to the Caribbean twin-island nation that has recently strengthened ties with Rwanda.
The November 1-4 summit brings together heads of state and government, ministers, business leaders, civil society and youth representatives under the theme, "Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
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Kagame's visit comes months after Rwanda and Antigua and Barbuda signed agreements to deepen cooperation in areas including visa-free travel, health and tourism.
Here is what to know about the twin-island nation and its growing relationship with Rwanda.
Rwandans can travel without a visa
Rwanda and Antigua and Barbuda established a new chapter in their relationship in July 2025, when the two countries signed agreements covering visa-free travel, health and tourism cooperation.
The visa waiver agreement removed entry, transit and visitor visa requirements for citizens of both countries on a reciprocal basis.
Two islands, one nation
Antigua and Barbuda is located in the Eastern Caribbean, at the southern end of the Leeward Islands chain. The country consists mainly of Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the small, uninhabited island of Redonda.
Antigua is the larger and more populated island, covering about 280 square kilometres, while Barbuda covers around 161 square kilometres. The country's total land area is about 442 square kilometres, with a population estimated at around 94,000 people.
St. John's, located on Antigua, is the country's capital and the centre of government and business. Barbuda's main settlement is Codrington.
The land of 365 beaches
Antigua is famous for its beaches that it is often called the "Land of 365 Beaches”, one for every day of the year.
Its coastline is marked by bays, coral reefs and sandy beaches, while the island's highest point, Mount Obama, rises to about 400 metres.
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The low-lying coral island is known for its long beaches, lagoons and wildlife, including one of the world's largest colonies of magnificent frigate birds.
From British colony to independent state
Christopher Columbus reached Antigua in 1493, and the islands later became a British colony. Antigua and Barbuda gained independence from Britain on November 1, 1981.
The country remains a member of the Commonwealth and operates as a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. King Charles III, who is also attending this year’s CHOGM, is the head of state and is represented in the country by a Governor-General, while Prime Minister Gaston Browne heads the government.
English is the official language, although Antiguan and Barbudan Creole is widely spoken in everyday life.
A tourism-driven economy
Tourism is the backbone of Antigua and Barbuda's economy, drawing visitors to its beaches, resorts, sailing events and historical sites.
The services sector accounts for the largest share of the country's economy, while financial services, construction, agriculture and fishing also contribute.
The country uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar, which is shared by several countries in the region.
Cricket, Carnival and Caribbean culture
Cricket occupies a special place in the country's sporting identity. Antigua produced Sir Vivian Richards, one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game, who represented the West Indies from the 1970s to the early 1990s.