Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico. The island is a popular tourist destination known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. The capital city is The Valley, and the official language is English.
Anguilla is a small island with a total land area of just 91 square kilometers (35 square miles). The island has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season from September to November. The island's economy is primarily driven by tourism, offshore banking, and fishing.
Anguilla has a population of around 15,000 people, and the island has a diverse culture with influences from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. The island's cuisine is a mix of African, European, and Caribbean flavors, and it's known for its seafood, barbecue, and local dishes like Johnny cakes and salt fish.
Anguilla is a popular destination for travelers looking for a relaxing beach vacation. The island has several stunning beaches, including Shoal Bay, Rendezvous Bay, and Meads Bay. Visitors can enjoy water sports like snorkeling, diving, and sailing, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. The island also has a vibrant nightlife scene with several bars and restaurants offering live music and entertainment.
National holiday
Anguilla Day, 30 May (1967)
Telephone Code
264
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
Climate
Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds
Currency (Code)
Eastern Caribbean dollars (XCD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
110 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
English (official)
Major Religions
Protestant 73.2%, Roman Catholic 6.8%, other Christian 10.9%
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, traveler will need to present their US driver's license & IDP to local police to pay a special registration fee
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Captain’s Bay; Watersports Water Park; Heritage Collection Museum; Limestone Bay; Sandy Ground Harbor; Shoal Bay East; Meads Bay Beach; Maundays Bay Beach
Major Sports
Sailboat racing, cricket, rugby
Cultural Practices
Do not be alarmed by drivers tooting their horns - it is a common form of greeting.
Tipping Guidelines
Most restaurant bills include a 15% service charge, additional tipping is at your discretion. Tip bellhops $1-2 (USD) per bag and cleaning staff at the same rate per day for good service. Tip taxi drivers 10-15% of fare.
Souvenirs
Seashell jewelry and handicrafts, pottery, rum, collectible stamps, traditional carvings
Traditional Cuisine
Pigeon peas with rice, seasoned with herbs and spices
Country code top-level domain
.ai
Geography
Area
total: 91 sq km
land: 91 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate
tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds
Natural resources
salt, fish, lobster
People and Society
Population
19,079 (2023 est.)
Ethnic groups
African/Black 85.3%, Hispanic 4.9%, mixed 3.8%, White 3.2%, East Indian/Indian 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.)
Languages
English (official)
Religions
Protestant 73.2% (includes Anglican 22.7%, Methodist 19.4%, Pentecostal 10.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.3%, Baptist 7.1%, Church of God 4.9%, Presbyterian 0.2%, Brethren 0.1%), Roman Catholic 6.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other Christian 10.9%, other 3.2%, unspecified 0.3%, none 4.5% (2011 est.)
Population growth rate
1.77% (2023 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy (House of Assembly); self-governing overseas territory of the UK
Capital
name: The Valley
Economy
Economic overview
small, tourism-dependent, territorial-island economy; very high public debt; COVID-19 crippled economic activity; partial recovery underway via tourism, benefitting from its high amount of timeshare residences; considering reopening oil refinery
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$175.4 million (2009 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$12,200 (2008 est.)
Agricultural products
small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising
Industries
tourism, boat building, offshore financial services
Exports
$7.9 million (2017 est.)
Exports - commodities
lobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum
Imports
$186.2 million (2017 est.)
Imports - commodities
fuels, foodstuffs, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, textiles