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Anguilla

Anguilla

Capital:The Valley
Population:14,764
Currency:East Caribbean dollars (XCD)
Language:English (official)
Sandy Ground Anguilla on "August Monday" boat race day

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Anguilla.

Anguilla Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Anguilla's culture is a vibrant blend of African, British, and Caribbean influences, shaped by centuries of history and the enduring spirit of its people. The island's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its African heritage, brought by enslaved Africans who were transported to the island primarily during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the majority of Anguillans trace their ancestry to these African roots, and this heritage is reflected throughout the island's music, food, festivals, and community life.

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Sandy Ground Anguilla on "August Monday" boat race day

Island of Pristine Shores and Tranquil Waters

Sea Grapes

Holidays

  • Independence Day

    8/19

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • December 26th

    Held annually in March: An internationally recognized music festival that brings together local and international artists for a weekend of live performances, showcasing various genres of music.

What is the food like in Anguilla?

Anguillan cuisine reflects the island's maritime environment and Caribbean heritage, with seafood central to the local diet and communal meals an important part of social life.

Do

  • Try local seafood such as lobster, conch, and red snapper
  • Look for traditional dishes made with locally grown vegetables and herbs

Good to know

  • Communal meals are an important aspect of social life in Anguilla

What do people do for fun and recreation in Anguilla?

Music and boat racing are central to Anguillan cultural life, with an annual Summer Festival in August featuring live music, parades, boat racing, and cultural performances.

Good to know

  • Traditional wooden sailboat racing is the national sport and draws large crowds at local regattas
  • Listen for 'Shando' (Shandu), Anguilla's unique folk music blending African rhythms with local storytelling
  • Calypso, reggae, and soca are widely enjoyed
  • The Summer Festival takes place in August

What should travelers know before visiting Anguilla?

Anguilla's culture blends African, British, and Caribbean influences, and its people hold strong cultural pride, especially regarding the 1967 revolution.

Good to know

  • English is the official language, though a distinctive local dialect is common in everyday conversation
  • The island is predominantly Christian, with Methodist, Anglican, and Baptist denominations most common
  • Anguilla Day is observed annually on May 30th, commemorating the 1967 revolution
  • Boat building craftsmanship is a treasured cultural tradition passed down through families

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Anguilla

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
2.7
Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds
Airports
3
Recommended Vaccinations
How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
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History

Historical Eras

  1. Pre-Colonial Period

    2000 BCE – 1650

    Anguilla was inhabited by Amerindian peoples, including the Arawaks and later the Caribs, long before European contact. Whether Christopher Columbus sighted the island during his 1493 voyage remains uncertain, though a French expedition noted it in 1564. The island's name derives from the Spanish word for eel, reflecting its long, narrow shape and serpentine shoreline.

  2. Early British Settlement

    1650 – 1825

    English settlers from Saint Kitts colonized Anguilla in 1650, establishing the island as a British possession. The settlement faced repeated violent challenges, including Carib raids in 1656, Irish landings in 1698, and French attacks in 1745 and 1796, all of which were repelled. The island developed modest plantations relying on enslaved African labor, though its thin soils limited large-scale agricultural prosperity.

  3. Federation with St. Kitts

    1825 – 1967

    Against the strong objections of its inhabitants, Anguilla was incorporated into a unified British dependency with Saint Kitts and Nevis in 1825, subordinating the island to Saint Kitts-based administration. Anguillans resented this arrangement for over a century, as the island received little investment or political representation relative to its partners. Multiple attempts to achieve separation or greater autonomy during the 19th and early 20th centuries were rejected by British authorities.

  4. Revolution & Secession

    1967 – 1980

    When Britain granted Saint Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla associated statehood in 1967, Anguillans revolted, expelling Saint Kitts police and burning down the Government House, then declaring their own independence. A 1969 unilateral declaration of a republic prompted Britain to send paratroopers and police in 1969, though negotiations ultimately favored the Anguillans. By 1971 Britain formally allowed Anguilla to separate, and in 1980 the island became a distinct British dependent territory.

  5. British Overseas Territory

    1980 – present

    Since 1980 Anguilla has functioned as a British Overseas Territory with its own elected House of Assembly and Executive Council, while Britain retains responsibility for defense and foreign affairs. The island developed a prosperous, tourism-driven economy and a thriving offshore financial sector over subsequent decades. Anguilla continues to maintain its distinct identity and has consistently rejected full independence in favor of its constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom.

Overview

The Leeward Islands British dependencies lie east of Puerto Rico in the region where the Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles meet. The British Virgin Islands, immediately east of their United States counterparts, consist of more than forty islands, rocks, and islets, the most important of which are Tortola (containing the capital of Road Town), Virgin Gorda, and Anegada (see fig. 16). Anguilla (pronounced "an-GWIL-a") lies some 120 kilometers east of the British Virgin Islands (see fig. 17).

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1493

    Anguilla was first spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493.

    Anguilla, the smallest Island in the Leeward Island, was first spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493 . He gave the Island her name “Anguilla” because of its shape resemblance to an eel, Anguilla means “eel” in Spanish.

  2. 1650

    Anguilla became a British colony.

    Anguilla became a British colony.

  3. 1656

    Amerindian attack English settlement on Anguilla.

    Amerindian attack English settlement on Anguilla; killed men, captured women and children.

  4. 1666

    French attack Anguilla.

    French attack Anguilla.

  5. 1688

    French and Irish attack Anguilla, colonists flee to Antigua.

    French and Irish attack Anguilla, colonists flee to Antigua.

  6. 1825

    Against the wishes of the islanders, Anguilla became incorporated with St Kitts and Nevis.

    Against the wishes of the islanders, Anguilla became incorporated with St Kitts and Nevis.

  7. 1967

    Locals burned down Government House and declared their independence.

    In Anguilla locals burned down Government House and declared their independence from St. Kitts & Nevis. Britain sent 300 troops followed by police to quell the rebellion.

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Interesting Facts

  • Anguilla means eel in Spanish

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Geography and Environment

the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles
Terrain
flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone
Climate
tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds
Natural Hazards
frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October)
Current Environmental Issues
supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

English (official)

  • English

Population

Population
14,764
Population: Male/Female
male: 9,107 female: 10,309
Population Distribution
most of the population is concentrated in The Valley in the center of the island; settlmement is fairly uniform in the southwest, but rather sparce in the northeast
Urban Population
urban population: 100% of total population rate of urbanization: 0.47% annual rate of change
Population in Major Urban Areas
1,000 THE VALLEY (capital)
Nationality Noun
noun: Anguillan(s) adjective: Anguillan
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%
Language Note
English (official)

Education

Literacy Definition
age 12 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 82.6 years male: 80 years female: 85.3 years
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 3 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
total population: 82.6 years male: 80 years female: 85.3 years
Median Age
total: 37.1 years male: 34.8 years female: 39 years
Age Structure
0-14 years: 20.8% (male 2,056/female 1,992) 15-64 years: 67.5% (male 5,958/female 7,147) 65 years and over: 11.7% (male 1,093/female 1,170)
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 3 deaths/1,000 live births male: 3.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Anguilla
Full Country Name
Anguilla
Local - Short
Anguilla

Government Structure

Government Type
NA
Legal System
based on English common law
Executive Branch
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Alan Eden HUCKLE (since 28 May 2004) head of government: Chief Minister Osbourne FLEMING (since 3 March 2000) cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the elected members of the House of Assembly elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed chief minister by the governor
Legislative Branch
unicameral House of Assembly (11 seats total, 7 elected by direct popular vote, 2 ex officio members, and 2 appointed; members serve five-year terms) elections: last held 21 February 2005 (next to be held 2010) election results: percent of vote by party - AUF 38.9%, ANSA 19.2%, AUM 19.4%, APP 9.5%, independents 13%; seats by party - AUF 4, ANSA 2, AUM 1
Judicial Branch
High Court (judge provided by Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
National Holiday
Anguilla Day, 30 May

Capital City

Capital Name
The Valley
Capital - geographic coordinate
18 13 N, 63 03 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

name derives from the capital's location between several hills

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown

Wildey Business park

Wildey

St. Michael, Barbados

Telephone: (246) 227-4399

Emergency after-hours telephone: (246) 227-4000

Facsimile: (246) 431-0179

Email: BridgetownACS@state.gov

Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Barbadian and U.S. holidays.

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Economy

Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. Tourism remains the dominant sector, accounting for roughly 60 percent of GDP and serving as the primary driver of employment and foreign exchange earnings. Growth in tourism has spurred expansion in the construction sector, particularly in high-end resort and villa development. Anguillan officials continue to develop the offshore financial sector, which remains small but provides important government revenue through licensing and registration fees.

The economy was severely disrupted by Hurricane Irma in 2017, which damaged much of the island's tourism infrastructure, and again by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which caused GDP to contract sharply. Recovery has since been strong, supported by the return of visitors and a notable surge in revenue from the licensing of Anguilla's .ai internet domain, which has become a significant source of government income amid the global boom in artificial intelligence. In the medium term, prospects for the economy will depend largely on the tourism sector and, therefore, on income growth in source markets such as the United States and Europe, as well as on favorable weather conditions and resilience to climate-related risks.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
East Caribbean dollars (XCD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
2.8%
GDP by Sector
agriculture: 4% industry: 18% services: 78%

Banknotes

Anguilla Money - Front
Anguilla Money - Front
Anguilla Money - Back
Anguilla Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
1 April - 31 March
Annual Budget
$22,500,000 (USD)
Economic Aid
$3,500,000 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
commerce 36%; services 29%; construction 18%; transportation and utilities 10%; manufacturing 3%; agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining 4% (2000 est)
Industries
tourism, boat building, offshore financial services
Agriculture Products
small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising
Export Commodities
lobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum
Export Partners
UK, US, Puerto Rico, Saint-Martin
Import Commodities
fuels, foodstuffs, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, textiles
Import Partners
US, Puerto Rico, UK

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
0 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
General Assessment: modern internal telephone system Domestic: fixed-line teledensity is roughly 40 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity is roughly 170 per 100 persons International: country code - 1-264; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber System submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; microwave radio relay to the island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten
Internet Country Code
.ai

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Anguilla?
The population of Anguilla is approximately 14,764.
What is the food like in Anguilla?
Anguillan cuisine reflects the island's maritime environment and Caribbean heritage, with seafood central to the local diet and communal meals an important part of social life. Do: Try local seafood such as lobster, conch, and red snapper Look for traditional dishes made with locally grown vegetables and herbs Communal meals are an important aspect of social life in Anguilla
What do people do for fun and recreation in Anguilla?
Music and boat racing are central to Anguillan cultural life, with an annual Summer Festival in August featuring live music, parades, boat racing, and cultural performances. Traditional wooden sailboat racing is the national sport and draws large crowds at local regattas Listen for 'Shando' (Shandu), Anguilla's unique folk music blending African rhythms with local storytelling Calypso, reggae, and soca are widely enjoyed The Summer Festival takes place in August
What should travelers know before visiting Anguilla?
Anguilla's culture blends African, British, and Caribbean influences, and its people hold strong cultural pride, especially regarding the 1967 revolution. English is the official language, though a distinctive local dialect is common in everyday conversation The island is predominantly Christian, with Methodist, Anglican, and Baptist denominations most common Anguilla Day is observed annually on May 30th, commemorating the 1967 revolution Boat building craftsmanship is a treasured cultural tradition passed down through families
What is the capital of Anguilla?
The Valley is the capital of Anguilla and serves as the island's administrative, commercial, and cultural hub. As the largest settlement on the island, it is home to government offices, markets, and local services. Despite its modest size, The Valley functions as the political center of this self-governing British overseas territory, housing the House of Assembly and key public institutions.
Where is Anguilla located?
Anguilla is a small island territory situated in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, forming part of the Leeward Islands chain in the Lesser Antilles. It lies roughly 8 kilometers north of Saint Martin and about 290 kilometers east of Puerto Rico. As a British overseas territory, Anguilla operates under its own internal government while remaining under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom.
What are the ocean borders of Anguilla?
As an island nation, Anguilla has no land borders; it is entirely surrounded by the Caribbean Sea to the south and west and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and east. The island's nearest neighbors are Saint Martin/Sint Maarten to the south and Saint Barthélemy to the southeast. Several small uninhabited islets, including Scrub Island and Dog Island, fall within Anguillian territory.
What religion is practiced in Anguilla?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Anguilla, practiced by the overwhelming majority of the population. Anglican and Methodist congregations together account for approximately 33% of worshippers, while Seventh-day Adventists make up around 7%. The remaining roughly 52% practice other Christian denominations and minority faiths, reflecting a broadly Protestant-influenced religious landscape shaped by centuries of British colonial heritage.
What currency is used in Anguilla?
Anguilla uses the East Caribbean dollar, with the ISO currency code XCD. The currency is issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and is shared by eight other territories and island nations in the Eastern Caribbean region, including Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Barbuda. The East Caribbean dollar has been pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 2.70 XCD since 1976, providing monetary stability.
What language is spoken in Anguilla?
English is the official and predominant language of Anguilla, a legacy of the island's colonization by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650 and its continuous status as a British dependency. English is used in government, education, commerce, and daily life across the island. A local dialect incorporating Caribbean creole influences is also widely spoken informally among residents.
What is Anguilla known for?
Anguilla is internationally renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, particularly Shoal Bay East, consistently ranked among the Caribbean's finest. The island has developed a reputation for understated luxury tourism, attracting visitors with upscale resorts and a relaxed atmosphere. Anguilla is also celebrated for its vibrant food scene, especially fresh lobster and seafood, and its lively summer Carnival festival. Notably, the island's name derives from the Spanish word for eel, likely referencing its long, flat, narrow shape.
What is the history behind Anguilla's political separation from Saint Kitts?
Anguilla's path to self-governance was marked by resistance and revolt. Against the wishes of its inhabitants, the island was incorporated into a single British dependency with Saint Kitts and Nevis in the early 19th century. Following a revolt in 1967 and years of political pressure, Anguilla was finally permitted to secede in 1971. This arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, when Anguilla became a separate British overseas territory with its own internal government.

Last reviewed 2026

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