Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Antigua and Barbuda

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Antigua and Barbuda.

Speed

Overview

Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a very large western harbor

Terrain: mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areas
Climate: tropical; little seasonal temperature variation
Weather Patterns: http://voap.weather.com/weather/oap/ACXX0002?template=TRVLH&par=1003114983&unit=0&key=5b85ae1d85877a1b34827fba743e2133
Highest Point: 402 — Boggy Peak 402 m
Lowest Point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

Area (Comparative): 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Maritime Claims: territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 NM contiguous zone: 24 NM

Natural Resources: NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism
Natural Hazards: hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts

Current Environmental Issues: water management - a major concern because of limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to run off quickly
International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements