Country Overview:
Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island – against the wishes of the inhabitants – was incorporated into a single British dependency, along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, with Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency.
Location:
Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico
Geographic coordinates:
18 15 N, 63 10 W
Area:
Total: 102 sq km, land: 102 sq km, water: 0 sq km
Area – Comparative:
About half the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
61 km
Climate:
Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds
Terrain:
Flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
Highest Point:
Highest point: Crocus Hill 65 m
Natural Resources:
Salt, fish, lobster
Population:
14,108 (July 2008 est.)
Nationality:
Noun: Anguillan(s)
Nationality:
Adjective: Anguillan
Ethnic groups:
Black (predominant) 90.1%, mixed, mulatto 4.6%, white 3.7%, other 1.5% (2001 census)
Religions:
Anglican 29%, Methodist 23.9%, other Protestant 30.2%, Roman Catholic 5.7%, other Christian 1.7%, other 5.2%, none or unspecified 4.3% (2001 census)
Languages:
Anglican 29%, Methodist 23.9%, other Protestant 30.2%, Roman Catholic 5.7%, other Christian 1.7%, other 5.2%, none or unspecified 4.3% (2001 census)
Country Name:
Anguilla
Government Type:
NA (overseas territory of the UK)
Capital Name:
The Valley
Independence:
None (overseas territory of the UK)
National Holiday:
Anguilla Day, 30 May (1967)
Constitution:
Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990
Legal System:
Based on English common law
Executive Branch:
Chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Andrew N. GEORGE (since 10 July 2006)
Head of Government:
Head of government: Chief Minister Osbourne FLEMING (since 3 March 2000)
Cabinet:
Cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the elected members of the House of Assembly
Elections:
Elections: 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
