In 1667, Antigua became a British colony. Barbuda, formerly owned privately by the Codrington family, was annexed in 1860.

• 1951 Universal adult suffrage introduced.
• 1981 Independence from UK; opposed by Barbudan secessionist movement.
• 1983 Supports US invasion of Grenada.
• 1994 Lester Bird elected prime minister.
• 1995 New taxes provoke protests.
• 1999 ALP wins sixth term.
• 2004 Baldwin Spencer and UPP oust ALP.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004