Date of independence, or formation date: 1981
Date when current borders were established: 1981
National day: Nov 1
Vehicle country identifying code: AG
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): -4.5
International telephone dialling code: +1268
Internet country identifying code: .ag

Part of the Leeward Islands chain, Antigua was in turn a Spanish, French, and British colony. British influence is still strong and most clearly revealed in the Antiguans' passion for cricket. Antigua has two dependencies: Barbuda, 50 km (30 miles) to the north, sporting a magnificent beach, and Redonda, 40 km (25 miles) west, an uninhabited rock with its own king.

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