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LOCATION & GEOGRAPHY
The territory of Anguilla lies 146 miles
east of Puerto Rico, six miles (10 km)
to the north of St. Martin and between
the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic
Ocean. It is a British Overseas Territory
and is the most northerly of the
Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles.
In essence, Anguilla can be described
as a collection of flat and lowlying
islands and cays of coral and
limestone, with the capital - The Valley -
situated on the main island of Anguilla.
The total area of the territory is 102 sq
km and its name, meaning ‘eel’, was
the name given to it by the French
because of its long, thin shape.
Anguilla boasts the finest, powder
white beaches and turquoise waters
in the Caribbean. The highest point is
Crocus Hill which is a mere 65m.
However, regardless of the island’s
physical attributes, it is the people who
truly make this country a jewel of the
Caribbean. Anguillians are passionate
about their culture and heritage and
this is evident at all major cultural
events and historical celebrations
held on the island. Business or leisure
travelers will find Anguillans very warm,
peaceful, friendly and hospitable.
OUR GOVERNMENT
Anguilla is a British Dependent Territory.
The British Monarch is represented by
a Governor who presides over the
Executive Council and is responsible
for defense, external affairs, internal
security, the public service and
offshore finance. |
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The House of Assembly is elected for
fi ve years and consists of seven elected
members, two ex-officio members
and two members nominated by the
Governor.
The legal system is based on English
common law.
OUR PEOPLE
The population is estimated at 14,254
(2006) and the official language is
English.
CLIMATE
Anguilla experiences sub-tropical
temperature. With an average of
35 inches of rainfall annually, the
climate is hot throughout the year
and tempered by trade winds in local
areas. July to October tend to get
fairly gusty and are classifi ed as the
hurricane months. Downpours are also
frequent during this period.
CURRENCY
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is
the official currency of Anguilla.
Eastern Caribbean Notes are in
denominations of EC$100, 50, 20, 10
and 5. Coins are in denominations of
EC$1, and 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. The
Eastern Caribbean dollar is fixed to
the US dollar at US$1.00 = EC$2.70. US
Dollars are widely accepted. Credit
cards & travelers checks are generally
accepted. Prices are quoted in either
currency, so ask if you are unsure. |
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FLORA & FAUNA
Most natural flora on Anguilla is lowgrowing
and tolerant of the salty
air, strong sun and sometimes arid
conditions. Here you will find Beach
Maho or Sea Cotton, Green Agave,
Aloe Vera, Organ pipe cactus,
Buttonwood, a tree that grows in
saltwater and brackish water and
Tabebuia, the national plant of
Anguilla, with pink blooms.
The national bird of Anguilla is the turtle
dove (zenaida aurita), a brownish bird
protected by law. Anguilla is home to
over 120 species, 30 per cent of which
are globally or regionally threatened
or endangered species. Birds often
spotted on Anguilla include the green
Antillean crested hummingbird, the
sugar-loving Bananaquit, the Frigate
bird and the Brown pelican.
The mangroves and salt ponds
throughout the island provide some
of the best habitat for bird watching.
Great blue herons are seen during their
winter migration, while permanent
residents include the Snowy Egret,
Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, Lesser
Yellowlegs or Pond Dipper, White-
Cheeked Pintail and Black-Necked
Stilt.
Several species of sea turtle are found
in the waters off Anguilla. All are
globally threatened or endangered.
Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback
and Green Sea Turtles are found in
these waters, but in small numbers.
In addition, Barracuda, Lobster, Sting
Rays and Tiger Grouper are among
the sea life in the waters off Anguilla. |
