Once the home of Arawak and Carib peoples, Anguilla became a British colony after English settlers arrived in 1650. Its people are of mainly African descent.

 

OVERVIEW

Carefully-regulated tourism is important to the economy. A tropical climate, fine beaches, reefs and turquoise seas lure visitors, many of them from the US.

Offshore banking is another money-earner. Anguilla, which does not levy personal or corporate income tax, was removed in 2002 from an international list of territories said to be uncooperative in the fight against money-laundering.

Persistent tensions over Anguilla's political status came to a head in 1967 when Britain created a three-island self-governing entity, the forerunner of a proposed state, which combined Anguilla and the islands of St Kitts and Nevis to the south.

Anguillians, many of whom argued that they were not fairly represented by the St Kitts-based administration, threw out the Kittsian police force and declared their secession.

British forces were sent and in 1971 the Anguilla Act put the territory under British control. Anguilla ended its association with St Kitts and Nevis and became a British overseas territory in 1980.

Boating and cricket are among the popular activities on Anguilla. It is also a haven for migratory birds and a breeding ground for terns, frigates and tropical birds.

• Population: 12,200 (2003 estimate)
• Capital: The Valley
• Area: 96 sq km (37 sq miles)
• Major language: English
• Major religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy: 79 years (men), 81 years (women)
• Monetary unit: 1 East Caribbean dollar = 100 cents
• Main exports: Fish, lobsters, salt
• GNI per capita: n/a
• Internet domain: .ai
• International dialling code: +1 264

Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor Alan Edden Huckle

Chief minister: Osbourne Fleming

Osbourne Fleming's ruling Anguilla United Front party won general elections in February 2005. His campaign had centred on development projects, including the renovation of the main airport and the building of luxury tourist developments.

The chief minister has backed reforms intended to give the internally-governing territory more autonomy.

There are seven elected seats in Anguilla's assembly. Four assembly members are appointed; three of them by the governor and one by the ruling party.

             The press

• The Anguillian - weekly
• The Light - weekly

             Television