Limestone and granite rock covered mostly by scrub and indigenous plant life, give way to red dirt bottoms and white clay flatland, hardly cultivated any longer. Anguilla claims some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean and has many accessible reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving. Anguilla's virtually crime free environment allows you can wander off and find your own private spot or you can spread your beach towel near one of the small beach bars and bistros, where a 'cool one' can be enjoyed at a very reasonable cost. Off-shore cays are ideal for a picnic lunch, swimming and snorkeling adventures. Due to the fact that the island has a perfect climate and a low cost of living, it makes the perfect retirement or vacation spot for those looking for peace and tranquillity.
Racial tension is fundamentally non-existent.
They called the island Malliouhana. The Spaniards who followed Christopher Columbus to the New World are said to have given the island its present name, because of its long and eel-like shape. Anguilla was sighted by Columbus in 1493 and was colonized by English settlers from St. Kitts in 1650. Anguilla enjoyed self-rule until the early 1800s when it began to be administered from the neighbouring island of St. Kitts. There are seven elected, one ex-officio, and two nominated members plus a Speaker in the Legislative Assembly which runs for five years.