The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Columbia Encyclopedia World Factbook American Heritage Coll. West Indies, in the Leeward Islands. Saint John's is the capital. Antigua is a hilly island with a heavily indented coast, while Barbuda is a flat coral island dominated by a large lagoon on its western side.
Most residents are of African ancestry.
Anglicanism is the predominant religion. Tourism is the most important industry, and there is a growing offshore financial services sector. Agriculture, fishing, and manufacturing are also pursued. Periodic hurricanes can cause heavy damage to the islands. The country has a parliamentary-style government with a bicameral legislature.