Nestled in the eastern Caribbean Sea, Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island nation known for its turquoise waters, coral reefs, and over 365 sandy beaches. Despite its relatively small size compared to other countries, its strategic location and cultural richness make it a fascinating part of the Caribbean landscape. Understanding the size of Antigua and Barbuda not only gives a sense of its geography, but also reveals the country’s environmental, economic, and social characteristics that define its identity as a sovereign island state.
Geographic Size of Antigua and Barbuda
Total Land Area
The combined total area of Antigua and Barbuda is approximately440 square kilometers, or about 170 square miles. This makes it one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of landmass. The nation comprises two main islands Antigua and Barbuda along with several smaller islets such as Redonda, Long Island, and Green Island.
- AntiguaRoughly 280 square kilometers (108 square miles)
- BarbudaAround 160 square kilometers (62 square miles)
- Redonda and other isletsMinimal land contribution, less than 1 square kilometer
While Antigua is the larger and more populated island, Barbuda remains relatively rural and less developed, maintaining its ecological balance and natural beauty.
Antigua The Main Island
Topography and Shape
Antigua’s terrain is primarily low-lying limestone and coral, though it includes some rolling hills and volcanic features. The island is shaped somewhat irregularly, with numerous natural harbors and inlets, making it ideal for maritime activities. The highest point is Mount Obama, formerly known as Boggy Peak, which rises to 402 meters (1,319 feet) above sea level.
Urban Development
The capital city, St. John’s, is located on the northwest coast of Antigua. As the center of government, commerce, and tourism, it hosts the country’s main seaport and airport. Most of the island’s population lives here or nearby, and the urban sprawl is relatively limited due to the overall size constraints.
Barbuda The Sister Island
Natural Features
Barbuda lies approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Antigua and is characterized by flat terrain, coastal lagoons, and coral reefs. The island has no significant elevations and is mostly composed of coral limestone. Its coastline is surrounded by pristine beaches and a barrier reef system.
Low Population Density
Barbuda is sparsely populated compared to Antigua, with its main settlement located in Codrington. The low population and relatively undisturbed environment make Barbuda an important ecological reserve, home to the largest frigate bird colony in the Caribbean.
Smaller Islets and Territorial Waters
Redonda
Though uninhabited, Redonda is officially part of Antigua and Barbuda. It’s a rocky islet about 1.6 kilometers long and 0.5 kilometers wide, rising steeply from the sea. It has no fresh water and is largely inaccessible, but it is counted in the nation’s sovereign territory.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Despite its small land area, Antigua and Barbuda controls a largeexclusive economic zone(EEZ) that stretches approximately 110,000 square kilometers (about 42,500 square miles) into the surrounding waters. This EEZ is rich in marine life, supports local fishing industries, and has potential for offshore energy development.
Population and Density Relative to Size
Population Estimates
As of recent estimates, Antigua and Barbuda has a population of around 100,000 people, the majority of whom reside on Antigua. This results in a population density of about 227 people per square kilometer (590 per square mile), which is relatively high for an island nation of its size.
Urban vs Rural Distribution
St. John’s and surrounding areas on Antigua are heavily urbanized, while the interior and coastal villages are more rural. Barbuda remains largely undeveloped, with only a small percentage of the total national population residing there.
Implications of Small Size
Environmental Sensitivity
Due to its limited land area, Antigua and Barbuda is particularly vulnerable to environmental threats such as sea-level rise, hurricanes, and coastal erosion. Preservation of natural habitats is crucial, especially on Barbuda, which is home to unique flora and fauna.
Tourism and Land Use
Tourism is the backbone of the economy, but it must be managed carefully to avoid overdevelopment. The small size means that land is a limited resource, and zoning regulations must balance the need for economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Transportation Within the Islands
Road Infrastructure
Given the small area, road travel is efficient. Most destinations in Antigua can be reached within 30-45 minutes. The island has a well-maintained road network that connects key towns and resorts. Barbuda has fewer roads and less traffic, but the size of the island makes transportation manageable.
Inter-Island Travel
Travel between Antigua and Barbuda is possible by air and sea. Small aircraft and ferry services operate regularly, and the short distance between the islands ensures minimal travel time.
International Comparisons
To give a better idea of the country’s size, Antigua and Barbuda is
- About the same size as the city of New Orleans in the United States
- Smaller than Singapore, which covers 728 square kilometers
- Roughly one-fourth the size of London, England
- Slightly larger than Andorra or Liechtenstein in Europe
Despite its compact size, Antigua and Barbuda plays a prominent role in the Caribbean due to its political stability, tourism appeal, and regional partnerships.
The size of Antigua and Barbuda, while modest in terms of land area, plays a critical role in shaping the nation’s identity. Comprising approximately 440 square kilometers split between two main islands, the country uses its small geographic footprint to its advantage through effective land management, tourism, and marine resource development. Though small in size, Antigua and Barbuda makes a large impact culturally and economically in the Caribbean region. Its limited area, combined with a rich coastline and expansive territorial waters, ensures that the twin-island nation remains both unique and significant.