Antigua is located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean and is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide. The current population for Antigua is about 68,000. Christoper Columbus named the island “Antigua” in 1493.

Warm temperatures make the climate nice all year with temperatures staying in the mid seventies in the winter and mid eighties in the summer. Rainfall averages about 45 inches per year, which makes Antigua the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands. Antigua has low humidity all year.

Most people that live in Antigua are descendants of African slaves who came to the Caribbean during the British colonization period. Because of this fact, the Antigua culture includes some European and African cultural pieces.
African music is heard throughout Antigua including music that incorporates calypso, steel drums, and reggae. The Celebration of Carnival is one of Antigua’s distinguishing aspects. The Carnival lasts ten days in late July and early August. Live music, contests, parades, and pageants are part of the Carnival.

English is the official language of Antigua; however, many islanders speak Creole influenced by African structures.

Economy in Antigua is dependent on tourism, but is also supported by a medical school and the students of the school.