Destination
Anguilla

 
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Overview

What Anguilla lacks in size, it more than makes up for in that much-sought Caribbean asset: pristine, powdery beaches. Boasting 19km (12 miles) of white coral coastline, Anguilla’s calm and polychromatic waters are enough to lure any potential visitor.

Anguilla also comprises Sombrero, and numerous other smaller islands and cays, which are even more secluded. Many call Anguilla ’tranquillity wrapped in blue’. Surrounded by blue skies (Anguilla has an average monthly temperature of 27°C/80°F) and vivid blue ocean, Anguilla offers the perfect cocktail to absorb and relax in.

For those seeking an altogether different type of cocktail, nothing can beat staring out at a Caribbean sunset while sipping an Anguillan tipple. Those who like their food need not worry either, since restaurants on the island are excellent and offer a mixture of cuisines, with a natural emphasis on seafood. Al fresco dining is everywhere, with roadside barbecues and beachside bistros and grills speckled all about the shoreline. The nightlife is centred on the hotels and the tourist areas and has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Accommodation ranges from luxury-class resorts to guest houses, apartments, villas and cottages. Some feature the latest in spa and wellness facilities, services and treatments to further guarantee you unwind.

If you ever get bored of relaxing, there are myriad activity choices. Many resorts and hotels are situated on the beach and offer boating, snorkelling, fishing and scuba-diving equipment for adventurous types. For the culturally minded, Anguilla, despite its diminutive size, has around 15 art galleries to stroll around and observe Anguillan talent.

The name Anguilla was given to the island by the Spanish and means ‘eel’, in reference to the island’s eel-like shape.

 
eneral Information
 
Area

Anguilla: 91 sq km (35 sq miles). Sombrero: 5 sq km (2 sq miles). Total: 96 sq km (37 sq miles).

 
Population

13,600 (UN estimate 2006).

 
Population Density

141.6 per sq km.

 
Capital

The Valley. Population: 1,000 (UN estimate 2005).

 
Government

United Kingdom Overseas Territory since 1980.

 
Language

English is the official and commercial language.

 
Religion

Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and Moravian, with Hindu, Jewish and Muslim minorities.

 
Time

 
Social Conventions

The government is anxious to set limits to the commercialisation of the island and visitors will find that social life is centred on the tourist areas. The atmosphere is relaxed and English customs prevail. Beachwear should be confined to resorts. Topless and nude bathing is prohibited.

 
Electricity

110/220 volts AC, 60Hz.

 
Head of Government

Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming since 2000.

 
Head of State

HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Andrew George since 2006.