Antiguans claim to have a different beach for every day of the year and their island’s many beautiful soft, sandy beaches and coves certainly constitute its main attraction. This is where people come to relax and luxuriate in clear water that sparkles under hot sun.

Low-lying and volcanic in origin, Antigua & Barbuda form part of the Leeward Islands group in the northeast Caribbean and have certainly adopted the notoriously ‘Caribbean’ way of life: this is a place to take things easy, to stroll around markets, gulp the fresh juices of coconuts and pineapple, and to meet friendly locals with plenty of anecdotes.

Unsurprisingly, Antigua & Barbuda’s way of life is governed by water, and any visitor will find that their stay is too. The ocean is crammed with crustaceans and tropical fish and offers huge scope for watersports. Those in-the-know flock to Nelson’s Dockyard in the English Harbour, which is at the forefront of Antigua & Barbuda’s vast yachting and sailing scene.

Unlikely, but should you grow weary of Antigua & Barbuda’s nautically-themed activities, the area also abounds with colourful bird and insect life. Barbuda is an unspoiled natural haven for wild deer and exotic birds and boasts the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. There are also national parks and blow holes to discover, including, of course, the Devil’s Bridge, a natural phenomenon crafted by the colliding of Atlantic and Caribbean surf.

Antiguans are proud of their human history too, especially as it documents their release from colonisation, slavery and sugar plantations. This keenness to remember emancipation is apparent as towns proudly proclaim names such as Liberta and Freetown. Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre ensures visitors are also aware of the economic problems that catapulted the independence movement during the 20th century. In recent years, leadership has been dogged with allegations of corruption, and parts of Antigua are still devastated by the legacy of Hurricane Louis in 1995.

However, you won’t find many Antiguans brooding on such difficulties. Neither should any visitor: instead, they should relax beneath a brilliant Caribbean sunset whilst quaffing rum punch or ice-cold fruit juice. Shirley Heights is the epicentre of all nighttime activity. With amazing views of the ocean, local music and a sizzling barbecue, this is where you dance the night away.

Antigua: 280 sq km (108 sq miles); Barbuda: 161 sq km (62 sq miles); Redonda: 1.6 sq km (0.6 sq miles). Total: 441.6 sq km (170.5 sq miles).

81,000 (UN estimate 2005).

174.4 per sq km.

St John’s. Population: 28,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Constitutional monarchy. Gained internal full independence in 1981.

English is the official language. English patois is widely spoken.

Predominantly Anglican but also Methodist, Moravian, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist and others.

GMT - 4.

Dress is informal unless formal dress is specifically requested. It is not acceptable to wear scanty clothing or beachwear in towns or villages. It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing. Relatives and good friends generally embrace. Friends tend to drop by unannounced, but an invitation is necessary for acquaintances or business associates. Although gifts will generally be well received, they are normally only given on celebratory occasions. Flowers are appropriate for dinner parties; bring a bottle only when specifically requested. Smoking is accepted in most public places. Certain homosexual acts are illegal.

220/110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs. Some hotels also have outlets for 240 volts AC; in this case European-style, two-pin plugs are used.

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer since 2004.

HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Sir James Carlisle since 1993.