A British territory located on the islands of Anguilla and Sombrero in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles, between North and South America. Area - 102 km². The administrative center is The Valley (595 people). Population - 13.2 thousand (2004). The official language is English. The predominant religion is Protestantism (Anglicanism and Methodism). The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar.
National holiday - May 20 - Anguilla Day.
According to the 1982 constitution (amendments - May 1990), Anguilla enjoys internal self-government. The Queen of the United Kingdom is represented by a governor (since 2004 - A. Huckle), who is responsible for foreign policy, defense, police, and civil services of the island. The governor is the chairman of the House of Assembly and the Executive Council. The House of Assembly (legislative body) consists of 11 members, including 7 elected members, elected for a term of 5 years (elected in March 2000). The Chief Minister of the Executive Council (government) is O. Fleming (since 2000).
Since 1993, three-year development plans have been coordinated with the United Kingdom, in which the government, along with the governor and the regional secretariat of dependent territories, has been granted the right to participate.
A number of political parties operate in Anguilla: the Anguilla United Party (AUP) - founded in 1979, re-established in 1994, leader - X. Hughes.
The Anguilla National Alliance (ANA, until 1980 - the People's Progressive Party), leader - O. Fleming. The Anguilla Democratic Party (ADP) - founded in 1984 on the basis of the Anguilla People's Party, leader - V. Banks.
In 1493, the island of Anguilla was reached by the expedition of C. Columbus. Although the first settlement was established in 1631 by the Dutch, Anguilla was colonized by the English, who came from St. Kitts, in the mid-17th century. In the 18th century, France attempted to capture the island twice (in 1745 and 1796). In 1882, the United Kingdom administratively united Anguilla within the colony of the Leeward Islands with the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis. From 1958 to 1962, these islands were part of the West Indies Federation, and in February 1967, they received the status of an "associated state with the United Kingdom." In May of the same year, Anguilla declared its separation from St. Kitts and Nevis, and in February 1969, unilaterally proclaimed itself an independent republic, demanding recognition from the United Kingdom. In March 1969, the authority of the English crown was restored by British troops landing on Anguilla. In 1976, the islands were granted partial self-government. In 1980, according to a law passed by the English Parliament, the separation of Anguilla from St. Kitts and Nevis was officially confirmed (exit from the federation).
The economy is primarily based on foreign tourism, fishing, and salt production. The GDP in 2002 was $112 million. The government is making efforts to develop recreational infrastructure. The country is visited by up to 70,000 tourists (including cruise ship passengers). Tourism accounts for 29% of Anguilla's GDP. Tourist spending on the islands amounted to about 70 million Eastern Caribbean dollars. More than half of the tourists come from the USA. Fishing for fish and lobsters is conducted. Lobsters are supplied to neighboring islands and are the second most important source of export income. Salt is produced and supplied to Trinidad and Tobago as a raw material for the petrochemical industry. The agricultural potential of the islands is limited. Only 5% of the territory is cultivated. The share of agriculture (including fishing) does not exceed 10% of GDP. The main crops are sweet potatoes, peas, sorghum, and corn. For local needs, sheep, goats, and pigs are raised.
The total length of roads is 105 km, of which 65 km are paved. There are 2 small harbors - Road Bay and Blowing Point, and Wallblake Airport.
Offshore banking operations are conducted. In the early 1990s, 45 branches of foreign banks were registered on the islands. External financial assistance (mainly from the UK) amounts to about $3 million per year.
The unemployment rate is 8%. The average annual inflation rate is 2.3%.
A monthly government newspaper and a quarterly magazine are published. There are 3 radio stations and a television station (2004).
