Anguilla
A British Overseas Territory in the northeastern Caribbean.
Lamiot · CC BY-SA 3.0
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean region of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, lying east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and directly north of Saint Martin. The territory consists of the main island of Anguilla, approximately 16 miles long by 3 miles wide at its widest point, together with a number of much smaller islands and cays with no permanent population. The capital is The Valley.
- Capital
- The Valley
- Land area
- 35 square miles (91 km²)
- Official status
- British Overseas Territory
- Indigenous name
- Malliouhana
Lore & Background
Anguilla was first settled by Indigenous American peoples who migrated from South America. Two known petroglyph sites exist: Big Spring and Fountain Cavern.
Reader's Guide
Anguilla's significance lies in its unique political history and its status as a stable British Overseas Territory. A second referendum confirmed the desire for separation, and the Republic of Anguilla was declared unilaterally with Ronald Webster as president. Since then, Anguilla has been politically stable and has seen considerable growth in tourism and offshore financing. The territory is noted for its ecologically important coral reefs and beaches, and its forest cover is around 61% of total land area.
Did You Know?
- The Indigenous Arawakan name for the island was Malliouhana.
- The name 'Anguilla' comes from the Italian word for 'eel', in reference to the island's shape.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anguilla?
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory situated in the northeastern Caribbean, making it one of the most northerly islands in the Leeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles. It comprises a main island roughly 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, along with several smaller, unpopulated cays.
Where exactly is Anguilla located?
The territory sits in the North Atlantic Ocean, positioned east of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and directly north of Saint Martin. Its indigenous name, Malliouhana, is still referenced alongside its modern designation.
What is the capital of Anguilla?
The Valley serves as the administrative and population center of the territory. It is the seat of local governance within the British Overseas Territory framework.
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