Capital: Saint John's
Population: 64, 246
Language: English, local dialects
Literacy Rate: 89%
Type of government: parliamentary democracy
Independence: 1 November 1981 from UK
Antigua was named after the virgin Santa Maria de la Antigua of the cathedral in Seville, Spain. This small, coral island is known as an ideal vacation spot because of its pristine beaches and exquisite weather. Antigua is also known as a "yachtsmen's mecca" and its Sailing Week is one of the largest regatas in the world.