Travel Guide Antigua & Barbuda - Country Information

Coordinates: 17 03 N, 61 48 W
Population: 69,108 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Christian (predominantly Anglican with other Protestant, and some Roman Catholic)
Languages: English (official), local dialects
Climate: tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation
Elevation: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m / highest point: Boggy Peak 402 m
Hazards: hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts
Background Antigua & Barbuda: The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak Indians populated the islands when Columbus landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.

Summary of recommendations:All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.
Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A	Recommended for all travelers
Hepatitis B	For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
Yellow fever	Required for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)	Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
Tetanus-diphtheria	Revaccination recommended every 10 years