Anguilla

Anguilla is a small island territory controlled by Britain and situated in the midst of the Caribbean Sea. Anguilla is an umbrella term for a number of different islets and cays, although the word refers colloquially to the island of Anguilla, found in the Lesser Antilles. Anguilla covers about thirty five square miles, and has a total population of about fifteen thousand residents. Anguilla was first explored by humans during the second millennium BC, although permanent inhabitation did not occur until the first millennium AD. Anguilla fell under European influence during the sixteenth century, and became a partially autonomous British overseas territory in 1980 after seceding from Saint Kitts and Nevis. Anguilla is a low lying country, and its economy contains few agricultural components due to generally poor soil quality. Instead, Anguilla’s economy relies on tourism, finance, and fishing, although the tourist industry has had some difficulties in recent months. Anguilla has great weather throughout the year, making it popular among American and European tourists. The most recent figures indicate that Anguilla’s average annual temperature is just above eighty degrees Fahrenheit.

Anguilla can be accessed either by ferry from Saint Martin or by Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, which offers regular flights to different Caribbean nations. Anguilla has a rich cultural heritage as well as an impressive historical legacy. Anguillan cuisine is a fascinating and tasty mixture of various influences, and a number of different festivals throughout the year highlight the vibrancy and diversity of the territory’s heritage. Anguilla is a popular location for boating and fishing, and British influence has also brought rugby and cricket to the island. Of course, one of the primary attractions of Anguilla is the shoreline, especially gorgeous white sand beaches such as those at Maundays Bay.