Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean gem. These lush, tropical islands have some of the most spectacular villas in the Caribbean--Robin Leach has a house here. The destination is low-key and laid-back, the perfect getaway. But there are plenty of sightseeing and nighttime activities. The postcard-perfect beaches are fringed by coral reefs that make the waters calm and smooth--ideal for swimming and other water sports. There are reputedly 365 beaches.

The country is composed of the islands of Antigua (pronounced An-TEE-ga), Barbuda, and Redonda, which are located in the chain of Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. The islands are 17 miles (27 km) north of the equator, north of Montserrat and Guadeloupe, and southeast of Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Bart's, and St. Martin.

Antigua is the largest island with 108 square miles (280 sq km) and also the most populated. More than 250,000 tourists visit each year, many of whom spend time in the capital, St. John's, a popular port for cruise ships. The island is mostly flat except for the mountains in the southwestern corner. The highest point, Boggy Peak, rises only 1,319 feet (402 m). The southern and eastern coasts are the least developed but offer scenic ocean drives. Resorts and hotels are generally located in the Dickenson Bay area near St. John's.

Thirty miles (48 km) north, Barbuda is a flat island with 68 square miles (176 sq km) and 1,200 inhabitants. The living coral surrounding the island has created its signature pink beaches, some of the longest in the world. Barbuda is relatively undeveloped. There are a few private homes and limited accommodations here; so, most travelers visit only for a day.

Located 20 miles (32 km) west of Antigua, Redonda is a tiny island--only .6 square miles (1.5 sq km). The undeveloped island is a state park.

Antigua's human history dates to 2400 B.C. when the Stone Age Siboney people lived here. Later, Arawaks and Caribs inhabited the islands. Christopher Columbus made the e earliest European contact, sighting the islands on his second voyage in 1493 but never landing. He named the larger island for Santa Maria de la Antigua, a saint who worked miracles in Seville.

European settlement didn't occur until the 1600s when the English claimed Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth. It was during this time that pioneer Christopher Codrington gained leases to land on both Antigua and Barbuda and began cultivating sugar. A few remains of the Codrington estate are still intact on Barbuda.

In 1834, Antigua was the first British Caribbean colony to abolish slavery. The sugar industry declined, and the islands struggled for almost a century until tourism became a viable industry in the mid-20th century. It was then that V. C. Bird lobbied and eventually gained full independence for Antigua and Barbuda as an island nation. Bird later became the nation's prime minister. Today the democratic government follows the English parliamentary system.

In 1995, Hurricane Luis wreaked havoc on more than 75 percent of the country's buildings. The country is slowly returning to normal.

Antiguans and Barbudans are primarily of African descent. They are highly educated and have one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean.