The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak and Carib 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.
National Flag Description:
The sun symbolizes the new era of independence in the history of the island. The color black represent its African heritage, the color blue represents hope and the color red, the dynamism of the people. The "V" stands for victory. The yellow, blue and white indicate the country's main tourist attractions; the sun, sea and sandy beaches.
Religious Adherents [Link]
Christian 93.2%
Spiritist 3.7%
Non-religious 1.3%
Baha'i 1.0%
Muslim 0.6%
Hindu 0.2%
Atheist 0.1%
