Background: Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650 Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single British dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971 two years after a revolt Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980 with Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency.

Land boundaries: none

Coastline: 61 km

Maritime claims
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Territorial sea: 3 nm

Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds

Terrain: flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone

Natural resources: negligible; salt, fish, lobster

Land use: arable land: NA%; permanent crops: NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA%; mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some commercial salt ponds

Geography
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

Population: 6,922 (July 1991), growth rate 0.6% (1991)

Nationality: noun--Anguillan(s; adjective--Anguillan

Ethnic groups: mainly of black African descent

Languages: English (official)

Religions: Anglican 40%, Methodist 33%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, Baptist 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, other 12%

Birth rate: 24 births/1000 population (1991)

Death rate: 9 deaths/1000 population (1991)

Net migration rate: - 10 migrants/1000 population (1991)

Environment
Current issues: frequent hurricanes, other tropical storms (July to October)

Infant mortality rate: 18 deaths/1000 live births (1991)

Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 77 years female (1991)

Total fertility rate: 3.1 children born/woman (1991)

Literacy: 95% (male 95%, female 95%) age 12 and over can read and write (1984)

Country name: conventional long form: none

Government type: dependent territory of the UK

Capital: The Valley

Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK)

Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)

National holiday: Anguilla Day, 30 May

Constitution: 1 April 1982

Legal system: based on English common law

Suffrage: universal at age 18

Executive branch: Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Brian G. J. CANTY (since NA 1989; Head of Government--Chief Minister Emile GUMBS (since NA March 1984, served previously from February 1977 to May 1980)

Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly

Judicial branch: High Court

International organization participation: CARICOM (observer), CDB

Diplomatic representation
In the us: none (dependent territory of the UK)

Flag description: two horizontal bands of white (top, almost triple width) and light blue with three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design centered in the white band; a new flag may have been in use since 30 May 1990 Anguilla AnguillaAnguilla

Economy overview: Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on lobster fishing, offshore banking, tourism, and remittances from emigrants. In recent years the economy has benefited from a boom in tourism. Development is planned to improve the infrastructure, particularly transport and tourist facilities, and also light industry. Improvement in the economy has reduced unemployment from 40% in 1984 to about 5% in 1988.

Agriculture products: pigeon peas, corn, sweet potatoes, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, poultry

Industries: tourism, boat building, salt, fishing (including lobster)

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Labor force: 2,780 (1984)

Unemployment rate: 5.0% (1988 est.)

Budget: revenues $10.4 million; expenditures $11.0 million, including capital expenditures of $1.1 million (1989 est.)

Fiscal year: NA

Exports: $NA
Commodities: lobster and salt
Partners: NA

Imports: $NA
Commodities: NA; partners --NA

Debt external: $NA

Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1--2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)

Electricity
Capacity: 2,000 kW capacity; 6 million kWh produced, 870 kWh per capita (1990)

Airports: 3 total, 3 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways of 1,100 m (Wallblake Airport)