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Antigua and Barbuda History Antigua and Barbuda

 
 
Area : 171  sq.mi - Population 77500 hab.
Antigua and Barbuda

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History Antigua and Barbuda

 Historical dates

2400 BC, the first inhabitants of Antigua are considered to have been the "Siboney".
Approx. 1st millennium AD , the Arawaks inhabited the island.
In 1493, Christopher Columbus named the island Santa Maria de la Antigua.
In 1632, the English colonised the island and developed sugar cane. Slaves imported from Africa cleared the island's forests. At the end of the century, the island became covered in sugar cane.
In 1834, slavery was abolished.
In 1939, the Antigua Trades and Labour Union was formed. Then, under the leadership of V.C. Bird, the Antigua Labour Party was created in 1943.
In 1967, Antigua became an associated state of England.
In 1981, independence was declared.
In 1995, cyclone Luis caused considerable damage.
In 1999-2000, Sir James Carlisle became governor, and Lester Bird, Prime Minister.