About Anguilla
|
 |
Anguilla General Information
Anguilla, the most northerly of the Caribbean Leeward Islands, has a landmass of 90 sq km. The British established control of Anguilla in the late 1600's, prevailing in numerous skirmishes with other European powers throughout the colonial period, so that today Anguilla is a British Dependent Territory.
Population
Anguilla supports a population estimated at 9,000. Anguilla is generally flat with occasional rainfall, but has the finest powder white sand beaches in the Caribbean. The official language in Anguilla is English; the primary industries are tourism (featuring numerous world class resorts and restaurants, catering to high net worth individuals from the United States, Europe and Latin America), financial services, boat building and fishing. The standard of living and the level of education in Anguilla are both quite high.
Political Structure
In 1969, Anguilla succeeded from Associated Statehood with St. Kitts and Nevis, opting for direct British rule, which was officially granted in 1982. Anguilla is a stable society and strong democracy, peacefully governed by an Executive Council of ministers appointed from the Legislative Council of elected members, presided over by a British appointed Governor. Britain maintains responsibility for the defence and foreign affairs of Anguilla. Elections are held at least once in every five years; electoral representation is parliamentary (as opposed to presidential).
Infrastructure and Economy
Anguilla is located approximately one and a half hours south east of Miami, Florida, or four and a half hours south east of New York City. There are flight connections to Anguilla from those and other United States cities, as well as from Europe and Latin America, through Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Antigua, and Curacao. Communications facilities on Anguilla are exceptional, and expanding. International direct dialling, cellular connections, fax, modem, Internet, and dedicated e-mail service lines are all available.
Language
The official and spoken language in Anguilla is English.
Currency
Eastern Caribbean (EU) dollar.
Type of Law
Anguilla's legal system is based upon English Common Law, with local modifications. The judiciary in Anguilla is independent of the Executive and Legislative branches, and is fully independent of political influence. Anguilla has, since 1992 (and specifically in 1994), introduced and adopted numerous pieces of modern financial service legislation. These laws were drafted with the involvement of all elected legislators, with the advice of the private sector practitioners, and the consent of British Government representatives.
|
