The island of Anguilla is located in the Caribbean near the island of St.Kitt’s and St.Maarten. The population is estimated to be 13,000 residents. The area was first inhabited by the Taino and Arawak Indians who lived off the land by growing corn and tobacco. The capital city of Anguilla is named The Valley.
The island was taken over by the French government in 1666, but was later turned over to the British under a peace treaty. Early European settlers came to the island in hopes of growing sugar cane and brought their African slaves with them to work the plantations. The settlers soon left the area due to the soil being unusable for growing sugar cane. They left their slaves behind and deserted the island. Slavery was abolished soon after in 1834 by British rule.
The total population of the island is made up from African people, Spanish and French settlers from neighboring islands. Anguilla is under British rule but is considered to be a self-governing territory.
Anguilla experienced an economic recession in July 2007 but it was only temporary. New home construction and the building boom brought more income and workers to the area. The workforce is stable where people used to have to seek employment abroad to support family in Anguilla. New home construction and luxury resorts bring tourists year after year that help the economy. The island was able to bring in the needed funding and save money in reserve for schools and the community.
The currency used in Anguilla is the U.S dollar and the Eastern Caribbean dollar. There is no farming or agriculture on the land so the main source of income to the island is through tourism, fishing, financial partnerships and banking. The island hosts boat racing (Anguilla’s national sport) and sailing regattas during national holidays, participates in Carnival and has their own rugby union.
Anguilla is the perfect place for a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of life in the Caribbean. Many celebrities visit the island to get away from the media while on vacation. Life on the island is relaxed and peaceful. Government and financial offices operate during weekdays from 8am to 3pm. Grocery stores and shopping outlets remain open until 9pm on weekends.
Food service on the island offers more than just a good BBQ on the beach. Local restaurants offer delicious Caribbean and French food, as well as Chinese and Mexican food. Area bakeries have fresh baked pastries and delicious breads for sale. If you are interested in the nightlife, many resorts in the area have bars and clubs with live music.
The cost of living in Anguilla is similar to most places in the Caribbean. Food costs and the price of Petrol remain the same as other European countries. Transportation on the island consists of taxis and ferry boats that travel to and from nearby islands. The climate is moderate, stays around 80 degrees most of the time and has some of the most amazing white sand beaches in the area.
