Population
The population of Anguilla is around 15,000 people (2021).
Language
English is the official language of Anguilla, spoken by 99% of the population. Other languages spoken include Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian, German and Dutch. Businesses and locals use English so you can put Google Translate away, as communication in Anguilla won’t be an issue.
Religion
The vast majority (over 85%) of Anguillans are Christian.
National Holiday
Anguilla’s National Day is May 30th, which is a public holiday to celebrate and commemorate the island’s independence in 1967.
Holiday Calendar
1st January: New Year's Day
2nd March: James Ronald Webster Day
15th April: Good Friday
18th April: Easter Monday
1st May: Labour Day
30th May: Anguilla Day
6th June: Whit Monday
19th June: Celebration of the Birthday of His Majesty the King
1st August: August Monday
4th August: August Thursday
5th August: Constitution Day
19th December: National Heroes and Heroines Day
25th December: Christmas Day
26th December: Boxing Day
History
Long before Christopher Columbus rocked up in the Caribbean, as early as 2000 BCE, Anguilla was inhabited by Arawakan-speaking Indians who called the island Malliouhana. In 1650, Anguilla was colonised by British settlers who came over from Saint Kitts, and remained a British territory from there on, as part of the Leeward Islands colony. After having their settlement destroyed by natives from a nearby island in 1656, enduring a French attack in 1666 and a joint Irish-French raid in 1688, most colonists fled to Antigua. The island’s native residents held the French at bay for many years. The British government decided that Anguilla was to be directly ruled from Saint Kitts and they ended slavery in the colonies in 1834, meaning many plantation owners sold their land and the island lacked any meaningful economic development. Over the next 100 years Anguilla faced awful droughts and economic loss. The country was granted universal adult suffrage in 1952, as political and social reforms took place and it was decreed that Anguilla was to be part of a crown colony with Saint Kitts and Nevis. In 1967, Anguilla became part of an associated state with these islands and proclaimed its independence.
Politics
Anguilla’s politics are structured in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic dependency, whereby the Premier is the head of government and of a multi-party system.
Food
Regarded as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, Anguilla boasts delicious traditional Caribbean dishes, as well as an incredible array of other exciting cuisines and mouth-watering gastronomic experiences. While much of the food that you’ll find on the island is imported, the staples of local fish, lobster, Anguillan crayfish and local crops are used in abundance. From languid barbecue hotspots to the poshest restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs, Anguilla’s cuisine offers something for everyone.
Drink
Mauby is a favourite with locals and is typical of the island. It is a soft drink made from tree bark and is found in most bars. For a stronger kick, have a sip (or two) of the Caribbean’s iconic rum punch, made with a blend of fresh pineapple, orange, guava and lime syrup and, of course, a hearty splash of mouth-watering home-grown rum.
