Island name: Anguilla (AV). The name means eel in Spanish and Italian.

Country: Anguilla (British overseas territory). 

Nationality: Anguillan(s). 

Language: English (official). 

Island's Capital: The Valley. 

Population: 57,891 (2009). 

Climate: Tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds. Frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October).
 

Geography

Coastline: 61 km. 

Geographic coordinates: 18 15 N, 63 10 W. 

Highest point: Crocus Hill 65 m. 

Location: Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico. It is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles.

Size: Anguilla 25 km x 5 km, Scrub Island 3 km x 1 km. 91 sq km.

Terrain: Flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone. Mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some commercial salt ponds.
 

Tourist Information

Accommodations: Anguilla has many five-star resorts and expensive villas, but very little budged accommodation. 

Activities: Swimming, snorkelilng, scuba diving, sailing and other watersports, rugby, cricket. 

Average tourist arrivals: 164,000 (2007).

Crime: Anguilla's crime rate is relatively low, but petty and violent crimes can happen. Take common-sense precautions as everywhere else in the world. Do not leave valuables unattended in the hotel room or on the beach.

Electricity: 120 volts AC on 60 cycles. North American plug. 

Entry Requirements: Differ by country of origin but all visitors to Anguilla must have an onward or return ticket and need a valid passport. 

Extension of stay: Persons needing to extend their stay in Anguilla must collect and complete an Extension of Stay Form application. A photo must be submitted with the application along with a passport and an itinerary. The fee for Extension of stay is EC$150.00. Upon the expiration of the extended time, the visitor must leave the island. 

Sleep: Close to villages steet dogs and cocks are noisy at night. 

Telephone: The international country code is 1-264. 

Time: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time). 
 

Money

Cost of living: Anguilla is an expensive island. Food costs are much higher than in Europe. 

Credit cards: Most major businesses, hotels, and restaurants on Anguilla accept all major credit cards, but it's a good idea to call ahead and ask to be sure. 

Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD). East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (fixed rate since 1976). The U.S. dollar is accepted pretty much everywhere on the island. While visiting Anguilla, you can receive change in either U.S. dollars or Eastern Caribbean dollars, or even both. 

Tipping: A Service Charge of 10 % is usually includet in the bill. An extra 5 % for great service is recommendet.
 

Transport

Airport: Wallblake Airport (AXA), renovated in 2005. There are no direct flights to the US or Europe. Most flights connect via St. Maarten  (SXM) or  San Juan (SJU) in Puerta Rico. Other flights connect via St. Thomas, Antigua or St. Kitts. 

Departure Tax: US$10. 

Flight Times: 4 hours nonstop from New York to St. Maarten, plus a 5-minute hop by small plane to Anguilla. 12 hours from Los Angeles to St. Maarten.

Ground Transport: Driving is on the left. There is only one traffic light on the island.
 

Water Transport

Ferry Service: The Anguilla ferry terminal is in the village of Blowing Point. Ferries are leaving to St. Martin several times a day. 

Ports and harbors: Blowing Point, Road Bay. 
 

Politics

Ethnic groups: Black (predominant) 90.1%, mixed, mulatto 4.6%, white 3.7%, other 1.5% (2001 census). 

Government type: Anguilla is an internally self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom. 

Legal system: Based on English common law. 

Literacy: 95% of the total population (male: 95%, female: 95% (1984 est.). 

Religions: Anglican 29%, Methodist 23.9%, other Protestant 30.2%, Roman Catholic 5.7%, other Christian 1.7%, other 5.2%, none or unspecified 4.3% (2001 census). 
 

Economy

Agriculture-products: small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising. 

GDP per capita: $12,200 (2008 est.). 

Industries: tourism, boat building, offshore financial services. 

Natural resources: salt, fish, lobster. 

Unemployment rate: 8 % (2002).