Anguilla
Anguilla is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean lying east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The territory consists of the main island of Anguilla itself, with a number of much smaller islands with no permanent population. The island’s capital is The Valley. The total land area of the territory is 90 km2 – it’s actually only three times larger than Bad Nauheim. It’s also notable that it is mainly plain. Anguilla‘s population consists of approximately 13,500 people.
The name Anguilla derives from the Spanish word for „eel“, probably chosen because of the island’s eel-like shape.
Because of its tropical climate Anguilla has become one of he world’s most famous tourist attractions.
HISTORY
The earliest inhabitants of Anguilla were Amerindian tribes from South America, who travelled to the island on rafts and in dugout canoes, settling in fishing, hunting and farming groups. The earliest Amerindian artefacts found on Anguilla have been dated to around 1300 BC. The first inhabitants of this island are thought to be very religious as lots of artefacts concerning religious ceremonies were discovered there.
The European discovery and naming of Anguilla is often credited to French explorer Pierre Laudonnaire who visited the island in 1565, though according to some it had been sighted and named by Columbus.
Since the early days of colonisation, Anguilla had been administered by the British. During the 18th century the history of this island could be described as neverending struggle between the British Empire and France for control in the Carribean. Anyway, despite numerous attempts, France didn’t manage to take control on these territories.
Attempts were made to develop Anguilla into a plantation-based economy employing slaves transported from Africa, but the island’s soil and climate were unfavourable and the plantations were largely unsuccessful. Slaves were permitted to leave the plantations, and, with the British abolition of slavery in the 1830s, many plantation owners returned to Europe. At this time Anguilla’s population has fallen from 10,000 to just 2,000.
Since the early Anguilla under the administrative control of the Federal Colony of the Leeward Islands. Anguillans protested strongly and several requests were made for the island to be ruled directly from Britain. Unfortunately, first attempts were quite unsuccessful, but the protests have kept going, so finally on the 27th of February 1967, Britain granted the territory the status of „associated state„, with its own constitution and a considerable degree of self-government Politics of the country is in the form of parliamentary representative democratic dependency. The Chief Minister, who is appointed by the governor, is the head of the government and the multi-party system. Queen Elizabeth II is officially the monarch of the country. William Alistair Harrison is the Governor of the country, while Hubert Hughes is the current Chief Minister of the country.
ANGUILLA TODAY
In recent years Anguilla has become an up-market tourist destination, and tourism is one of the mainstays of the economy. Fishing is another important economic activity, and a financial services sector (for example, offshore incorporation and management, offshore banking) is also being developed. The lack of agricultural sector is explained by the fact that Anguilla’s thin soil is largely unsuitable for agriculture, and the island has few land-based natural resources.
Anguilla’s currency is the East Caribbean dollar, though the US dollar is also widely accepted. The economy, and especially the tourism sector, suffered a setback in late 1995 due to the effects of Hurricane Luis in September but recovered in 1996. Hotels were hit particularly hard during this time. Another economic setback occurred during the aftermath of Hurricane Lenny in 2000.
The modern population of Anguilla is largely of African descent, with a minority having European (mainly English) ancestry. Anyway, English remains the official language of Anguilla. Well, of course it sounds more like a dialect, like a variation oft he „standart“ English, but still it’s English. Other languages spoken on the island include Spanish, Chinese and some other immigrant languages
Christianity is the predominant religion of Anguilla (Anglican and Methodist Churches make up more than 50%). Other religious minorities include Muslims, Hindus, and Jews.
ATTRACTIONS
So, let’s have a look at what you can visit and explore whlie staying on Anguilla:
The Valley: The commercial and administrative centre of the island, The Valley is the main settlement of the island. It’s small, somewhat scattered and houses all the important and commercial buildings of the island. Unlike most other Caribbean islands under colonial rule, Anguilla has few structures dating to the colonial era. A ‘must see’ is Wallblake House , situated near The Valley. During winter, Saturday mornings are ideal to visit the site as several resident artists exhibit their work on the grounds. A visit to the St. Gerard’s Church is recommended to see its unusual ventilation.
For a glimpse into Anguilla’s past, take a drive along Long Road to East End and follow the signs to the Heritage Collection . The exhibit includes relics of the ancient settlements of the Arawak Indians.
The Big Spring Cave is an old Amerindian ceremonial centre near Island Harbour.. This cave is located near the Island Harbour, which in itself is an interesting fishing village with an Irish ancestory. One of nature’s incredible wonders, the Copper Hole is a large blow-hole that spurts water in the air each time a wave hits the coastline.
Caul’s Pond is the largest saline pond on the Island. This is a great spot for walking and exploring the island wild life. You may come across migratory shore birds that inhabit the pond. The Pond is located inland at the Sandy Hill. Walking around is fairly easy as there are well- defined paths.
Beaches: The Island of Anguilla has a lot of beaches (which is not surprising, actually) perfect for all age groups and all moods.
12 miles of fine white coral sand with crystal clear water comprising of a grand total of 45 beaches provide the perfect spots for sunbathing and relaxation. Most of these clean and relatively uncrowded beaches are protected by rings of coral reef and off-shore islands.
We’ll tell you about some oft he most spectacular beaches on this island:
Shoal bay is the most popular beach on the Island. With its white sand and blue waters, it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in East Caribbean.
Little Bay is only about half a mile from The Valley. Because oft he clear water, one can rent a boat with a glass bottom and enjoy an astonishing view of underwater growth. It’s definitely a “must do“.
The Katouche beach is located in the Katouche Valley. If you are a nature freak, don’t leave the Island without visiting this valley. The valley houses one of the most beautiful rain forests on the Island. Moreover, you can observe lots of species that you’ll never find anywhere else!
special thanks goes to LL 🙂