Anguilla key facts and helpful resources.
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Anguilla Information
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Anguilla’s Beautry Runs Deep
Anguilla Location: The most northern member of the Leeward Island chain in the Eastern Caribbean and less than ten miles north of St. Martin and 200 miles east of Puerto Rico.
Originally inhabited by Amerindian tribes from South America and believed to have been named Anguilla, the Amerindian word for eel, by Christopher Columbus for its creature-like shape, the island was colonized in 1650 by English settlers. In 1666, the French briefly ruled, before returning Anguilla to the British.
In the 1700 and 1800s Anguilla, like most of the Caribbean, exported sugar, rum and mahogany, but poor soil and lack of rain made farming difficult, prevented Anguilla from becoming a major plantation community and caused residents to turn to salt mining and fishing. Men also sought jobs on other islands, which sparked the now national past-time and long tradition of racing sailboats on their return to Anguilla.
By 1958, Anguilla was part of the Federation of the West Indies. After the Federation’s collapse, Anguilla and two other islands were combined into a single associated statehood until Anguilla revolted and gained its independence. In 1980 Anguilla became a separate British Overseas/Dependent Territory.
History and heritage
Anguilla Terrain: The coral and limestone island is low-lying with rock, sparse scrub oak and salt ponds, creating the ideal conditions for perfect weather and breathtaking beaches.
Anguilla Beaches: 33 white coral sand beaches — all public!
Anguilla Weather/Rainfall: Average temperature of 80 F. The island receives 35 inches of annual rainfall, mostly from September to November. But even then it’s usually never all day. Hurricane season is August to October. Hurricanes are rare, but to ensure your peace of mind Beaches Edge offers a generous hurricane policy.
Anguilla Government: British Overseas Territory. The capital is known as The Valley.
Anguilla’s Size: 35 square miles, 16 miles long and 3 miles wide at widest point.
Anguilla Population: 14,886
Anguilla Language: English
Anguilla Language: Eastern Caribbean Dollar, but the US Dollar is widely accepted.
Anguilla Tourism Seasons: Anytime is a good time to visit Anguilla.
Anguilla Holiday/Festive Season: Mid-December to mid-January. The island is more crowded and rates for accommodations and activities may increase. These weeks go fast at our villas, so book several months or even a year in advance. Best time for celebrity-spotting
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Anguilla High Season: February through the end of March and then again in early December. Less crowded than the holidays.
Anguilla Middle “Shoulder” Season: After the holiday season from mid-January to February, throughout the whole month of April and again during the week of Thanksgiving. It is an ideal time to visit the island in terms of weather on the island (and cold weather back home) without the holiday or high season crowds.
Anguilla Low Season: The low season is from May to just before Thanksgiving and offers less crowds and more affordable rates. This is a good time to hold a destination wedding. While Champagne Shores is open all year round, some restaurants and businesses go on hiatus during late September and October.
Anguilla Entrance Requirements: A valid passport (with at least six months before expiration) and return and onward tickets are required for all visitors to Anguilla. Green card holders must have a valid green card and valid passport from their country of origin. Depending on your country you may require a visa. Please refer to The Anguilla Tourist Board for more information.
Anguilla Crime/Safety: You can move freely and safely about the island
Anguilla Government Departments & Services:
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Police/Fire/Ambulance/Emergency: 911
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Police Headquarters (Non Emergency): 264-497-2333
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Department of Immigration: 264-497-3444
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Department of Customs: 264-497-2513
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General Post Office: 264-497-2528