Antigua and Barbuda is an essentially twin-island nation consisting of two major inhabited islands, Antigua with its capital city of St. John's, and Barbuda, plus a number of smaller islands. The country is nicknamed the "Land of 365 Beaches" due to the many beaches encompassing the islands. The permanent population numbers approximately 81,800 and is mostly made up of people of West African and British descent. English is the official language of the country. Antiguans and Barbudans are predominantly Christian.
Family and religion play important roles in the lives of Antiguans and Barbudans with a strong tradition of women working outside of the home.
