St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda

St. John's
Newgate Street in St. John's
Newgate Street in St. John's
Location of St. John's in Antigua and Barbuda
Location of St. John's in Antigua and Barbuda
Coordinates:
Country Antigua and Barbuda
Island Antigua
Colonised 1632
Area
 - Total 4 sq mi (10 km²)
Population (2005)
 - Total 31,000
 - Density 8,029/sq mi (3,100/km²)
Time zone AST (UTC-4)
Emergency Numbers Police/Ambulance: 911
Fire: 462 0044
Air/Sea Rescuse: 462 3062
Police HQ: 462 0125

St John's is the capital and largest city of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, a country located in the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea. St John's is located at . With a population of 24,226 (2000), St John's is the commercial centre of the nation and the chief port of the island of Antigua.

Contents

History

See also: History of Antigua and Barbuda

The settlement of St John's has been the administrative centre of Antigua and Barbuda since the islands were first colonised in 1632, and it became the seat of government when the nation achieved independence in 1981.

Geography

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source: [1]

Economy

On Friday and Saturday mornings, there is a farmers' market on the southern edge of the city, with folk crafts, colorful tropical fruits, and a buzzing crowd. With its recently completed cruise ship dock, shopping centre, Heritage Quay and several hotels, St. John's is a lively hub for shopping and dining. There are many different stores, some are for local people, some sell expensive items which are for the tourists from cruise ships.

The Antigua Rum Distillery is located at the Citadel and is the only rum distillery on the island. Annual production yields more than 180,000 gallons bottled.

Demographics

To be updated!

Culture

Several museums, including the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda and the Museum of Marine Art, a small facility containing fossilized bedrock, volcanic stones, petrified wood, a collection of more than 10,000 shells, and artifacts from several English shipwrecks.

St John's Cricket Ground

Just east of St. John's is the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, a multi-use stadium in North Sound, that was created mostly for cricket matches, and has hosted the matches during the 2007 Cricket World Cup. The Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua and Barbuda's national stadium, is located in St. John's.

Cityscape

The city's skyline is dominated by the white baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral.

The Botanical Garden is near the intersection of Factory Road and Independence Avenue. This small park's shaded benches and gazebo provide a quiet refuge from the bustle of activity of St.John's.

St. John's Antigua Light

St. John's Antigua Light is a lighthouse located in the city's harbour ().

Fort James stands at the entrance to St. John's harbour. Other nearby forts include Fort George, Fort Charles, Fort Shirley, Fort Berkeley and Fort Barrington.

Transportation

St John's is served by the VC Bird International Airport.

Education

St. John's is home to a medical school called American University of Antigua.

External links