Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence from the UK in November 1981 and is a constitutional monarchy with a Westminster-style parliament. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State and is represented on the island by a Governor General.

The country’s economy is small and open and, while the government does intervene as a regulator in some instances, the private sector is the dominant force.

Antigua and Barbuda is a popular cruise destination and tourism is easily the largest sector of the economy accounting for about half of the country’s GDP. Over a third of tourist arrivals come from the United States. Manufacturing industries are largely export oriented and some of the main products include textiles, electronic components and handicrafts. Agricultural production is directed towards the domestic market and is facing difficulties due to a limited water supply and labour shortage as workers are attracted to the higher wages of the tourism and construction industries.

Foreign investment is actively encouraged with generous incentives, and the government is committed to ensuring that investments are secure and well protected. Investment protection agreements have been signed with both Germany and the UK.

V.C. Bird International airport is located just a few kilometres from St. John's, on the northeast coast of Antigua, and serves several airlines such as Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, US Air and Virgin Atlantic. Together these airlines offer flights to and from much of North America and Western Europe including Miami, New York, Toronto and London.

Flights between Barbuda and Antigua take place twice a day and take 20 minutes; there is also a boat service in operation with a journey time of 3 hours.