Anguilla

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The Caribbean island of Anguilla is home to nearly 14,000 residents.  Located due east of Puerto Rico, Anguilla has the largest concentration of luxury tourist properties anywhere in the Caribbean.  Every year tourists flock to the islands 12 miles of coastline thirty beaches, and relax in its moderate tropical climate.  Marketing the island to tourists keeps nearly 78 percent of the population employed in the service industry.  Off-shore banking is another money earner in Anguilla, which does not charge either income or corporate tax to foreigners banking there.  The economy also relies on remittances from emigrants, and lobster fishing.  The heavy reliance on tourism in Anguilla depends largely on income and growth in industrialized nations, such as the U.S., and favorable weather conditions. 

            Anguilla is about half the size of Washington D.C.  It is relatively flat made up of coral and limestone; this rocky landscape prevents the growing of permanent crops. Because of this Anguillans rely on the sea for exports.  There major exports are Fish, Lobster, and salt.  Every year these products bring 14.5 million dollars to the island.  Anguilla imports 129.9 million dollars worth of fuel, food, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, and textiles every year.  They operate with a consistent deficit between import and export.  Their main trading partners are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Puerto Rico. 

Today the population of Anguilla is 90 percent black, 4.6 percent mixed race, and 3.7 percent white.  It is a territory of the United Kingdom.  The Chief of State is Queen Elizabeth the second, represented by Governor Andrew N. George.  The head of the local government in Anguilla is Osbourne Fleming.  The Anguillan legislature consists of 11 seats.