Anguilla

Location

The island is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean.

Size

An archipelago of 22 islands, the main island is 26 km long and a maximum of 5 km wide, comprising a total of 146 sq km.

Climate

A tropical, but relatively dry climate, temperatures moderated by northeast trade winds.

Topography 

A low and flat coralline island formed from limestone and marls developed on old limestone rocks. The coastline has sandy beaches in the south and rocky cliffs in the north. Offshore there are extensive coral reefs including the 17km long coral reef along the south east coast.

Biodiversity

The unique ecosystems of Anguilla and its offshore cays are home 21 species of reptile. These include the endemic black lizard on Sombrero Island, the harmless Anguillan racer snake (Alsophis rijersmai) and the Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima. About 139 bird species and more than 550 plant species have been recorded with Rondeletia anguillensis (pictured) classified as an endemic

Main economic activities 

The major industries are tourism, construction, government service, banks and insurance. Population - 13,600 (2005 estimate).

Other information 

Information Links

JNCC has prepared a series of outreach materials which give a general background to climate change and includes territory specific information on

climate change impacts.