History
Amerindian people from the South American mainland were early inhabitants of Anguilla.

European colonists arrived in Anguilla in the seventeenth century. The English and French fought over the island for one hundred and fifty years.

In 1825 the British annexed Anguilla to St. Kitts and Nevis. Later, Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis became a British dependency (1871).

Between 1958 and 1962 Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis were members of the Federation of the West Indies. Following the collapse of the Federation, Anguilla remained united with St Kitts and Nevis.

Dissatisfaction with administration from St Kitts led to the forceful expulsion of the Kittitian police authorities from Anguilla.

In 1971 Anguilla came under direct British rule. The association with St Kitts and Nevis was formally ended in 1980 and Anguilla became an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom.

Economy
The economy of Anguilla benefits from tourism, offshore financial services and remittances from emigrants. The services sector accounts for the largest proportion of the Territory's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The development of tourism provides work for the construction industry. Boat building also provides employment.

Agriculture accounts for a small percentage of the GDP. Fishing provides fresh fish and shellfish for restaurants. Lobsters are also an important export. (2011)

Arts
Anguilla's art and crafts include include paintings, pottery and sculpture.

The International Arts Festival in December is a popular biennial event. Jazz festivals take place annually in March and November.

Sport
Boat racing is the national sport in Anguilla. Boat Race Week takes place in August.

Cricket is also a popular sport.

Water sports include sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. Anguilla is known for its variety of dive sites.

Big-game fishing is available and visitors can fish for barracuda, dorado, marlin, tuna and swordfish.

Holidays
Christmas, Easter and religious holidays are celebrated.

Anguilla Day, celebrated on 30 May, commemorates the expulsion of the St Kitts police force from Anguilla (1967).

News
News from Anguilla is available from Newslink.

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