Читать книгу The 2009 CIA World Factbook - United States. Central Intelligence Agency - Страница 125

consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda

Flag description:

red, with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising sun in the black band; the sun symbolizes the dawn of a new era, black represents the African heritage of most of the population, blue is for hope, and red is for the dynamism of the people; the "V" stands for victory; the successive yellow, blue, and white coloring is also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun, sea, and sand

Economy ::Antigua and Barbuda

Economy - overview:

Antigua has a relatively high GDP per capita in comparison to most other Caribbean nations. The economy experienced solid growth from 2003 to 2007, reaching over 12% in 2006 driven by a construction boom in hotels and housing associated with the Cricket World Cup. Growth dropped off in 2008 with the end of the boom. Tourism continues to dominate the economy, accounting for nearly 60% of GDP and 40% of investment. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on tourist arrivals from the US, Canada, and Europe and potential damages from natural disasters. Since taking office in 2004, the SPENCER government has adopted an ambitious fiscal reform program, and has been successful in reducing its public debt-to-GDP ratio from 120% to about 90%.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.639 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 189 $1.594 billion (2007 est.)

$1.491 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.224 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 6.9% (2007 est.)

12.4% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$19,400 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 64 $19,100 (2007 est.)

$18,100 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.8%

industry: 22%

services: 74.3% (2002 est.)

Labor force:

30,000 (1991) country comparison to the world: 197

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 7%

industry: 11%

services: 82% (1983)

Unemployment rate:

11% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Population below poverty line: