Antigua and Barbuda explained to kids

Antigua and Barbuda are two small islands in the Caribbean Sea. They are about 150 kilometers (93 miles) apart. Antigua is the larger of the two, with an area of 280 square kilometers (108 square miles). Barbuda is only about 61 square kilometers (24 square miles). The capital city of Antigua and Barbuda is St. John's. The islands were first settled by the Arawak and Carib people. The first European to visit was Christopher Columbus in 1493. The islands later became part of the British Empire. They became an independent country in 1981. The climate of Antigua and Barbuda is tropical. It is sunny and warm all year round. The average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). The economy of Antigua and Barbuda is mainly based on tourism. More than one million tourists visit the islands every year. The official language of Antigua and Barbuda is English. However, many people also speak Antiguan Creole. The population of Antigua and Barbuda is about 92,000. Most of the people are of African descent. The national dish of Antigua and Barbuda is Fungi and Pepperpot. Fungi is a type of cornmeal paste. Pepperpot is a stew made with meats and vegetables.