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Anguilla – 15 Fascinating Facts, Geography, and Economy

In Anguilla, two oceans meet, making it the largest Caribbean island by land area. The tropical climate, low-lying corals, and limestone landscape contribute to the stunning water shortage. In a town of 18,090 islanders, they have remained in the island’s harsh conditions for over 300 years. Through careful management and water conservation, as well as using cisterns, Anguillans have come up with solutions to let their irregular rain patterns work even in unpredictable droughts, which can last for between three and four months. As the accessibility to better sanitation facilities grows, and tourism grows as well, the Aquifer that runs beneath the island is being pushed to its capacity.

Geography And Location

In the Caribbean Sea, the island of Anguilla is the northernmost of the Leeward Islands. Scrub, Seal, Dog, Sombrero Islands, and Prickly Pear Cays are some of the islands close by. Anguilla is eight kilometers (five miles) north of Saint Martin, as well as 60 miles (97 kilometers) northeast of Saint Kitts, so it’s close to both. Anguilla has a land area of 35 sq miles, which is about the size of Rhode Island (ninety-one square kilometers). Sixteen miles (twenty-six kilometers) long and 3.5 miles (five kilometers) broad, it’s the largest canyon in the world. It has a height of two hundred and fourteen feet (sixty-five meters) and is on Crocus Hill.

The Valley is the island’s largest settlement. It is relatively flat. Anguilla is an island of limestone and coral with a dry climate. It has solitary vegetation, and there are only a few fertile areas. The majority area is suitable for grazing. Anguilla is not home to many rivers; however, it has several salt lakes used for commercial salt production. The climate is warm and dry all the time, with an average temperature of °F (27 Celsius). Anguilla is located in a region known for its hurricanes likely to hit between July and October.

Basic Economy

Tourism is the primary source of the economy of Anguilla, but other significant economic activities include fishing, particularly conch and lobster, salt production, the raising of livestock, and building boats. There is a modest financial services sector that the British and the Anguillan governments are trying to develop. Money returned to Anguillan from those who have emigrated abroad contributes to the economy overall. There is no tax on income, customs duty, and real estate taxes. Banks’ licenses, customs duties, and the sale of stamps generate income to an Anguillan government. The eastern Caribbean dollar, as well as dollar from the U.S. dollar, are used as currencies.

Fascinating Facts

1	In 1995, better water sources were accessible to 57 % of the Anguillan population.
2	In 2011, the records showed an increase of 95 percent. In 2015, that percentage reached 97.9 percent of people. At the very least, 98 percent of those restrooms were flushing toilets.
3	There are no rivers in Anguilla; thus, water is gathered via rain, wells connected to subsurface aquifers, or desalination. According to studies from the year 2000, 60 percent of the population having access to potable drinking water. Bottled water will be the primary source of drinking water for 61% of homes in the next few years.
4	Approximately 73% of Anguilla's population still has water through a reservoir pumped into their dwellings. According to research, approximately 15% of people in 2011 drank water that was pumped into their houses by the public. A "public standpipe or well" was at least used by 4% of people at the very least.
5	The water quality that is poorly collected from cisterns is a matter of concern since it is used to drink along with other household uses. Rainwater contaminants can accumulate inside cisterns, such as a container. They pose a health risk to people who consume the water. The pathogens that cause illness, such as viruses, bacteria, and Protozoa in cisterns, are cleaned using chlorine. But chlorine loses effectiveness 24 hours after entering the cistern. Microorganisms transmitted through water can cause diseases and even the possibility of death.
6	A mix of fertilizers for agriculture, animal wastes, and the run-off of wastewater from domestic in addition commercial septic tanks are leaking in untreated groundwater. This results in a chemical contamination issue for only a tiny amount of water for drinking have.
7	Nitrate concentrations are rising in all the wells used for production and testing connected with underground water sources. Since the beginning of time, Anguilla's Aquifer has been subjected to regular laboratory tests by those concerned about the public's health and the environment. The analysis shows concentrations of nitrate that are higher than the safe drinking water level.
8	Pollution from groundwater flows into coastal ponds, as well as phosphates from the cleaning chemicals in wastewater from domestic sources provide the proper chemical nutrients needed to increase the growth and spread of harmful marine algae. This causes murky waters on the coast, which hinders coral development.
9	The chronic illnesses and diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer that Anguillans suffer are believed to result from the poor quality of water they consume. To improve the populace's health, the Ms. Ursuline Joseph of Dominica has suggested a solution to ensure an alkaline level that is acceptable in the water. The X20 product can be described as "a high-quality mineral alkaline substance" with 77 types of minerals that can prevent illnesses from forming in the body. Made by Xooma originates from an ocean near the shores of Japan. When the powdered substance can be added to 1.5L of water, it becomes alkalized with minerals and is healthier to drink.
10	Anguilla's main issues with water management stem from the fact that there's no water to deal with. With an average annual rainfall of 40 inches. The rate of evaporation can exceed 70 inches per year in dry spells. However, hydrology and water engineers are concerned about the possibility of excessive pumping in the near term. However, experts are less concerned about the amount of groundwater remaining and more concerned about their groundwater's quality.
11	The need for water resulting from the growth of housing and tourist facilities has caused a decline in groundwater supplies in Anguilla. The problem lies in the fact that the pumping rates of the wells currently in use are already at their highest. The attempt to pump more water could compromise the structure's integrity and could permit seawater to enter, damaging the Aquifer. Sanitation, in general, has made huge strides and is also an element of the reason that pollution is threatening the water sources accessible.
12	The rate of crime in Anguilla is low. However, petty and violent crimes are possible. Be aware of common-sense precautions like everywhere else. Don't leave valuables in your hotel room or at the beach.
13	People who wish to extend their time in Anguilla should fill out An Extension of Stay Application Form. Photo must be submitted in the application together with a passport as well as an itinerary. The cost for the extension is EC$150.00. When the extended period, the guest must depart the island.
14	It is legal to drink when the age for alcohol is 18. Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits are available at supermarkets and restaurants seven every day during regular hours.
15	Anguilla is situated on Atlantic Standard Time year-round, which means that it is usually one hour ahead of the U.S. East Coast -except for when you are in the U.S., it is on daylight saving time, and clocks are identical.