Barbuda facts for kids

Barbuda is a beautiful island located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is part of the country known as Antigua and Barbuda. About 1,500 people live on Barbuda, with most of them residing in the main town called Codrington.

This island is situated just north of Antigua, right in the middle of a group of islands called the Leeward Islands. To the south of Barbuda, you can find the islands of Montserrat and Guadeloupe. To the north and west are islands like Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin.

Exploring Barbuda

Barbuda is known for its stunning natural beauty. It's a relatively flat island, mostly made of coral and limestone. This means it has many amazing white and pink sand beaches. The island is also famous for its large lagoons and rich wildlife.

Nature and Wildlife

One of the most special places on Barbuda is the Frigatebird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to thousands of magnificent frigatebirds. These birds are known for their large size and the male's bright red throat pouch, which they puff up to attract mates. It's a truly amazing sight to see! The island's lagoons and mangroves also provide homes for many other birds and marine animals.

Island Life

Life on Barbuda is generally quiet and peaceful. The main town, Codrington, is where most of the island's activities happen. People on Barbuda often work in tourism, fishing, or small local businesses. The island's economy relies a lot on its beautiful beaches and natural attractions, which draw visitors from around the world.

History of Barbuda

Barbuda has a long and interesting history. The island was first settled by indigenous people, including the Arawak and later the Carib. European settlers arrived in the 17th century. In 1678, Barbuda became a British colony. For a long time, it was managed by the Codrington family, who used the island for farming and raising livestock.

Barbuda and Antigua were governed together for many years. In 1981, they became an independent country, the state of Antigua and Barbuda. Today, Barbuda has its own local council that helps manage the island's affairs, working together with the national government.

Challenges and Resilience

Like many Caribbean islands, Barbuda can be affected by strong storms. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused significant damage to the island. Many homes and buildings were destroyed, and most of the island's residents had to be evacuated. However, the people of Barbuda have shown great strength and determination in rebuilding their island. They are working hard to restore their homes and communities, showing their strong spirit and love for their island.

Images for kids

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  A house that was badly damaged by the Hurricane Irma.

See also

In Spanish: Barbuda para niños