INFORME ANALÍTICO

2. BACKGROUND

The nation of Antigua & Barbuda comprises three islands Antigua (which lies between 61 degrees 40’& 61 degrees 54’ west longitude and 17 degrees 00’ & 17 degrees 10’ North Latitude), Barbuda & Redonda. Antigua with an area of 108 sq miles (280 sq km) has an estimated (1999) population of 68,500, Barbuda with an area of 62 sq miles (160 sq km) has an estimated population of 1500 and Redonda is uninhabited.

The topography of Antigua is characterized by the higher volcanic formations in the South & West and the Limestone region in the northeast. Between these two lies the Central plain which consists of Aluvium. The Volcanics rise to a height of 1330 ft (405 m), the Limestone are about 400 ft (120 m) above sea level whilst large areas of the central plain rise to less than 50 ft (15 m) above sea level.

Annual rainfall is relatively low ranging from 26 in/yr to 75 in/yr (66cm/yr to 191 cm/yr) with a long term average of 42 in/yr (107 cm/yr).

Rainfall intensities have been recorded as high as 6 in/hr (15 cm/hr) and daily rainfall have been recorded as high as 17" (43 cm). The topography, however, makes impoundment of water difficult since dams cover relatively large landmasses in the relatively flat terrain.