Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign archipelagic nation located in the Caribbean Sea, situated within the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. It is composed of two main islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and is known for its extensive network of beaches and its historical significance as a major center for the transatlantic slave trade. The country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which draws visitors to its numerous resorts and historical sites. With a population of approximately 98,000 people, it maintains a small, focused economy centered around the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD).