Anguilla is part of the British West Indies and is frequently considered paradisa. Hikers will not find mountainous regions but beach lovers will be unlikely to complain about the 33 white, soft, sandy beaches. These are easy to access due to the compact nature of the island. Amongst the marine parks are Dog Island, Prickley Pear and the Seal Island Reef System. Diving around wrecks (some of which were intentionally created), reefs and caves will pass the time after eating at one of the many restaurants. It is easy to feel pampered throughout and gain relaxation in the multihued waters of the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans.
Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single British dependency, along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, with Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency. Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism industry, which has spurred the growth of the construction sector, has contributed to economic growth.
