A coral and limestone island at the northern tip of the Leewards, the British overseas territory of Anguilla is best known as an upmarket destination for tourists and a haven for the wealthy.
Once the home of Arawak and Carib peoples, it became an English colony after settlers arrived in 1650. Its people are of mainly African descent.
Carefully-regulated tourism is the bedrock of the economy. A tropical climate, fine beaches, reefs and turquoise seas lure visitors, many of them from the US.
Offshore banking is another money-earner. Anguilla, which does not levy personal or corporate income tax, was removed in 2002 from an international list of territories said to be uncooperative in the fight against money-laundering.
Persistent tensions over Anguilla's political status came to a head in 1967 when Britain created a self-governing entity which encompassed Anguilla and the islands of St Kitts and Nevis to the south. It was meant to be the forerunner of a proposed state.
But many Anguillians argued that they were not fairly represented by the St Kitts-based administration. They threw out the Kittsian police force and declared their secession.
British forces were sent and in 1971 the Anguilla Act brought the territory under British control. Anguilla broke away from St Kitts and Nevis and became a British overseas territory in 1980.
Boating and cricket are popular pastimes on Anguilla. The island is a haven for migratory birds and a breeding ground for terns, frigates and tropical birds.
Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor Andrew George
Chief minister: Osbourne Fleming
Osbourne Fleming's ruling Anguilla United Front party won general elections in February 2005. His campaign centred on major projects, including the renovation of the main airport and the construction of luxury tourist developments.
The chief minister has backed reforms intended to give the internally-governing territory more autonomy.
There are seven elected seats in Anguilla's assembly. Four assembly members are appointed; three of them by the governor and one by the ruling party.
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