Anguilla which is part of the BWI (British West Indies), is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles (which consists of 5 islands in total). Anguilla has a land area of 102 sq km, 35 square miles. The approximate population of the island is 13,950 (in 2005), and the majority of Anguillian people are originally of African descent. Anguilla was first colonised by English settlers in 1650, and in 1980 it formerly withdrew from the territory and became an independent British dependency. Anguilla is a beautiful island and has 33 long sandy beaches and bays of coral and limestone. These staggeringly beautiful, eye-catching beaches are the main attraction of the island. Sitting in lukewarm turquoise seas the sandy coves and beaches of Anguilla offer fantastic opportunities for sun bathing, snorkeling, diving and boat racing which is an Anguillian national sport. Beaches to look out for are Shoal Bay East, Sandy Ground and Barnes Bay. A range of hotels are on offer from the luxury 5 Star to the cheaper and affordable mini-resorts, apartments, private & clubstyle villas as well as guesthouses and inns. Traveling by air you will arrive at St. Maarten Island’s Juliana Airport via American Airlines, American Eagle, KLM & Air France who offer regular and scheduled flights, there is then a short 20 minute ferry ride to Anguilla.