World Factbook
Anguilla
Last updated: 2026-03-28 (today)
Flag
description: blue, with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms shows three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design on a white background, with a turquoise-blue field below meaning: the white on the coat of arms stands for peace; the blue base for the sea, faith, youth, and hope; and the three dolphins for endurance, unity, and strength
Capital
name
The Valley
etymology
name may derive from the capital's location among several hills
time difference
UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates
18 13 N, 63 03 W
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
see United Kingdom
Constitution
history
several previous; latest 1 April 1982
Country name
etymology
in 1493, Christopher COLUMBUS named the island Anguilla, meaning "eel" in Spanish, because of the island's elongated shape
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
Anguilla
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Legal system
common law based on the English model
Government type
parliamentary democracy (House of Assembly); self-governing overseas territory of the UK
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts
subordinate courts
Magistrate's Court; Juvenile Court
judge selection and term of office
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62
Executive branch
cabinet
Executive Council appointed by the governor from among elected members of the House of Assembly
chief of state
King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Julia CROUCH (since 11 September 2023)
head of government
Premier Cora RICHARDSON-HODGE (since 27 February 2025)
election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as premier
National holiday
Anguilla Day, 30 May (1967)
Dependency status
overseas territory of the UK
Political parties
Anguilla Progressive Movement or APM; (formerly Anguilla United Movement or AUM) Anguilla United Front or AUF
Legislative branch
term in office
5 years
number of seats
11 (7 directly elected, 2 appointed, 2 ex-officio members)
electoral system
plurality/majority
legislature name
House of Assembly
scope of elections
full renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
6/29/2020
percentage of women in chamber
27.3%
parties elected and seats per party
APM (7); AUF (4)
National anthem(s)
title
"God Save the King"
history
official anthem, as an overseas UK territory
lyrics/music
unknown
National symbol(s)
dolphin
National coat of arms
the Anguillan coat of arms features three interlocking dolphins jumping out of seawater; they represent endurance, unity, and strength, and their circular motion stands for continuity; the white background symbolizes peace and tranquility, and the turquoise-blue base represents the sea, as well as faith, youth, and hope
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy
none (overseas territory of the UK); alternate contact is the US Embassy in Barbados [1] (246) 227-4000
International organization participation
Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU