St. John's is the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, part of the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea. With a population of 22,219, St. John's is the commercial centre of the nation and the chief port of the island of Antigua. History The settlement of St. John's has been the administrative centre of Antigua and Barbuda since the islands were first colonised in 1632, and it became the seat of government when the nation achieved independence in 1981. Economy St. John's is one of the most developed and cosmopolitan municipalities in the Lesser Antilles. The city is famous for its shopping malls as well as boutiques throughout the city, selling designer jewellery and haute-couture clothing. St. John's attracts tourists from the resorts on the island and from the cruise ships which dock in its harbour at Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay several times a week. The investment banking industry has a strong presence in the city. Major world financial institutions have offices in St. John's. There is a market on the southwestern edge of the city where fresh produce, meats, and fresh fish are sold daily. The Antigua Rum Distillery is located at the Citadel and is the only rum distillery on the island. Demographics The majority of the population of St. John's reflects that of the rest of Antigua: people of African and mixed European-African ancestry, with a European minority, including British and Portuguese. There is a population of Levantine Christian Arabs. Government St John's is the home of the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda. St John's is the capital of the Parish of Saint John. The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority has its headquarters on Factory Road in St. John's. St John's is twinned with Waltham Forest borough in London, England. Administrative Divisions Areas Areas (or Major Divisions) are the second-level administrative divisions of Antigua and Barbuda. Saint John's is considered a first-level administrative division when it comes to dividing the Major Divisions. City Centre Greenbay Point Cook's Hill Gray's Farm Nut Grove Kentish Desouza Road Browns Avenue Villa Radio Range Sutherlands Development Upper Fort Road Micheal's Mount Princess Margaret Upper Gamble's Boundaries The "City of St. John's" is defined by the Public Health Act as: The "City of St. John's" is defined by the Property Tax Act, 2006 as the region enclosed by Dickenson Bay Street on both sides from the Sea to the