St. John's is the capital and largest city of the Leeward Islands, a country of the British Empire located in the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea. With a population of 89,161 (2011), St. John's is the commercial centre of the Leeward Islands and the chief port of the island of Antigua.
Economy[]
St. John's is one of the most developed and cosmopolitan municipalities in the Lesser Antilles. The city is famous for its various shopping malls as well as boutiques throughout the city, selling designer jewelry and haute-couture clothing. There are also many independent, locally run establishments, selling a variety of fashions.
St. John's attracts tourists from the many exclusive resorts on the island and from the cruise ships which dock in its harbor at Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay several times a week.
The investment banking industry has a strong presence in the city. Many 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. Annual production yields more than 180,000 gallons bottled.