Geography of Anguilla

Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico Geographic coordinates: 18°15′ N, 63°10′ W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: Area – comparative: about half the size of Washington, D.C. Coastline: 61 km Maritime claims: Climate: tropical moderated by northeast trade winds Terrain: flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone Elevation extremes: Natural resources: salt, fish, lobster Land use: Natural hazards: frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October) Environment – current issues: supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system.

With no mountains to slow or trap clouds, rainfall is erratic, averaging about 900 mm (35.4 in) per year, the wettest months being September and October, and the driest February and March.

Anguilla is vulnerable to hurricanes from June to November, peak season August to mid-October.

Anguilla's coral and limestone terrain provide no subsistence possibilities for forests, woodland, pastures, crops, or arable lands.

Its dry climate and thin soil hamper commercial agricultural development.