Barbuda is located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. To the south are the islands of Montserrat and Guadaloupe, and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin.

The Siboney were the first to inhabit the island of Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak and Carib Indians populated the island when Christopher Columbus landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667.

Barbuda is currently home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, which is located in its Codrington Lagoon.