Barbuda is a island in the Caribbean ringed with miles of beautiful deserted beaches. It is part of Antigua and Barbuda. Barbuda is part of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, being joined with Antigua when the islands were granted independence, but the islands have little in common. Internal affairs are largely governed by the elected Barbudan Council. Barbuda has a population of only 1500 or so, and few tourist facilities in spite of its miles of beautiful beaches. Nearly all the small stores, restaurants and guest houses are locally owned--what you spend here stays here.