Anguilla is a small island territory in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is part of the chain of islands known as the Lesser Antilles and lies east of Puerto Rico and north of Saint Martin. The island measures about 26 kilometers (16 miles) long and about 5 kilometers (3 miles) wide at its widest point. Because of its relatively flat terrain and limestone base, Anguilla does not have large mountains or rivers. Instead, it features low hills and coastal plains. Its geographic position places it within a region known for warm tropical waters and marine ecosystems.

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory. This means it is self-governing internally but remains under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom. The territory has its own elected government that manages domestic affairs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The United Kingdom is responsible for areas such as defense and international relations. The governance structure includes a governor appointed by the British government as well as a locally elected legislative assembly. This system allows the territory to maintain local political autonomy while remaining part of a broader constitutional framework.

The capital of Anguilla is The Valley. Despite the name, it is not located in a deep valley but rather in a gently sloping area near the center of the island. The Valley functions as the administrative center of government, housing government offices, financial institutions, and community facilities. The town also contains churches, schools, and small businesses that serve local residents. Because Anguilla has a relatively small population, the capital remains modest in scale compared with major Caribbean cities.