The Leeward Islands are a member state in the East Caribbean Federation. They are on the inner ring of the Lesser Antilles, at the far north of the island chain. It shares maritime borders with Guadeloupe in the south, Antigua and Barbuda in the east, and the Virgin Islands in the east. St. Martin and the Leeward Netherlands Antilles are located between the borders of the individual Leeward Islands. The island nation covers an area of 454 sq km. Its capital is located at Basseterre, on the island of St. Kitts.