Barbados Country Facts

Barbados is located in the eastern Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela and north of Trinidad and Tobago. It is part of the Lesser Antilles and is located outside the principal Atlantic hurricane belt, making it a popular destination year-round.

Geography

Location and Borders

Barbados is an island nation located in the eastern Caribbean, lying to the east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea. It is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, outside the principal Atlantic hurricane belt, which makes it less prone to hurricanes compared to other Caribbean islands. Barbados is the easternmost island of the Lesser Antilles.

• Latitude/Longitude: Barbados lies between 13.1°N and 13.5°N latitude and 59.4°W and 59.6°W longitude.
• Proximity: It is about 161 km (100 miles) east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and about 434 km (270 miles) north-east of Trinidad and Tobago.

Size and Population

Barbados is a relatively small island, measuring approximately 34 km (21 miles) long and 23 km (14 miles) wide, with a total land area of 432 square kilometers (166 square miles). It is densely populated, with a population of around 287,000 people as of 2023.

Capital City

• Bridgetown: The capital and largest city of Barbados, located on the southwestern coast of the island. It is the commercial, political, and cultural hub of the nation.

Topography

Barbados is a relatively flat island, with a few highland areas. The terrain is primarily composed of limestone, which forms a series of terraces that descend towards the sea.

Key Features

• Mount Hillaby: The highest point on the island, located in the parish of Saint Andrew. It rises to a height of 340 meters (1,115 feet) above sea level.
• Coral Reefs: Barbados is surrounded by coral reefs, which contribute to the island’s pristine beaches and marine biodiversity.
• Caves and Gullies: The island has several underground caves and deep gullies, the most famous being Harrison’s Cave, known for its crystallized limestone formations and streams.

Climate

Barbados enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year and distinct wet and dry seasons.

Tropical Climate

• Temperature: Average temperatures range from 21°C (70°F) to 31°C (88°F), with little variation throughout the year.
• Seasons:
  • Wet Season: From June to November, this period is characterized by higher humidity and frequent but short-lived tropical rainstorms.
  • Dry Season: From December to May, this is the more popular tourist season due to the sunny and dry weather.

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History

Pre-Colonial Era

Before the arrival of European settlers, Barbados was inhabited by indigenous peoples. The earliest known settlers were the Saladoid-Barrancoid, followed by the Arawak and Carib peoples. These indigenous groups lived off the land, cultivating crops and fishing.

Arawak and Carib Societies

• Arawaks: The Arawaks were primarily agriculturalists, growing crops like cassava, corn, and cotton. They lived in small villages and were known for their pottery and craftsmanship.
• Caribs: The Caribs, who eventually displaced the Arawaks, were more warlike and skilled in navigating the seas. They maintained a network of trade and raids among the islands.

European Colonization

Barbados was first claimed for Spain by the Portuguese explorer Pedro A. Campos in the early 16th century, but it was the British who established the first permanent settlement in 1627.

British Rule

Barbados became a British colony in 1627 when 80 settlers and 10 enslaved Africans established a colony under the English Crown. The island remained under British control for over 300 years.

• Sugar and Slavery: The British developed Barbados into a major sugar-producing colony, relying heavily on the labor of enslaved Africans. By the mid-17th century, sugar plantations dominated the island’s economy, and Barbados became one of the wealthiest colonies in the British Empire.

Abolition and Emancipation

The transatlantic slave trade brought hundreds of thousands of Africans to Barbados, who toiled under harsh conditions. Enslaved Africans resisted their oppression through both overt and covert forms of rebellion.

• Abolition of the Slave Trade: In 1807, the British Parliament passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, but slavery itself persisted in Barbados until 1834.
• Emancipation: Full emancipation was declared in 1838, leading to significant social and economic changes, although former slaves continued to work on plantations under exploitative conditions.

Road to Independence

After slavery, Barbados transitioned from a colonial economy based on plantation agriculture to a more diversified economy. Despite this, the island remained under British control until the mid-20th century.

Political Reform

• Grantley Adams: A key figure in the island’s independence movement, Adams led the push for greater autonomy and social reform. He became the first Premier of Barbados in 1953.
• West Indies Federation: From 1958 to 1962, Barbados was part of the short-lived West Indies Federation, an attempt to create a political union among Caribbean colonies.

Independence

Barbados gained full independence from Britain on November 30, 1966, becoming a sovereign state within the Commonwealth. Errol Barrow, the leader of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), became the first Prime Minister of independent Barbados.

Modern Political Development

• Republic Status: On November 30, 2021, Barbados transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, removing Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. Sandra Mason became the first president of Barbados.

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Government and Politics

Political System

Barbados is a parliamentary republic that follows the Westminster model of governance. The government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

Executive Branch

• Head of State: The President of Barbados, a largely ceremonial role since the country became a republic.
• Head of Government: The Prime Minister, who is the leader of the majority party in the House of Assembly and holds executive power.

Legislative Branch

Barbados has a bicameral parliament, consisting of the Senate and the House of Assembly.

• Senate: The upper house of Parliament, with 21 members appointed by the President.
• House of Assembly: The lower house, with 30 members elected by the public for a five-year term.

Judicial Branch

The judicial system in Barbados is based on English common law, and the courts operate independently of the executive and legislative branches.

• Supreme Court: The highest court in Barbados, which handles both civil and criminal cases.
• Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ): Since 2005, the CCJ has been the final appellate court for Barbados, replacing the British Privy Council.

Political Parties

Barbados has a vibrant multi-party system, with two major political parties dominating the landscape.

Democratic Labour Party (DLP)

• Founded: 1955.
• Political Ideology: Center-left, with a focus on social democracy and policies aimed at promoting social welfare.

Barbados Labour Party (BLP)

• Founded: 1938.
• Political Ideology: Center-right, with a focus on economic liberalism, private sector growth, and infrastructure development.

Foreign Relations

Barbados maintains strong diplomatic and economic ties with countries around the world, particularly within the Caribbean region.

CARICOM

Barbados is a founding member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which promotes economic integration, cooperation in foreign policy, and collaboration among Caribbean nations.

Relations with the United States and the United Kingdom

Barbados has historically maintained close relations with both the United States and the United Kingdom. It enjoys strong trade ties, and tourism from both countries is a key component of the island’s economy.

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Economy

Overview

Barbados has a mixed economy that includes tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services. Despite its small size, Barbados is one of the most prosperous and developed countries in the Caribbean.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Barbados has a relatively high GDP per capita compared to other Caribbean nations, reflecting its high standard of living. However, the country has faced economic challenges, particularly due to the global recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted its tourism sector.

Key Industries

Tourism

Tourism is the dominant sector of the Barbadian economy, contributing around 40% of the GDP.

• Main Attractions: Barbados attracts tourists with its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant culture. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and historic landmarks like the Garrison Savannah.
• Cruise Industry: Barbados is a major port of call for cruise ships, bringing in thousands of visitors each year.

Agriculture

Although agriculture once dominated the economy, its role has diminished in recent decades. However, sugarcane remains a key crop.

• Sugarcane: Historically, sugarcane was the backbone of Barbados’ economy. Today, the crop is still grown for both export and the production of rum.
• Other Crops: In addition to sugarcane, Barbados produces bananas, yams, and vegetables for local consumption and export.

Manufacturing

Barbados has a small but growing manufacturing sector that produces goods for both the local market and export.

• Key Products: Processed foods, beverages (especially rum), chemicals, and electronics.
• Export Markets: The United States, the Caribbean, and the European Union are the primary markets for Barbadian manufactured goods.

Financial Services

Barbados has developed into a major hub for international financial services, particularly in the areas of banking, insurance, and investment.

• Offshore Banking: The island has positioned itself as an offshore financial center, attracting foreign investment through favorable tax laws and regulations.
• Tax Treaties: Barbados has signed numerous double taxation agreements with countries around the world, encouraging international businesses to establish operations on the island.

Challenges

Barbados faces several economic challenges, including:

• High Public Debt: The country has struggled with high levels of public debt, which has prompted austerity measures and negotiations with international financial institutions.
• Economic Diversification: While tourism and financial services are strong, there is a need for greater diversification to reduce the country’s vulnerability to global economic shocks.

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Culture

Language

• Official Language: English is the official language of Barbados, used in government, education, and business.
• Bajan Dialect: In informal settings, many Barbadians speak Bajan, an English-based Creole with African and British influences. The Bajan dialect reflects the island’s rich cultural heritage and is an essential part of local identity.

Religion

• Majority Religion: Christianity, particularly Anglicanism, is the predominant religion in Barbados.
• Other Religions: There are also communities of Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostals, and a small Jewish and Muslim presence.

Music and Dance

Calypso and Soca

Calypso and soca music are integral to Barbadian culture, particularly during the annual Crop Over festival, which celebrates the end of the sugarcane harvest.

Tuk Band Music

A uniquely Barbadian form of music, tuk band is rooted in African rhythms and British military traditions. Tuk bands typically consist of drums, flutes, and triangles and are featured in parades and cultural events.

Festivals

Crop Over

• Description: Crop Over is the most famous festival in Barbados, dating back to the 18th century. Originally celebrated by slaves at the end of the sugarcane harvest, the festival today is a vibrant cultural event featuring music, dance, and elaborate costumes.
• Grand Kadooment: The festival culminates with the Grand Kadooment parade, where participants don colorful costumes and dance to soca and calypso music through the streets of Bridgetown.

Oistins Fish Festival

Held annually in the town of Oistins, this festival celebrates the island’s fishing heritage with boat races, fish fry, and live entertainment.

Cuisine

Barbadian cuisine, or Bajan cuisine, is a fusion of African, British, and Caribbean influences.

Popular Dishes

• Cou-Cou and Flying Fish: This is the national dish of Barbados. Cou-cou is made from cornmeal and okra, and flying fish is either steamed or fried and served with gravy.
• Pudding and Souse: A popular Saturday meal, consisting of pickled pork and a side of steamed sweet potato pudding.
• Pepperpot: A slow-cooked meat stew with a variety of spices, reflecting African and Amerindian culinary traditions.

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Sports

Cricket

Cricket is the most popular sport in Barbados, with a rich history dating back to the colonial period. The island has produced several legendary cricketers, including Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport.

• Kensington Oval: Located in Bridgetown, the Kensington Oval is the premier cricket ground in Barbados and has hosted numerous international matches, including World Cup games.

Soccer

Soccer is also widely played in Barbados, with many local leagues and competitions.

Other Sports

• Rugby: Rugby is gaining popularity, particularly among the younger generation.
• Tennis and Golf: Tennis and golf are also popular, with several high-quality facilities and international tournaments hosted on the island.

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Tourism

Major Attractions

Barbados is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere.

Beaches

• Crane Beach: One of the most famous beaches on the island, known for its pink-hued sand and dramatic cliffs.
• Bathsheba Beach: Located on the rugged eastern coast, this beach is famous for its strong waves and is a popular spot for surfers.

Historic Sites

• St. Nicholas Abbey: A 17th-century plantation house that is one of the few remaining Jacobean-style mansions in the Western Hemisphere.
• Bridgetown and its Garrison: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bridgetown is home to well-preserved colonial architecture and historic military installations, reflecting the island’s British heritage.

Natural Wonders

• Harrison’s Cave: A limestone cave system featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams. It is one of Barbados’ most popular natural attractions.
• Animal Flower Cave: Located in the northern part of the island, this cave offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is named after the sea anemones that can be found in its tidal pools.

Rum Distilleries

Barbados is known for its high-quality rum, and visitors can tour some of the island’s oldest rum distilleries, such as the Mount Gay Rum Distillery, which claims to be the world’s oldest rum producer.

Country Facts

• Population: 287,000
• Capital: Bridgetown
• Language: English
• Religion: Christianity (predominantly Protestant)
• Race: African descent, European, Asian, mixed-race
• Currency: Barbadian dollar (BBD)
• ISO Country Code: BB
• International Calling Code: +1-246
• Top-level Domain: .bb