Barbados

Country Profile: Barbados

Official Name: Barbados

Capital: Bridgetown

Geography:

Barbados is the easternmost island in the Caribbean, located in the West Indies. The island is relatively flat, with the highest point, Mount Hillaby, reaching 340 meters above sea level. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, especially those along the western coast, and for its lush landscapes.

Area: Approximately 432 square kilometers (167 square miles), which is slightly more than twice the size of Washington, D.C.

Population: Approximately 287,000 people (as of 2023 estimate)

Language: English is the official language.

Climate:

Barbados has a tropical monsoon climate with a wet season from June to November and a more dry season from December to May. The island is prone to hurricanes during the wet season but is less likely to be hit than many other parts of the Caribbean.

Economy:

Tourism is the primary economic sector, with visitors drawn by the island’s climate, beaches, and cultural attractions. Other significant sectors include manufacturing (particularly chemicals, electronic components, and clothing) and offshore banking. Sugar was once the backbone of the economy, but its significance has greatly decreased.

Government:

Barbados is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The British monarch is the official head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General. The Prime Minister is the head of government and is appointed by the Governor-General. Barbados is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, composed mostly of territories of the former British Empire.

Education:

Education in Barbados is mandatory for children between the ages of 5 and 16. Barbados boasts one of the highest literacy rates in the world, at over 99%, according to UNESCO. The University of the West Indies has a campus in Barbados, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Culture:

Barbadian culture is a unique mix of African, Indian, Irish, British, and Caribbean influences. Calypso, soca, reggae, and jazz music are popular, as is the annual Crop Over festival, which celebrates the end of the sugar cane harvest. The national dish of Barbados is Cou-Cou and Flying Fish.

Famous Barbadians:

Singer Rihanna is perhaps the most famous person from Barbados. She was born in Saint Michael and lived in Bridgetown before her music career took off.

This is a general overview of Barbados and there’s so much more to learn about this fascinating country, from its rich history to its unique biodiversity.