Country Guide • Barbados

Flag of Barbados

Barbados is an island that offers sun, two seas and salt-water bathing The island abounds with exotic locations and exciting history. The extensive variety of culture, sports and activities make Barbados the pearl of the Caribbean island world. Barbados has a well developed standard of living, education, medical care and transportation. The people are friendly and the climate warm year-round.

Official NameBarbados
Area431km² (166mile²)
Population277,000
ContinentCaribbean/North America
Population per mile²1,666
Capital CityBridgetown
ReligionsAnglican 40%, Methodist 7%, Pentecostal 8%, Roman Catholic 4%
LanguageEnglish
GovernmentIndependent state within the British Commonwealth
CurrencyBarbados Dollar
GDP$4 Billion
GDP per Head$14,500
Natural ResourcesFish, Natural Gas and Petroleum
Land UseArable Land 37%
AgricultureCotton, Sugarcane and Vegetables
IndustryAgriculture, Fishing, Sugar, Tourism, Light Manufacturing and Component assembly for export
TourismBarbados is a relatively flat island with an abundant supply of large gradually sloping beaches fringing the land. Barbados has a number of sites of historical, architectural and natural interest. The best time to go to Barbados is during the cooler, drier months of late winter and early spring (February to May)
Natural HazardsInfrequent Hurricanes and Periodic Landslides
Health RisksDengue fever, diarrhoea and intestinal parasites; leptospirosis can be present in freshwater streams
ClimateBarbados has a tropical maritime climate.The dry season is relatively cool and occurs between December to May. The wet season between June and December, is hotter with higher humidity and greater rainfall. Average annual precipitation varies from around 1,000 mm (39 inches) in the coastal areas to 2,280 mm (90 inches) in the central ridge area. Average temperature ranges for Bridgetown are from 21 to 28°C in February to 23 to 30°C in June or September
TimeGMT/UTC hours
National DaysNovember 30
VisasVisas are required for citizens from the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Pakistan, non-Commonwealth African countries and all South American countries except Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela. All visitors are officially required to be in possession of an onward or return ticket
British EmbassyEmbassy Details

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