Actually in the Atlantic but considered a Caribbean destination. Most easterly of the Windward Islands.

GMT - 4.

416 sq km (161 sq miles).

270,000 (2008).

649 per sq km.

Bridgetown. Population: 80,000 (2008).

As the most easterly of the Caribbean chain, Barbados lies well to the east of the West Indies. A lively surf scene enjoys pounding waves along the rugged east coast where a rocky shoreline kicks up plenty of spray. To the west, fine white sand beaches and natural coral reefs predominate. A handful of gently rolling hills form a ripple to the north while the rest of the island is predominantly flat. Coral filters ensure surrounding waters are among the purest on the planet.

Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1966.

HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Sir Clifford Husband since 1996.

Prime Minister David Thompson since January 2008.

In January 2008 David Thompson of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) assumed office as prime minister following election victory. He is the sixth holder of the office since Independence.

Since Owen Arthur, of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), won a third term as prime minister in 2003, the party has given a high priority to economic diversification and development. Barbados’s biggest current political problems are the promotion of economic growth, the creation of jobs and attracting foreign investment. Barbados has been a stable democracy since it gained independence, however, there is a strong lobby (backed by a recent government commission examining Barbados’s constitutional future) for an elected president as head of state. This would follow the example of Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and Dominica.

The official language is English. Local Bajan dialect is also spoken.

Over 100 religious groups practise island-wide, from the Anglican majority to smaller Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Baptists, Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, The Salvation Army, Muslim and Quaker faiths.

110-115 volts AC, 50Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in use.

Many British societal attitudes permeate bureaucratic red tape and architecture, yet when it comes to time-keeping, humour and urgency the laid-back Barbados manner reigns supreme. Barefoot casual attire is de rigour except when dressing up-to-the nines for dinner – or church. As a former slave colony, personal freedom is highly valued.