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Location
Caribbean, Windward Islands.
Time
GMT - 4.
Area
430 sq km (166 sq miles).
Population
279,000 (2006).
Population Density
648.8 per sq km.
Capital
Bridgetown. Population: 98,900 (2003).
Geography
Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean chain of islands. It lies well to the east of the West Indies. To the west, beaches are made of fine white sand and there are natural coral reefs. Along the east coast there is a lively surf as the sea pounds the more rocky shoreline. Barbados is predominantly flat with only a few gently rolling hills to the north. The coral structure of the island acts as a natural filter and the waters of Barbados are amongst the purest in the world.
Government
Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1966.
Head of State
HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Sir Clifford Husband since 1996.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Owen Seymour Arthur since 1994.
Recent History
Owen Arthur, a trained economist, won a third term as prime minister in 2003 after his Barbados Labour Party (BLP) won 23 of 30 seats in parliament. The BLP has since given a high priority to economic diversification and development. Barbados' 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’ constitutional future) for an elected president as head of state. This would follow the example of Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and Dominica.
Language
The official language is English. Local Bajan dialect is also spoken.
Religion
Mainly Christian, with an Anglican majority, Roman Catholic minority, plus small Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities.
Electricity
110-115 volts AC, 50Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Social Conventions
Social attitudes, like administration and architecture, tend to echo that of British towns. However, the optimistic attitude, laid-back manner and wonderful sense of humour of the Bajans is well appreciated by many tourists. Casual wear is acceptable in most places. Dressing for dinner in hotels and restaurants is suggested. Smoking is generally unrestricted. Topless bathing is frowned upon. Certain homosexual acts are illegal.