Barbados is the easternmost island in the Lesser Antilles group. It is made up of more than 700 islands, islets and cays (islands on coral reefs). Although Barbados is at maximum 34 kilometres (21 miles) long and 23 kilometres (14 miles) wide, it is home to over 280,000 people, making it one of the world’s most densely populated countries. The coast is fringed with white, sandy beaches and tropical lowlands. Inland, the land rises gently to a rocky central ridge. Offshore, the island is surrounded by coral reefs. Barbados has a hot, tropical climate, with an especially wet season between June and November.

People

Barbados is the most developed island nation in the Caribbean. For centuries, the country was a major exporter of raw sugar. Its present-day population is largely made up of Africans whose enslaved ancestors worked on the island’s sugar plantations. Other Barbadians—often known as Bajans—include immigrants of Indian orgin from Guyana and "White Bajans" from the British Isles. Although English is the official language, most Barbadians speak Bajan Creole in day-to-day life. The language which has its roots in both English and West African languages.

Economy

Today, tourism has become the leading industry: around three-quarters of Barbadians work in services, many of them linked to tourism.

​​​​​​​The capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, is home to just under half of the entire population. Many foreign companies have set up branches in Bridgetown, attracted by Barbados’ generous tax laws. Some are banks and insurance firms; others are manufacturing companies who run assembly plants in the city, hiring workers to make electronic goods and clothing.

Facts about Barbados

Population 281,998 (2023 estimate)

Area 430 sq km

Highest Point Mount Hillaby 336 m (1102 ft)

Capital Bridgetown, population 98,511

Language English, Bajan Creole

Religions Christian (Protestant) 66%, Christian (Roman Catholic) 4%, others and none 30%

Ethnicity black African/Caribbean 92.4%, white 2.7%, mixed 3.1% East Indian 1.3%, others 0.4%

Currency Barbadian dollar (BBD)

Chief exports medicines, cosmetics, sugar and molasses, rum, chemicals, electrical components