Barbados is one of the most popular luxury holiday destinations in the world. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the richness of its culture and above all the friendliness of its people it provides the best of all worlds – it is one of the best places to relax, but it’s also full of chic restaurants, vibrant nightclubs and world-class golf courses.
Barbados has an endearingly British atmosphere and cricket is the national sport. But despite the British influence, it is a cosmopolitan country with a strong character of its own. It is prosperous and progressive and still full of natural charm; the Caribbean culture is very much evident in its cuisine, music and people.
Located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea and close to the equator, Barbados enjoys a warm and sunny climate all year. It is predominantly flat with rolling hills to the north, and has a unique coral structure which acts as a natural filter making its waters amongst the purest in the world. The rugged Atlantic east coast is less developed and ruggedly beautiful, offering some spectacular panoramas forged over millions of years by the powerful Atlantic Ocean’s winds and waves.
Barbados’ Key Facts
Population:
280,000
Capital:
Bridgetown (other important towns – Holetown, Oistins, Speightstown)
Area:
430 sq km/166 sq miles; 34 km/21 miles long 23 km/14 miles wide.
Geography:
Barbados is predominantly composed of limestone-coral. The island was created less than one million years ago by the collision of the Atlantic crustal and Caribbean plates which merged together and formed the base for an accumulation of 300 ft of coral. It is primarily low-lying, rising gently to the central highland region; the highest point is Mount Hillaby in the Scotland district – 340metres. The island has 62 miles of coastline – the beaches are white sand composed of finely ground coral. The island has 11 administrative parishes – Christchurch, St Andrew, St George, St James, St John, St Joseph, St Lucy, St Michael, St Peter, St Philip, St Thomas.
Time difference:
GMT -4
Language:
Official language is English; the local dialect is Bajan English.
Monetary Unit:
Barbados dollar (fixed to the US dollar); US dollars are widely accepted
Airport:
There is one major airport – Sir Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA).
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