Quick facts on Barbados

Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands chain. It’s a tiny, flat, limestone island of 165 sq mi/430 sq km, with Mount Hillaby being the highest point, standing at 336 km/1104 feet. There are a collection of caves and underground lakes that provide an excellent source of drinking water. The coral base extends to depths of 300ft (90m) and filters the rain water, forming underground streams, thus reducing the possibility of contaminated water. That's why Barbados is known as one of the healthiest places in the world.

CLIMATE

Barbados is usually sunny and warm all year round earning the name "Island in the Sun". The average temperature stays at a consistent 75º - 85º Fahrenheit / 27-29 Celcius. The prevailing northeast trade winds blow steadily so that although it is bright and sunny, it is not unbearably hot. It will rain mostly during the summer months, but is quickly followed by sunny skies and within minutes everything will be dry.

POPULATION/ LANGUAGE

The population of Barbados is estimated at around 275,330 with an ethnic mix of 92% from African descent, 4% European, 1% Indian and Asian, and 3% of mixed race. The unemployment rate stands at 9.3%, and the literacy rate at 98%. The official language is English, with Spanish being introduced as a second language. However, "Bajan Dialect", a language which evolved from the fusion of the African slave’s language mixed with English phrases, is the common language heard and spoken everywhere.

HEALTH

Barbados enjoys very high health standards, with modern medical facilities, equipment and highly trained doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, optometrists, masseuses, and other health professionals. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a government run facility, provides specialized services. There is also the privately run, Bayview Hospital, plus an island-wide network of Government polyclinics.

RELIGION

Unlike the other Caribbean islands, where Catholicism flourishes, Anglicanism, is the most predominant. In a short time an entire vestry system of Anglican parish churches and rectories sprung all across the island. Other main denominations include the Moravian, the Pentecostal, Spiritual Baptist of African origin, the Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses. There are over 100 religious sects operating in Barbados.

EDUCATION

The Barbados educational system is modeled after the British system, producing one of the highest standards of education in the English speaking Caribbean. School is compulsory up to age 16 and government schools are free at the primary and secondary levels. Beyond that are colleges, a university, vocational and technical training schools, including special ones for the mentally and physically challenged.

ELECTRICITY/WATER

Barbados has a reliable electricity service with a voltage range of between 115/230 at 50 cycles. Hotels have adapters and converters. The Barbados Water Authority provides a quality water supply throughout the island. The drinking water is safe and refreshing because it is filtered via a geological base of coral and limestone, before being pumped, pure and clean, throughout the island.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Barbados is equipped with a modern telecommunications infrastructure with the latest in digital technology and fiber optics systems, which includes international direct dialing, fax transfer and satellite telecommunications, ensuring an efficient transmission of electronic data. The international country code is (1-246) plus the seven digit local number.

GOVERNMENT

Barbados stands unique among other Caribbean islands, because it has remained a British colony from its inception. This has contributed to the creation of a good, stable foundation, in a country made up of many races and beliefs. The constitution of Barbados is based on the British style of parliamentary democracy with elections held every 5 years. There are 2 houses of parliament, a senate and a House of Assembly. The Governor General is the Head of State, while executive authority is vested in the Prime Minister and Cabinet, who are collectively responsible for Parliament.

LEGAL SYSTEM

The legal system is derived from English common law and statutes. The Courts administer the laws of Barbados, with a judicial system composed of a lower magistrates Court and the Supreme Court, which includes a Court of Appeal and a High Court. The Attorney General is responsible for the administration of the legal and judicial system. Final appeal from Barbadian Courts is referred to the Privy Council in England.

AIRPORT/ SEAPORT

The Grantley Adams International Airport provides a vital link for international air traffic in the Eastern Caribbean, with non-stop daily services to major international destinations like New York, Miami, Toronto, London and the Caribbean. Major airlines include American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. One of the most modern sea ports in the Caribbean is found in Barbados, with a deep water harbour and a shallow draught facility. The award winning Bridgetown Port is well equipped with container handling and berth facilities for ocean going freighters and passenger vessels, including major luxury liners.

VISA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A valid passport is required by all visitors. Nationals of CARICOM, the UK, The USA, Canada and some Commonwealth countries can travel to Barbados with acceptable proof of identification, like a passport, birth certificate or national ID. Visas are required for most other citizens but not for passengers on cruise ships except citizens from Eastern European countries, The People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Korea and South Africa.