Barbados

The Gem of the Caribbean – Republic of Heritage, Hospitality, and Progress

Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean, located northeast of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Known for its beaches, British colonial legacy, and vibrant cultural expressions, Barbados is also the newest republic in the Americas, officially removing the British monarch as Head of State in 2021.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Originally inhabited by Arawak and Carib peoples.

  • Claimed by England in 1625 and settled in 1627, becoming a British colony.

  • Gained independence on November 30, 1966, and became a parliamentary republic on November 30, 2021.

  • Barbados has a legacy of sugar plantation economy and a strong democratic political culture post-independence.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Republic of Barbados
Capital Bridgetown
Continent North America (Caribbean)
Official Language English
Currency Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
Area Approx. 430 sq. km
Population Approx. 284,000 (2025 est.)
Time Zone Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4)
ISO Code BB
Internet TLD .bb
Calling Code +1-246

Religious Affiliation (Estimated)

Religion Population Share
Christianity (mostly Anglican, Pentecostal, Methodist) ~85%
Other / Unaffiliated ~15%

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2025)
President Sandra Mason (since transition to republic)
Prime Minister Mia Mottley (Barbados Labour Party – BLP)
Government Type Parliamentary republic
Legislature Bicameral – House of Assembly and Senate
Judiciary Supreme Court, Caribbean Court of Justice (final appeal)

Administrative Divisions (Parishes)

Barbados is divided into 11 parishes, which serve as historical and administrative regions:

  1. Christ Church

  2. Saint Andrew

  3. Saint George

  4. Saint James

  5. Saint John

  6. Saint Joseph

  7. Saint Lucy

  8. Saint Michael (includes Bridgetown)

  9. Saint Peter

  10. Saint Philip

  11. Saint Thomas

Local Government Structure

  • Barbados has no local government councils; all administration is conducted centrally from Bridgetown.

  • A few community councils and constituencies support grassroots initiatives under parliamentary constituencies.

Leadership & Governance

Barbados is internationally respected for its strong governance, democratic tradition, and active global diplomacy.
Key development focuses:

  • Climate resilience and blue economy

  • Digital transformation and innovation

  • Renewable energy and sustainable tourism

  • Regional leadership in CARICOM and climate advocacy

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Main agencies:

    • Barbados Police Service (BPS)

    • Barbados Defence Force (BDF)

  • Generally regarded as safe and stable

  • Community policing and tourism protection are key priorities

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Tourism and hospitality (dominates GDP)

    • International business and finance

    • Agriculture (sugarcane, root crops)

    • Renewable energy and cultural industries

  • GDP (2024): Approx. USD 6.1 billion

  • Recovery post-COVID and republic transition supported by:

    • Digital nomad visas (Barbados Welcome Stamp)

    • High-end tourism

    • Offshore services sector growth

Education & Institutions

  • Compulsory education from age 5 to 16

  • Literacy rate: over 98%

  • Leading institutions:

    • University of the West Indies – Cave Hill Campus

    • Barbados Community College

    • Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology

  • Strong focus on:

    • Digital learning

    • Environmental education

    • Global scholarships and academic exchange

Healthcare

  • Publicly funded healthcare system (free or low-cost)

  • Notable facilities:

    • Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Bridgetown)

    • Community polyclinics across the island

  • High standards in:

    • Maternal and child health

    • Non-communicable disease management

    • Universal health coverage initiatives

Transport & Connectivity

  • Roads: Well-maintained highways and roadways

  • Public transport: Government and private minibuses (ZR vans)

  • Airport:

    • Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA)

  • Seaport:

    • Bridgetown Port – cruise terminal and cargo shipping

  • Barbados has one of the region’s best air-sea connectivity systems

Tourism & Attractions

Natural Attractions:

  • Harrison’s Cave, Animal Flower Cave, Bathsheba Beach

  • Welchman Hall Gully, Hunte’s Gardens

Cultural Heritage:

  • Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison – UNESCO World Heritage

  • Crop Over Festival, calypso and tuk bands

  • Rum distilleries and plantation tours

Tourism:

  • High-value destination with eco-resorts and heritage-focused experiences

  • Popular for weddings, cricket, sailing, and wellness retreats

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic composition: Predominantly African descent with European and mixed heritage

  • Language: English (official), Bajan Creole (widely spoken)

  • Cuisine: Flying fish & cou-cou (national dish), macaroni pie, rice and peas

  • Cultural pride:

    • Strong identity in music, theatre, poetry, and festivals

    • Global icons like Rihanna bring global attention to Bajan culture

Summary

Barbados is a progressive island republic, leading the Caribbean in governance, education, and climate policy. With its unique blend of colonial heritage, cultural richness, and future-ready economy, Barbados represents the spirit of a modern, resilient, and globally engaged Caribbean nation.