Barbados FAQ

Where is Barbados located?

Barbados is an island located in Central America, North Atlantic Ocean and northeast of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, geographic coordinates 13º 10 N, 59º 32 W

What is Barbados’s total surface area?

431 square km of land, equivalent to 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC, with 97 km of coastline and maritime claims of territorial sea of 12 nm in total, reserving an exclusive economic zone of 200 nm.

How is the island's climate?

Barbados has a tropical sunny climate, with a rainy season running from June to October. Rain is often just quick showers. Weather variations come from prevailing northeast trade winds blowing steadily. On average, daytime temperature range up to 75-85º F, with nights slightly cooler. Tropical rainstorms sometimes occur during the hurricane season, but hurricanes usually avoid Barbados.

What do I wear?

Above all, wear whatever makes you more comfortable. During the day, light, cool loose, clothing is essential. Wearing a hat and a good pair of walking shoes are the basics to enjoy all that Barbados has to offer. In the evening dress up by wearing casually elegant attire. Most top class restaurants require a jacket for the gentleman

Is Barbados a rugged island?

No, the island's terrain is relatively flat, rising gently to the central highland region with its highest point at Mount Hillaby, 336 m over sea level. Although, hurricanes are infrequent, there are periodic landslides in some areas.

What are the natural resources of Barbados?

The island has plenty of natural petroleum, natural gas and fish resources. Land use is estimated in 37.21% arable land and 2.33% permanent crops as of 2005 were 60.46%.

Is the island environmental protected?

There are several environment international agreements signed, among them on Biodiversity, Law of the Sea, Endangered Species, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Marine Dumping, and Ship Pollution.

What is the estimated population of that area?

It is estimated that Barbados will reach a total of 279,912 inhabitants by July 2006. From them, 20.1% will be 0-14 years age (male 28,160/female 28,039), 71.1% ranging from 15 to 64 years (male 97,755/female 101,223), and the population 65 years and over just 8.8% (male 9,508/female 15,227)

Is Barbados a young population island?

Young people can enjoy Barbados like in any other place around the world; however, the average median age of the inhabitants is 34.6 years. It is estimated that males are 33.4 years old on average, and females are 35.6 years old. The population growth rate is estimated at 0.37% as of 2006, with a birth rate of 12.71 births per each 1,000 people and 8.67 deaths/1,000 people.

Ethnically, how is Barbados divided?

Barbadians or Bajans, (colloquially speaking), are encompassed by different ethnic groups, from which 90% are Black, 4% are White, and 6% area Asian, mixed from other ethnic background. 67% of all Barbadians are Protestant, including 40% Anglicans, 8% Pentecostals, and 7% Methodists 7%, and 12% other Protestant belief. 4% are Roman Catholic, 12% practice other religions, and 17% have no preference.

What language is spoken?

The official language is English, spoken by 100% of the population. Some languages are spoken and understood particularly, in the tourist area including French, Spanish and Dutch.

What is the capital of Barbados?

Bridgetown

What is the island's legal system?

Barbados is an independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth with parliamentary democracy after the independence from the United Kingdom on November 30, 1966, National Holiday Day. The Legal system is the English common law, no judicial review of legislative acts, accepting compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations.

Are there local government representatives?

In Barbados, the chief of state is Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn since June 1, 1996. The head of the government is Prime Minister Owen Seymour Arthur, Deputy Prime Minister Mia Motley, and a Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister.

Are elections held in Barbados?

Suffrage is effective at age 18, although there are no elections because monarchy is hereditary. However, the governor general is appointed by the monarch, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed Prime Minister by the governor general. The Prime Minister recommends the deputy. Prime Minister. Elections are held at the House of Assembly.

How is the legislative branch divided?

Barbados bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate, 21-member body appointed by the governor general. The House of Assembly, which 30 seats are occupied by members elected by direct popular vote to serve 5-year terms, and the Judicial branch consisting of the Supreme Court of Judicature, which judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for the Judicial and Legal Services.

Is the local economy stable?

Gross Domestic Product in Barbados is composed by 6% from the agriculture sector, 16% from industry, and 78% services, as of 2000. The labor force in 2001 was about 128,500 people occupied in agriculture (10%), industry (15%), and services (75%). The unemployment rate was 10.7% as of 2003, the inflation rate remains in -0.5% and it was estimated that there were no people below the poverty line. Agriculture products consist of sugarcane, vegetables and cotton.

What is the island's currency?

Barbados currency is the Barbadian dollar; code BBD, created after the establishment of the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB), founded by the Act of parliament in May 1972. The BBD exchange rate is 2 Barbadian dollars per 1 US dollar. Coins in circulation are 1 cent (copper), 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cents and 1 dollar (silver). Banknotes in circulation are 1 dollar (red), 2 dollar (blue), 5 dollar (green), 10 dollar, 20 dollar (purple), 50 dollar and 100 dollar.

Is sightseeing around the island safe?

Wherever you go, common sense is your best protection. Islanders are usually friendly and able to help, however stay away from isolated areas, particularly after dark or too early when the sunlight is too dim, and do not display your valuables without a reason for it.