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| ⇒ Country Profile: Barbados |
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 Introduction
Barbados is famed for its easy-going calypso culture, where a strong sense of history and culture fuses with a laid-back vibe.
On land
With music as one of its societal bedrocks, Barbados revels in a vibrant nightlife. Pristine sandy beaches and glass-clear water are hemmed with palms and vibrant flora on a backdrop of impressive 18th-century colonial streetscapes, like in the capital, Bridgetown. Land-based attractions run from lush botanical gardens and historic plantation houses to sumptuous tropical spas and first-rate golf.
At sea
From the little-developed rugged coastline of the Atlantic eastern flank to the attractive resorts of the Caribbean shoreline, Barbados offers world-class, warm waters for diving and snorkelling. Underwater caves teem with colourful fish amidst vibrant coral reefs.
Orientation
Mount Hillaby, the highest point in Barbados, rises to 336m (1,102ft) in the north-central part of the island. To the west the land drops down to the sea while the east stretches to rugged upland regions. Southward, the highlands descend steeply to wide valleys. An absence of any significant lakes or rivers means Barbados relies on rainwater-fed underground streams and springs for its water supplies. A mixed terrain comprises clay, limestone and chalk covered by a thick coral layer.
Global relations
Barbados's geographic position has profoundly influenced its history and economic fortunes. Since the late 17th century the island has been a major link between Western Europe, Africa and South America. However, it is Barbados's long association with Great Britain that has shaped the local character. Post-independence developments have done much to foster a heightened sense of cultural nationalism yet island traditions remain more Anglo-influenced than any other Caribbean island.
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Contact Information
Keys Facts
Location
Actually in the Atlantic but considered a Caribbean destination. Most easterly of the Windward Islands.
Time
GMT - 4.
Area
416 sq km (161 sq miles).
Population
270,000 (2008).
Population Density
649 per sq km.
Capital
Bridgetown. Population: 80,000 (2008).
Geography
As the most easterly of the Caribbean chain, Barbados lies well to the east of the West Indies. A lively surf scene enjoys pounding waves along the rugged east coast where a rocky shoreline kicks up plenty of spray. To the west, fine white sand beaches and natural coral reefs predominate. A handful of gently rolling hills form a ripple to the north while the rest of the island is predominantly flat. Coral filters ensure surrounding waters are among the purest on the planet.
Government
Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1966.
Head of State
HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Sir Clifford Husband since 1996.
Head of Government
Prime Minister David Thompson since January 2008.
History
In January 2008 David Thompson of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) assumed office as prime minister following election victory. He is the sixth holder of the office since Independence.
Since Owen Arthur, of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), won a third term as prime minister in 2003, the party has given a high priority to economic diversification and development. Barbados's biggest current political problems are the promotion of economic growth, the creation of jobs and attracting foreign investment. Barbados has been a stable democracy since it gained independence, however, there is a strong lobby (backed by a recent government commission examining Barbados's constitutional future) for an elected president as head of state. This would follow the example of Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and Dominica.
Language
The official language is English. Local Bajan dialect is also spoken.
Religion
Over 100 religious groups practise island-wide, from the Anglican majority to smaller Roman Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, Baptists, Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, The Salvation Army, Muslim and Quaker faiths.
Electricity
110-115 volts AC, 50Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Social Conventions
Many British societal attitudes permeate bureaucratic red tape and architecture, yet when it comes to time-keeping, humour and urgency the laid-back Barbados manner reigns supreme. Barefoot casual attire is de rigour except when dressing up-to-the nines for dinner or church. As a former slave colony, personal freedom is highly valued.
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Accommodation
Hotels
Generally, luxury hotels are in the west, while medium-priced ones are along the southwest coast. The east coast has only a small number of hotels. Most hotels have air conditioning and swimming pools. Apartments are available. Rates are subject to a 7.5% government tax; a service charge of 10% is also applicable at most hotels.
Guest Houses
There are small guest houses throughout Barbados, particularly along the south and west coasts. A few are also located on the east coast. Most offer self-catering facilities.
Self Catering
A large number of apartments, cottages and villas are available for hire, and a number of modern complexes are on the northwest coast. Older Bajan buildings are available on the east coast. Smaller apartment hotels provide a choice of self catering or restaurant eating. All rates are subject to a 7.5% government tax; a service charge of 10% is also payable at most establishments.
Camping/Caravanning
Camping is not generally permitted in Barbados except for organised trips. There are no official campsites on the island.
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Communication
Telephone
Country code: 1 246. Cardphones and payphones are located across the island; many make overseas calls. Local calls are free (unless calling from a hotel or business).
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good. Mobile phones can be hired locally.
Internet
There are Internet cafes throughout Barbados. Wi-Fi is increasingly available, especially in hotels.
Post
Post offices and boxes are found across the island, including at the airport. Airmail to Europe takes around 10 days.
Post office hours: Variable, but as a general guide Mon-Fri 0800-1700 at Bridgetown main office; other branches Mon 0730-1200 and 1300-1500, Tues-Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1515.
Media
Press freedom is an established part of Barbadian life with newspapers privately owned and largely unrestricted. Radio broadcasting benefits from a healthy mix of private and public stations. Although government-owned, the island's sole TV station CBC presents a wide range of political views.
Press
- The main dailies are the Barbados Advocate and The Nation.
- Other publications include Caribbean Week (fortnightly) and the Broad Street Journal, a business journal.
- Foreign newspapers are also available, including the Herald Tribune and Miami Herald.
TV
- Government-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) operates CBC TV
Radio
- Government-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) operates CBC Radio 900 AM, Quality 100.7 FM and The One 98.1 FM.
- Barbados Broadcasting Service operates commercial station BBS FM, and religious station Faith 102 FM.
- HOTT 95.3 FM is a commercial station run by Starcom Network who also operate commercial stations Voice of Barbados, LOVE 104.1 FM and Gospel 790 AM.
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Entertainment
Food and Drink
A good range of restaurants offer an array of international and Bajan cuisines to suit every budget, from grilled meat joints and street-food markets to upscale diners. Replica British pubs are popular and serve genuine British bitter and stout, often with fish-and-chip bar snacks.
National specialities:
- Cutters (large flying fish sandwiches, often served with coucou (seasoned cornmeal topped with spiced tomatoes, onion and peppers)).
- Conkies (cornmeal blended with coconut, pumpkin, raisins, sweet potato and spices steamed in a banana leaf).
- Rice'n'peas (made from a local bean and usually flavoured with coconut).
- Sea eggs (devilled sea urchin roe).
- Souse, or Pickled Pork (brawn with tomato).
- Other local specialities include crane chubb, grilled pigtail, conch fritters, plantains and breadfruit.
National drinks:
- All types of rum-based cocktails including rum punch, planters punch and pina coladas.
- Top rum brands include Cockspur's Five Star and Mount Gay (the oldest rum blend on the island).
- The local beer is Banks.
- Falernum (rum, sugar, lime and almond essence).
- Mauby (non alcoholic, made from the boiled, strained and sweetened bark of a local tree), tastes like an extremely potent sarsaparilla.
Legal drinking age: 18.
Tipping: Allow for 10 to 15% in restaurants, round-up taxi fares and tip porters at around a dollar a bag.
Nightlife
West Indians love to party, be it in a nightclub, disco, bar or simply on the beach. Entertainment is everywhere, from limbo dancing, fire eaters, steel bands and live music. Most bands play calypso and reggae, but a few play excellent R'n'B. There is usually a small cover charge. As in all Caribbean countries, swinging nightspots tend to come and go with seasons. Twilight boat cruises with live entertainment, free-flowing rum and local food are very popular; most sail twice daily. Caribbean-style dinner shows are also well attended and typically feature steel pans and dancing men on stilts, BBQ food and free drinks until the early hours.
Shopping
As a trading hub since the early 1600s, Barbados has a long history of commerce and boasts excellent links with merchandisers throughout the Caribbean. High quality, inexpensive goods and first-class service await shoppers and Barbados is the eastern Caribbean's tax-free haven. Umpteen chichi boutiques and funky street stalls are found along the coast. Bridgetown is the shopping epicentre and boasts major Caribbean chains as well as local crafts. Local specialities range from rum, straw goods, painted silk prints (batik) and woodcrafts with black coral and shell jewellery especially popular buys.
Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0830-1600 (supermarkets are open longer on Saturdays).
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Getting There
Getting There by Air
Barbados does not have a national airline but many airlines operate regular direct flights there. American Airlines (website: www.aa.com) flies from the USA. British Airways (website: www.britishairways.com) and Virgin Atlantic (website: www.virgin-atlantic.com) fly direct from London.
Approximate Flight Times
From London to Barbados is 7 hours 30 minutes, and from New York is 5 hours.
Main Airports
Barbados (BGI) (Grantley Adams International) is 16km (10 miles) southeast of Bridgetown, in Christ Church. To/from the airport: There is a regular bus service to the city (journey time - 45 minutes) which departs every 10 minutes, and a 24-hour taxi service (journey time - 30 minutes). Please note that airport porters are ubiquitous and charge for transporting luggage between the luggage claim area and the street. Facilities: Bank, post office, bureaux de change, bar, shops and restaurant. The outgoing duty-free shop carries a range of items including jewellery, perfumes, china, crystal, cameras, shoes and clothing.
Departure Tax
US 27.50 ($BD 55). Passengers in transit who will be remaining in Barbados for less than 24 hours and children (aged under 12) are exempt.
Getting There by Water
Main ports: Barbados's deep-water harbour at Bridgetown is a port of call for a number of British, European and US cruise lines (www.barbadosport.com). The Bridgetown Cruise Ship Terminal is a multi-purpose marketplace containing duty-free shops, a local goods market, restaurant and bar, customs, immigration, health services and police facilities. Other services include a bureau de change, car hire, ATM and a communications centre with telephones, Internet, fax machines and mobile phone hire.
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Sightseeing
Barbadian gardens
Rare fruit and spice trees are on display in Welchman Hall Gully's magnificent botanic garden (www.welchmanhallgullybarbados.com) and an exotic array of blooms in Andromeda Gardens (http://andromeda.cavehill.uwi.edu). Another highlight is the Flower Forest (www.barbados.org/flowfrst.htm), a 20-hectare (50-acre) leafy garden rich in native plants.
Bridgetown
Barbados's capital, Bridgetown is the best place to see the island's colonial history and English character. There's a miniature of London's Trafalgar Square (now known as National Heroes Square), which boasts a statue of Lord Nelson - without the pigeons.
Viewpoints
Lofty Mount Hillaby, the island's highest point at 343m (1,125ft), offers incredible panoramas across the east, west and northern coasts. Dramatic vistas also abound from St John's Parish Church over miles of jagged coastline and moss-covered family vaults dotted with tropical flora.
Caves
The sea anemone-covered Animal Flower Cave is a cavern of coral rock and flowers. Harrison's Cave is another jaw-dropping spectacle: a mysterious subterranean world and geological phenomenon abundant in stalactites, stalagmites, deep emerald pools and waterfall cascades.
Colonial architecture
The Jacobean St Nicholas Abbey is graced with ornate Persian arches and well-kept gardens. Although now in ruins, Farley Hill is still covered in hibiscus and poinsettias and is one of the island's most storied plantation houses.
Chalky Mount Potteries
Barbados's famous Chalky Mount potters are renowned for their high-quality inexpensive art. You can watch the local potters at work at the wheel fashioning centuries-old designs, a respected 300-year-old tradition.
Tyrol Cot
Tyrol Cot, the grand former home of Sir Grantley Adams, the first premier of Barbados, is a stunning example of local architectural styles. Constructed in 1854, this architectural gem characterizes an interesting mixture of Palladian and tropical vernacular, beautifully restored by the Barbados National Trust.
Morgan Lewis Mill
The aged and charming Morgan Lewis Mill is one of only two of the Caribbean's intact sugar mills, and a noteworthy example of a Dutch windmill from the days of the sugar cane planters.
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Things To Do
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve's resplendent mahogany forest is the roaming territory of green monkeys, tortoises, deer, raccoons, pelicans and otters. A walk-through aviary allows a leafy stroll with peacocks, turkeys, toucans, parrots, flamingoes, pelicans, lovebirds and macaws.
East Coast Road
Barbados's East Coast Road, hemmed by crashing Atlantic waves, is one of the island's most exciting drives. A rugged coastal route overlooks treacherous reefs with an inland road that weaves through rolling sugarcane to quaint plantation towns topped by church steeples.
Scuba diving
Barbados's rainbow of coral reefs offers a pristine watery home to seahorses, sponges and giant sand eels. Hidden caves and shipwrecks provide plenty of underwater nooks and crannies along a shoreline nested by Hawksbill Turtles.
Rum tasting
Barbados is the birthplace of rum, and, understandably, rum is the island's favourite tipple. A thousand rum bars offer plenty of choice while Mount Gay Rum (www.mountgay.com), the oldest rum producer, on the island's west coast offers tours - and tastings.
Cricket
Cricket is the national sporting obsession. Choose from barefoot village friendlies to international and local club cups where many of the great names of West Indian cricket are honoured, most notably Sir Garfield Sobers.
Horse riding
It's possible to gallop along the beach at sundown or simply trek along inland trails. Over two-dozen horse-riding events take place on the Garrison Savannah. Polo is also played to a high level by fiercely competitive Barbadian teams.
Crane Beach
The baby-pink sands of cliff-flanked Crane Beach, an idyllic spot that is one of the most beautiful on the island, are perfect for a stroll. Moderate, foamy waves draw a body-surfing crowd and there are plenty of shaded spots to chill out until the magical sunsets arrive.
Fishing
Wahoo, dorado, barracuda, tuna and sailfish, together with mighty blue marlin and shark, all patrol Barbados's deep sea waters. There are plenty of game fishing tournaments and inshore competitions to join or just grab a rod and head to the jetty.
Watersports
The island's rugged south and west coasts boast world-class watersports where windsurfers, jet skiers, parasailers and water skiers enjoy perfect conditions. To ride the waves head to the Soup Bowl, South Point and Rockley Beach, Barbados's surfing mecca.
Guided hikes
The Barbados National Trust (http://nationaltrustbarbados.com) offers free guided hikes, which last around three hours and cover distances of 8 to 22km (5 to 14 miles). They are divided into three categories: stop'n'stare, where'n'there and grin'n'bear. Moonlit walks are also held.
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Transport
Getting Around by Air
There are no internal flights.
Getting Around by Road
A good network of roads covers the entire island, but many are unpaved and covered in potholes (except for the main highway). Traffic drives on the left. Road safety is a national concern, especially after dark.
Bus: Buses are frequent and provide comprehensive, cheap coverage of the island charging a flat rate for all journeys. They are crowded during rush hours, but easy to catch, just hail one down. Choose from Transport Board Buses (tel: 436 6820; www.transportboard.com), minibuses and ZRs (minivans). Each is signed 'To city' into Bridgetown or 'Out of city' if heading in the other direction. All pass through the city hub.
Moped hire: Scooter hire is available - you'll need to pay a small deposit and to wear a helmet, as required by law.
Taxi: Taxis are unmetered but charge fares regulated by the government. Check the rate before travel, it can be in US Dollars as well Barbados Dollars. Special deals apply for a full-day hire.
Minivans: Licensed minivans, identifiable by their 'ZR' licence plates, operate around the island and can be flagged down. There are no fixed schedules, but service is frequent. Rates are the same as for buses, although minivans tend to be quicker, but can be a tight squeeze.
Car hire: Anything from a Mini Moke to a limousine may be hired at the airport, at offices in Bridgetown and at main hotels. Petrol is comparatively cheap.
Regulations: Speed limits are 40, 60 and 80kph (25, 37 and 50mph).
Documentation: A Barbados driving permit is required. This can be obtained from car hire companies, the Ministry of Transport, the airport or some police stations. A valid national licence or International Driving Permit and a small registration fee are required.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Bridgetown has a local bus network and taxis are available.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate travel times from Bridgetown (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Barbados.
| Road |
| Speightstown | 0.30 |
| Holetown | 0.20 |
| Oistins | 0.20 |
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Weather
Constant sea breezes cool Barbados's balmy, tropical climate but the island is still sunnier and drier than the other islands. During the so-called wet season (July to November), some brief rain showers are likely. Average sunshine hours per day are eight to 10 from November to March and eight to nine from April to October. Tropical storms and hurricanes may occur between June and November.
Required Clothing
Lightweight cottons are advised; beachwear is not worn in towns.
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