Map
Source: CIA World Factbook
Summary Data
| summary data |
|
| Total Area (km2) |
431 |
| Land (km2) |
431 |
| Water (km2) |
0 |
| Population |
281,968 |
| Population Density (/km2) |
654 |
| Capital |
Bridgetown |
| Religion (%) |
Protestant 67%
Roman Catholic 4%
None 17%
Other 12% |
| Time |
GMT -4 |
| Climate |
Tropical: rainy season is June
to October. |
Source: CIA World Factbook
Geography
Barbados is situated in the east of the series of islands within
the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean. The island is made up of eleven
different administrative parishes. As a mostly flat island with
only a few hills, it differentiates itself from its neighboring
volcanic islands. The west coast of the island contains some of the
most stunning white beaches with clear blue seas whereas the east
coastline has equally pretty beaches but is used more as a surfing
destination whilst the coastline is more uneven and rocky.
Government
The government in Barbados is a parliamentary democracy which
currently takes the terms of the British system. The official head
of state is presently Queen Elizabeth the second who is also the
Queen of England although she is known as the Queen of Barbados
when she is on the island. The political system consists of two
parties, the Barbados Labour Party and the Democratic Labour. The
Prime Minister is the Right Honourable David Thompson.
Language
The official language in Barbados is English but the local
people also speak a Bajan dialect.
Electricity
110-115 volts AC, 50Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in
use.
Passports/Visa
Passports
All nationals entering Barbados have to have a passport which is
valid for at least six months.
Visas
Visas are not required by any nationals for short lengths of
stay. Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland,
Portugal, Slovak Republic and Slovenia nationals must not exceed a
stay of up to twenty eight days without a visa, all other EU,
Australian, Canadian and American nationals must not exceed a stay
of up to six months without a visa.
Passport/Visa Information
Barbados Embassy
1 Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3ND
Telephone: (020) 7631 4975
Airports and Airlines
Grantley Adams International Airport
(BGI)
- Location: The airport is situated 10 miles
(16km) southeast of Bridgetown.
- Time: GMT – 4
- Contacts: Tel: (0) 246 428 7101, damsair@sunbeach.net
- Transfer between terminals: The airport only
has one terminal.
- Transfer to the city: There is a 24 hour taxi
service outside the airport and a regular bus route to Bridgetown
runs every thirty minutes.
- Car rental: There is a 'Courtesy Car Rentals'
desk in the airport.
- Facilities: There are banks, bars and
restaurants in the airport, there are also several shops which
include duty free, souvenirs, clothes, supermarket and a post
office,. A bureau de change is available. On the mezzanine level
there is a Chapel open to all passengers.
- Parking: Parking is available.
Standard of Living
Barbados boasts one of the highest standards of living in the
world with the cost of living there being relatively low. The
country also has a very good health care system for those looking
to retire on the island. The locals are very welcoming, friendly
and polite. It is common for foreigners to employ domestic help
around the home to make their stay a lot more comfortable.
Principal commercial centres and towns
| population by city/town 2007 |
|
| Bridgetown |
110,000 |
| Speightstown |
3,600 |
Source: Wikipedia
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