Historical Timeline
1640s – Introduction of sugar plantations and African slavery
1667 – Barbados becomes a British colony
1816 – Bussa’s Rebellion, a major slave uprising
1834 – Slavery abolished in Barbados
1966 – Independence from the United Kingdom (date of modern state formation)
2021 – Barbados becomes a republic, removing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state
2020 – Hurricane Elsa causes damage to infrastructure and crops
2021 – Tropical Storm Grace impacts the island, bringing heavy rain and flooding
2022 – Economic recovery and growth in the tourism and tech sectors
General Information
Continent: North America (Caribbean region)
Location: Caribbean Sea, east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, northeast of Venezuela
Capital: Bridgetown
Language: English (official)
Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
Population: ~290,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST, UTC-4)
Topography
Borders: No land borders, island nation
Coastline: Known for sandy beaches and coral reefs
Landscape: Flat, coastal plains, and hilly regions in the interior
Notable Features: Harrison’s Cave, Andromeda Botanic Gardens, Barbados Wildlife Reserve
Demography
Ethnic Groups: Predominantly African descent (about 90%), with small communities of White, East Indian, and other ethnicities
Religion: Predominantly Christian (Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic)
Urban Population: ~30% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: A small population with a significant tourism sector, many Barbadians living abroad in the UK and the US
Culture
Famous For: Beaches, rum, cricket, calypso and soca music, vibrant festivals
Cuisine: Flying fish, cou cou, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, rum, sugarcane juice
Arts: Calypso music, Bajan folk art, literature (George Lamming), dance
Sports: Cricket, football (soccer), basketball, athletics
Economy
Economy Type: High-income, tourism and services-based
GDP: Approx. $5.4 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, sugar production, rum distillation, agriculture
Key Exports: Sugar, rum, molasses, textiles, fruits
Unemployment Rate: ~9.7% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Tourism-centric economy, mainly around Bridgetown and the coastal resorts
Government
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Charles III (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Mia Mottley (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral (House of Assembly & Senate)
Constitution: In effect since 1966
Travel Attractions
Bridgetown: The capital city with historic sites, Parliament Buildings, and beaches
Harrison’s Cave: Limestone cavern with stalactites and stalagmites
Bathsheba: Scenic rock formations, popular for surfing
Oistins: Famous for the Friday night fish fry, local markets, and cultural performances
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 1 (last updated: 2023)