Places / North & Central America
Barbados
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Caribbean
- Capital
- Bridgetown
- Population
- 282,000 (2024)
- Area
- 430 km²
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- Barbadian dollar (BBD)
- Drives on the
- left
- Calling code
- +1 246
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Before you go
Overview
Barbados is located at the West Indies in the Caribbean region of North America.
The country recorded a population of 286,641 in 2018 and covers an area of 431 km2. Its capital, which is also the largest city, is Bridgetown.
The city has maintained its British colonial architecture with landmarks such as 17th Century Garrison and horseracing track and Nidhe Israel Synagogue.
Palm trees by the ocean.
History
The Portuguese explorer Pedro a Campos arrived in Barbados in 1536. Captain Henry Powell also came along with English settlers who established a colony and started sugar plantation cultivated by slaves from Africa. Slavery ended in 1834.
It gained internal self-control in 1961 and thereafter full independence in 1966.
Food & culture
The culture is a mixture of West African and British customs.
The major crops grown are cucumbers, pumpkin, tomatoes, carrots, beans, lettuce, peppers, okras and beets.
The most common dishes are Cou Cou and flying fish, fish cakes, cutters, pudding and souse, macaroni pie and conkies.
Wildlife
The animals found here include the hummingbird, mongoose, blackberry sheep, sea turtles, green lizards, bats and whistling frogs.
Festivals & events
National Day of Barbados is held on 30th November.
Barbados Jazz Excursion Golf Tournament s held from 8th to 11th October.
Barbados Film Festival is held on 14th to 19th January.
Things to see
Harrison’s Cave was established in 1795 and is accessed through a tramway.
Carlisle Bay is a natural harbour containing a marine park where scuba diving is common.
Animal flower cave is situated below the cliffs at the North Point in St. Lucy.
Other must-visit sites are St. Nicholas Abbey, Hunte’s Gardens and Andromeda Botanic Gardens.
Interesting facts
The famous musician Rihanna is from Barbados.
The country is referred to as ‘the land of flying fish’ which is one of its national symbols and national dish.
Majority of the Barbadian citizens are black.
Neighbours
Barbados has no land borders with other countries.
My Bucket List goals in Barbados
None on the list yet. Got a suggestion? Email Dan.