It is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands located at 13 10N, 59 32W. Relative to some of the other Caribbean islands, it is 581 miles south east of Puerto Rico, 1,245 miles south east of Jamaica and 210 miles north of Trinidad.
Barbados has a land mass of 166 square miles or 14 miles long by 21 miles wide, with a coral / limestone composition and is flat in comparison with the other Caribbean islands. Its highest point rises to 1,120 feet above sea level. With a population of 286,000 it is one of the most densely populated countries in the Americas.
Barbados has remained a British Colony since 1625 when Captain John Powell claimed it for England until its independence on the 30th of November 1966.
The sugar industry drove the economic success of Barbados for over a century and although still grown today its influence on the economy has been diminished significantly and tourism, the offshore banking sector and tourism based construction are the economic drivers. The Barbados Dollar is tied to the United States Currency at a rate of $1.00 US to $ 2.00 Barbados.
Barbados weather is generally warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime high of 30°C / 86°F. Rainy season coincides with the Tropical Hurricane season between June and October, however the islands last major hurricane experience was in 1955 and although storms do occur most years they tend to veer north of the island long before making landfall.
Tourism plays a vital role in the country’s economy, therefore there is a well-developed supporting infrastructure. Barbados offers innumerable hotel and resort options that include everything from the grand elegance of internationally acclaimed brand-name accommodation to a distinct selection of family run boutique hotels and inns. There is an abundance of fine restaurants in Barbados that offer local cuisine, seafood and continental cuisine. The wide range of dining options ensures that there is something to suit every taste and budget. By day informal attire is acceptable in most Barbados restaurants, but at night a more formal dress code is enforced. It is also recommended that dinner reservations be made in advance, especially during the winter.
Barbados offers a wide variety of sporting activities many of which are tourism based water sports (sking, sailing, diving, fishing, surfing etc.) but there are many more activities that will meet nearly every enthusiast’s tastes. Polo, horse racing, golf, squash, motorsport and of course cricket are some of the variety available.
For more information please visit www.visitbarbados.org