A hybrid of Africa and England set in the tropics,
Barbados combines British institutions, architecture,
and style with open, African-style hospitality. Nowhere
in the world have African and British cultures combined
in such a remarkable synthesis.
It was nicknamed "Bimshire" or "Little
England" because its land--reforested with green
and yellow slopes of sugarcane fields--somewhat resembled
the green hills of England. The English influence can
still be felt in such things as the daily tea and the
national sport, cricket.
Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island. The island's
shape resembles a lopsided pear with its stem end pointing
north. All of 21 miles (34km) long, Barbados offers
a variety of terrain compacted into one small area.
In addition to a wide choice of beaches, there are fantastic
panoramas, densely foliated tropical gullies, and breathtaking
stretches of craggy coast.
For such a small island, there's an enormous amount
to see. In few places in the world are people as receptive
and accepting of strangers. The island's great houses,
old churches, and forts bring history to life. The capital
is Bridgetown, the island's major commercial center
with a population of about 80,000.
The island was discovered by Portuguese explorer Pedro
a Campos in 1536 when the island was inhabited by Arawak
Indians. The Arawaks had disappeared by the time the
British arrived in 1625.
Named after King James I, Jamestown (modern-day Holetown)
was settled by 80 British settlers in 1627. The economy
centered around cotton, tobacco, and sugar with plantations
worked by African slaves, the direct descendents of
today's Barbadians (or Bajans, as they are popularly
Barbados dominated the Caribbean sugar industry in
the mid- to late-17th century. By 1720, however, sugar
growing fell behind production in Jamaica and the Leeward
Islands. Colonial visitors were drawn to the island
because of its climate and leisurely pace of life. For
instance, a young Major, George Washington, visited
Barbados with his half brother, who suffered from tuberculosis,
in hope of healing his illness.
After an extended period of rebellion, slavery was
abolished in 1834. Barbados remained a British colony
until 1961, when internal autonomy was granted. The
island gained its full independence in 1966. It maintains
ties to the Britain monarch, who is represented in Barbados
by the governor general.
Barbados is a member of the Commonwealth. The first
leader of the country as a free nation was Errol Barrow,
of the Democratic Labour Party. In 1984, the National
Democratic Party was formed.
Today Barbados retains its British character and celebrated
its 350th anniversary of parliamentary government in
> General Information
Swimwear is excellent for the beach, however,
it is not considered proper apparel for shopping
or dinning. General attire for dinning out in
the evening is casual but elegant, walking shorts
are acceptable in most restaurants (some exceptions
in upper scale dinning establishments).
Several on South Coast, West Coast and Bridgetown
Only one on the East Coast (in Belleplaine, St.
General Business Hours:
Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00/2:00 pm
Barbados Currency is dollars.
US $1.00 = BDS $1.98
110 Volts AC 50 cycle
Length: 34 km (21 miles)
Width: 22 km (14 miles)
Area: 425 square km (166 square miles)
Barbados is divided into 11 parishes.
Caribbean Sea (calm ideal for swimming)
Atlantic Ocean (rough - swimming not recommended)
South and South-East Coast:
Ideal for swimming as well, with South-East Coast
having larger waves.
The crime rate in Barbados is very low, however,
simple precautions should always be taken.
Please stay in well-lit, familiar areas at night
Do not leave valuables unattended
Lock your doors
Do not swim on the East Coast
Winter: GMT minus 4 hours
Summer: GMT minus 5 hours
General Banking Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Barbados National Bank
Royal Bank of Canada
The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)
Bank of Butterfield
Bridgetown located in the parish of St. Michael.
Temperature: 24 to 33 degrees (74 to 83 Fahrenheit)
Rainy Season: June to November
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Barbados is Independent, with a Prime Minister.
Barbados is also a member of the Commonwealth,
with a Governor General.
Official Language: English
However, Bajan dialect is commonly spoken.
Population: 266,000 approximately
Stores and Restaurants 15% VAT tax
Hotels 7.5% VAT tax
There are several tax-free shopping areas throughout
the island, particularly in Bridgetown.
Cellular Phone Rental