Key Facts

  • The people of Barbados have a history of long ingrained Christian principles, a sound and free educational system with a literacy rate of 97%.

  • The United Nations Human Development Index (2011) ranked Barbados in the highest bracket "Very High Human Development", well above the regional average for the Caribbean and Latin America.

  • Visitors highlight the friendliness of Barbadians as the island's greatest and most pleasing asset. This is reflected in the highest repeat visitor factor in the region of 39%. 

  • Barbados has the third oldest parliament in the world, with uninterrupted parliamentary governance since 1639.

  • The British established a colony in Barbados in 1627 and began growing cotton and tobacco. The sugar industry didn’t begin in Barbados until the 1640s.

  • Unlike the other Caribbean islands, Barbados has never been invaded by a foreign power since the British took rule in 1627.

  • Barbados has the third oldest Westminster-style parliaments in the Western Hemisphere. It has been in existence for 369 years.

  • English is the official language of Barbados although most people speak a dialect called Bajan that can differ from parish to parish.

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Did You Know That.......

  • Is the birthplace of Rihanna, who moved from Barbados to the United States at the age of sixteen to pursue her music career. 

  • Was chosen by Tiger Woods as the location for his wedding in 2004. 

  • The name 'Barbados' is derived from the Bearded Fig Trees once found in abundance on the island. 

  • Has always flown only the British Flag, until achieving its independence in 1966. 

  • Has never been successfully invaded by a foreign power. 

  • Is completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. 

  • Barbados has had 8 Prime Ministers since becoming independent in 1966.

  • The Barbados flag design was chosen from an open competition with thousands of entries, Grantley Prescod’s design was chosen as the flag of Barbados.

  • The people of Barbados are officially called Barbadian but more commonly known as Bajans (BAY-juns)

  • Barbados’ flag is full of symbolism. The ultramarine blue on the flag represents the ocean and sky, and the gold-yellow panel represents the sandy beaches of the island. The broken trident represents the country breaking free from its status as a colony. (Read more......)