Barbados
 
Category:   World Directory  :  North America  :  Barbados
 
Barbados, situated just east of the Caribbean Sea, is an independent West Indian Continental Island-nation in the western Atlantic Ocean.

For over three centuries Barbados was under British rule and maintains Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. Located at roughly 13° North of the equator and 59° West of the prime meridian, it is considered a part of the Lesser Antilles.

The highest point in Barbados is Mount Hillaby in the parish of Saint Andrew. The geological composition of Barbados is of non-volcanic origin and is predominantly composed of limestone-coral formed by subduction of the South American plate colliding with the Caribbean plate. The island's climate is tropical, with constant trade winds off the Atlantic Ocean serving to keep temperatures mild.

Barbados's human development index ranking is consistently among the top 75 countries in the world. For example, in 2006, it was ranked 31st in the world, and third in the Americas, behind Canada and the United States.  Source


Barbados Facts

Population: 279 thousand

Capital: Bridgetown

Currency: Barbadian dollar

Area: 431 km2

Language: English

Main Religion: Christian

Calling Code: +1

Time Zone: GMT - 4

Main Cities: Bridgetown, Speightstown, Oistins, Bathsheba, Holetown, The Crane, Crab Hill, Greenland, Blackmans, Hillaby