About the Island of Barbados

About Barbados

Quick Facts about Barbados: Population: 275,000+ 
Elevation: 190 feet 
Barbados Dollar: US $1 = BDS $1.98 (see current exchange rate) 
Capital city: Bridgetown 
Currency: Barbadian dollar (BBD) 
Primary Language: English 
Electricity: 115V/50Hz (North American plug) 
Time Zone: UTC-4 (Eastern Standard Time)

"Pride and Industry" is the motto of this jewel of the Caribbean, situated in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 270 miles northeast of Venezuela. Considered part of the Lesser Antilles, Barbados is located to the east of its closest neighbors, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and Grenadines, and is approximately 166 square miles. To give you an idea of just how small Barbados is, the state of Texas in the United States is just under 270,000 square miles - that's over 1600 times the land mass of our island home!

If you detect a hint of British accent among our friendly locals, no doubt it's related to our island's long history with the United Kingdom. Though the first recorded Western explorer to Barbados (originally called Los Barbados, which means "the bearded ones") was Portuguese, the island was settled by the British in the early 1600s and remained part of the vast British Empire until just forty years ago, when it was recognized as an independent nation within the Commonwealth of Nations. Today Barbados is governed by a Parliament modeled after that of its previous ruler, with Queen Elizabeth II as our symbolic sovereign. Certain aspects of our culture and recreation are evident of English influence - cricket and golf are popular sports, and yes, like the British we drive on the left hand side of the road!

Please note that when you come to Barbados, you must have a valid passport for entry, even if you are from the United States, so be sure your passports are ready!