Barbados

The island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established on the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 280,946 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)

Nationality (Adjective): Barbadian or Bajan

Official Language(s): English

Major Languages Spoken: English

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): none

Country Name (short form): Barbados

Country Name (local long form): none

Country Name (local short form): none

Name of Capital: Bridgetown

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Barbados: St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines

Land Area: 431 sq km

Comparative Area: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Coastline: 97 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 30 November (1966)

International Phone Code: -245

Currency Code: Barbadian dollar (BBD)

Internet Country Code: .bb

US Embassy Location: U.S. Embassy, Wildey Business Park, Wildey, St. Michael

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown; CMR 1014, APO AA 34055

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