Barbados is an island formed in pre-historic times by erupting volcanoes.

A well known and frequented tourist destination, Barbados is the perfect

vacation for thousands of visitors each month. The beautiful turquoise

beaches attract scuba divers, snorkellers, fishing enthusiasts and just

about anyone seeking fun. Barbados is a living reminder of Colonial and

pre- Colonial times with well preserved historic buildings and sites which

date back hundreds of years. The combination of those archaic buildings

along with some of the most beautiful modern-day structures make the

island one of the best places to visit or reside n the world!

The West Coast of Barbados boasts beaches of fine white sand bordering a

blue-green Caribbean sea, while the Atlantic Ocean supplies the east coast

with waves that inspire surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.

The constant breeze of the trade winds gives Barbados a mild and pleasant

tropical climate, with average temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees.

Known as the "little England" of the Caribbean, the British influence remains

intact, however, as evidenced by the afternoon tea served at many hotels on

the west coast, in St. James parish, and English is spoken throughout the island.

Accommodations range from luxurious hotels and villas, to pirates' castles, to

apartments with kitchenettes, to modest seaside cottages.

Barbados is also perfect for business with many commercial properties available in

prime locations.

Full country name: Barbados
Area: 430 sq km
Population: 264,000

People: African (90%), English, Scottish & East Indians
Language: English
Religion: Anglican (50%), Methodist, Moravian
Government: independent state within the British  Commonwealth

Head of State: Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands
Head of Government: Prime Minister Owen Arthur

GDP: US$2.9 billion
GDP per capita: US$11,200
Inflation: 2.6%
Major Industries: Tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export, agriculture, fishing.
Major Trading Partners: Caribbean Community (CARICOM), UK, US