Barbados - Country Profile

Full name: Barbados
Population: 256,000 (UN, 2009)
Capital: Bridgetown
Area: 430 sq km (166 sq miles)
Major language: English (Bajan, an English-African dialect, is widely used)
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 74 years (men), 80 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Barbadian dollar = 100 cents
Main exports: Sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and beverages, chemicals, electrical components, clothing
GNI per capita: US$9,260 (World Bank, 2005)
Internet domain: .bb
International dialling code: +1246

 

 Barbados has seen tourism to exports of sugar as the main source of income. Known for its beaches and cricket - its national sport - the former British colony has a dual heritage of the English language - apparently built in the Anglican churches of race and Saturday - and in Africa, reflected in his music, dance Islands. Barbados is one of the most populous and prosperous Caribbean. 

 

The political and social stability of the economy is one of the highest living standards in developing countries. It is a center of financial services and has offshore reserves of petroleum and natural gas. taken in recent years a construction boom has to keep up with new hotels and condominiums. 

 

The trend accelerated this island and some of the major parties in the Cricket World Cup 2007 hosts -. However, the lack of jobs has led many Barbados most often known as Bajans - to find work abroad. The money they send home is an important source of income. 

 

Most are descendants of African slaves, Barbados, the island since the 17th Century were brought to work in sugar cane plantations. Limestone caves, coral reefs and a warm climate tempered by trade winds are part of the natural resources of the island. The terrain is relatively flat, with mountains in the interior.