View source for Barbados

{{short description|Island country in the Atlantic Ocean}}
{{Hatnote group|{{About-distinguish|the easternmost country in the Caribbean|Barbuda}}{{Other uses}}
}}
{{pp-move}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = <!-- do not add a long name without including a citation -->
| common_name            = Barbados
| image_flag             = File:Flag of Barbados.svg
| image_coat             = Coat of arms of Barbados (3).svg
| image_map              = BRB orthographic.svg
| national_motto         = "Pride and Industry"
| national_anthem        = "[[National Anthem of Barbados]]" <div style="padding-top:0.5em;"class="centre">[[File:United States Navy Band - In Plenty and In Time of Need.ogg]]</div>
| official_languages     = [[English in Barbados|English]]
| languages_type         = [[Vernacular language]]
| languages              = [[Bajan Creole]]
| ethnic_groups          = {{vunblist
| 92.4% [[Afro-Barbadian|Black]]
| 3.1% [[multiracial|Mixed]]
| 2.7% [[White Barbadian|White]]
| 1.3% [[Indians in Barbados|Indian]]
| 0.3% others
}}
| ethnic_groups_year     = 2020<ref name="cia"/>
| religion_year          = 2020
| religion               = {{vunblist
|75.6% [[Christianity]]
|20.6% [[Irreligion|No religion]]
|2.0% [[Baháʼí Faith]]
|1.1% [[Hinduism]]
|0.7% [[Religion in Barbados|others]]<ref name="cia"/>
}}
| capital                = [[Bridgetown]]
| coordinates            = {{Coord|13|05|52|N|59|37|06|W|type:city|display=inline}}
| largest_city           = capital
| demonym                = {{hlist|[[Barbadians|Barbadian]]|[[Barbadians|Bajan]]}}
| government_type        = [[Unitary parliamentary republic]]
| leader_title1          = [[President of Barbados|President]]
| leader_name1           = [[Jeffrey Bostic]]
| leader_title2          = [[Prime Minister of Barbados|Prime Minister]]
| leader_name2           = [[Mia Mottley]]
| legislature            = [[Parliament of Barbados|Parliament]]
| upper_house            = [[Senate of Barbados|Senate]]
| lower_house            = [[House of Assembly of Barbados|House of Assembly]]
| sovereignty_type       = [[Independence]]
| sovereignty_note       = from the [[United Kingdom]]
| established_event1     = Part of the [[West Indies Federation]]
| established_date1      = 3 January 1958 – 31 May 1962
| established_event2     = [[Barbados Independence Act 1966]] as [[Commonwealth realm]]
| established_date2      = 30 November 1966
| established_event3     = [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 230|Admitted to the UN]]
| established_date3      = 7 December 1966
| established_event4     = Joined [[CARICOM]] at the [[Treaty of Chaguaramas]]
| established_date4      = 1 August 1973
| established_event5     = {{nowrap|[[Republicanism in Barbados|Republic established]]}}
| established_date5      = 30 November 2021
| area_km2               = 439
| area_sq_mi             = 166<!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
| area_rank              = 183rd <!-- Should match [[List of countries and dependencies by area]] -->
| percent_water          = Negligible
| population_estimate    = 281,998<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/population-with-un-projections?tab=table&time=2023|title=Our World in Data|access-date=11 January 2024|archive-date=12 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112120730/https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/population-with-un-projections?tab=table&time=2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
| population_estimate_rank = 174th
| population_estimate_year = 2023
| population_census      = 269,090<ref>{{Cite report |title=2021 Population and Housing Census Report – August 1, 2021 |date=June 2023 |publisher=Barbados Statistical Service |page=21 |url=https://stats.gov.bb/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2021-Population-and-Housing-Census.pdf}}</ref>
| population_census_rank = 174th
| population_census_year = 2021
| population_density_km2 = 660
| population_density_sq_mi = 1,704<!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
| population_density_rank = 17th
| GDP_PPP                = {{increase}} $5.436 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.BB">{{cite web |url=https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=316,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2023 Edition. (Barbados) |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |website=IMF.org |date=10 October 2023 |access-date=20 October 2023 |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105113603/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2023/October/weo-report?c=316,&s=NGDPD,PPPGDP,NGDPDPC,PPPPC,&sy=2020&ey=2028&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GDP_PPP_year           = 2023
| GDP_PPP_rank           = 175th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita     = {{increase}} $18,738<ref name="IMFWEO.BB" />
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 90th
| GDP_nominal            = {{increase}} $6.220 billion<ref name="IMFWEO.BB" />
| GDP_nominal_year       = 2023
| GDP_nominal_rank       = 165th
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = {{increase}} $21,442<ref name="IMFWEO.BB" />
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 50th
| Gini                   = 34.1 <!--number only-->
| Gini_year              = 2016
| Gini_change            = decrease <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| Gini_ref               = <ref name="WBgini">{{Cite web |title=Gini index - Barbados |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI?locations=BB |access-date=25 November 2025 |website=World Bank Open Data}}</ref>
| HDI_year               = 2023<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
| HDI_change             = increase<!--increase/decrease/steady-->
| HDI                    = 0.811 <!--number only-->
| HDI_ref                = <ref>{{Cite web |date= 26 May 2025 |title=Human Development Report 2023/2024 |url=https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/specific-country-data#/countries/BRB|access-date=25 May 2025 |publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]] |language=en}}</ref>
| HDI_rank               = 69th
| currency               = [[Barbadian dollar]] ($)
| currency_code          = BBD
| time_zone              = [[Atlantic Time Zone|AST]]
| utc_offset             = −04:00
| date_format            = {{nowrap|dd/mm/yyyy}}
| drives_on              = Left<ref name=fco>{{cite web |date=29 August 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071015163750/http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386991 |url=http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386991 |archive-date=15 October 2007 |title=Barbados |url-status=dead}} (fco.gov.uk), updated 5 June 2006.</ref>
| calling_code           = [[North American Numbering Plan|+1]]
| cctld                  = [[.bb]]
}}

'''Barbados'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|UK|b|ɑːr|ˈ|b|eɪ|d|ɒ|s}} {{respell|bah|BAY|doss}}; {{IPAc-en|US|b|ɑːr|ˈ|b|eɪ|d|oʊ|s|audio=En-us-Barbados.ogg}} {{respell|bar|BAY|dohss}}; {{IPAc-en|local|b|ɑːr|ˈ|b|eɪ|d|ə|s}} {{respell|bar|BAY|dəss}}}} is an [[island country]] in the [[Caribbean]] located in the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. It is part of the [[Lesser Antilles]] of the [[West Indies]] and the easternmost island of the [[Caribbean region]]. It lies on the boundary of the [[South American Plate|South American]] and Caribbean plates. Its capital and largest city is [[Bridgetown]].

Inhabited by [[Island Caribs|Kalinago]] people since the 13th century, and prior to that by other [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Indigenous people]]s, the island was originally named Ichirouganaim.<ref name="ABC News">{{Cite news|title=Why tiny Barbados said goodbye to the royal family|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-30/barbados-history-republic-commonwealth-monarchy/105958372|work=ABC News|date=2025-11-29|access-date=2025-11-30|language=en-AU}}</ref> It was claimed for the [[Crown of Castile]] by Spanish navigators in the late 15th century, who named it "Barbudos", and it first appeared on a Spanish map in 1511.<ref name="Spanish Main">{{cite book |last1=Sauer |first1=Carl Ortwin |title=Early Spanish Main, The |url={{GBurl|ayCi1EAaIWQC |pg=PA193}} |year=1969 |orig-year=1966 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=0-520-01415-4 |pages=192–197}}</ref> The [[Portuguese Empire]] claimed the island between 1532 and 1536, but abandoned it in 1620 with their only remnants being the introduction of wild boars intended as a supply of meat whenever the island was visited. The indigenous population was mostly sold into slavery, killed or died of disease by this time.<ref name="ABC News"/>

An [[Kingdom of England|English]] ship, the ''Olive Blossom'', arrived in Barbados on 14 May 1625; its men took possession of the island in the name of [[James VI and I|King James I]]. In 1627, the first permanent settlers arrived from England, and Barbados became an [[English overseas possessions|English]] and later [[British colonisation of the Americas#British Caribbean colonies|British colony]].<ref name="Commonwealth History">{{cite web |url=http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/barbados/history |title=Barbados – History |author=Secretariat |work=[[Commonwealth of Nations]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820080026/http://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/barbados/history |archive-date=20 August 2014}}</ref> During this period, the colony operated on a [[plantation economy]], relying initially on the labour of [[Irish indentured servants]]<ref>{{cite web | title=The story of Irish indentured servants sent from here to the Caribbean | date=4 July 2019 | url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30934805.html }}</ref> and subsequently [[Atlantic slave trade|African slaves]] who worked on the island's plantations. Slavery continued until it was phased out through most of the [[British Empire]] by the [[Slavery Abolition Act 1833]].

On 30 November 1966, Barbados moved toward political independence and assumed the status of a [[Commonwealth realm]], becoming a sovereign state with [[Elizabeth II]] as [[Queen of Barbados]]. On 30 November 2021, Barbados transitioned to a [[Republics in the Commonwealth of Nations|republic within the Commonwealth]], replacing its monarchy with a ceremonial president.<ref>{{cite web |title=Barbadians celebrate the birth of a republic and bid farewell to the Queen |first1=Lauren |last1=Said-Moorhouse |first2=Max |last2=Foster
|date=30 November 2021 |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/americas/barbados-bids-farewell-to-queen-intl-cmd/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130080358/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/29/americas/barbados-bids-farewell-to-queen-intl-cmd/index.html |archive-date=30 November 2021 |access-date=29 January 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/at-the-stroke-of-midnight-barbados-becomes-the-worlds-newest-republic|last=Safi|first=Michael|title=Barbados parts way with Queen and becomes world's newest republic|work=The Guardian|date=30 November 2021|access-date=30 November 2021|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130054632/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/30/at-the-stroke-of-midnight-barbados-becomes-the-worlds-newest-republic|url-status=live}}</ref>

Barbados's population is predominantly of [[Africa]]n ancestry. While it is technically an [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] island, Barbados is closely associated with the Caribbean and is ranked as one of its leading [[tourism|tourist destinations]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Belle|first1=Nicole|last2=Bramwell|first2=Bill|date=1 August 2005|title=Climate Change and Small Island Tourism: Policy Maker and Industry Perspectives in Barbados|journal=Journal of Travel Research|volume=44|pages=34–38|doi=10.1177/0047287505276589|s2cid=154912745| issn = 0047-2875 }}</ref>

== Etymology ==

The name "Barbados" is from either the [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] term {{lang|pt|os barbados}} or the Spanish equivalent, {{lang|es|los barbados}}, both meaning "the bearded ones".<ref>{{Cite journal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GekeS6uMj38C&dq=%22Barbados%22++Portuguese+spanish+bearded&pg=PA104 |title=To the Editor of the Colonial Journal |author=Dr Ainslie |editor=Dr Ainslie |journal=The Colonial Journal |publisher=G. Davidson |issue=1 |year=1816 |location=London |pages=104 |access-date=4 April 2023 |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418063559/https://books.google.com/books?id=GekeS6uMj38C&dq=%22Barbados%22++Portuguese+spanish+bearded&pg=PA104 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Fiske |first=Amos Kidder |author-link=Amos Kidder Fiske |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XUhsofUyHq4C&dq=%22Barbados%22++Portuguese+spanish+bearded&pg=PA357 |title=The West Indies: A History of the Islands of the West Indian Archipelago, Together with an Account of Their Physical Characteristics, Natural Resources, and Present Condition |date=1899 |publisher=G. P. Putnam's Sons |pages=357 |access-date=4 April 2023 |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418063558/https://books.google.com/books?id=XUhsofUyHq4C&dq=%22Barbados%22++Portuguese+spanish+bearded&pg=PA357 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is unclear whether "bearded" refers to the long, hanging roots of the bearded [[fig tree]] (''[[Ficus citrifolia]]''), a species of [[banyan]] indigenous to the island, or to the allegedly bearded [[Kalinago]] (Island Caribs) who once inhabited the island, or, more fancifully, to a visual impression of a beard formed by the sea foam that sprays over the outlying coral reefs. In 1519, a map produced by the [[Genoa|Genoese]] mapmaker [[Visconte Maggiolo]] showed and named Barbados in its correct position.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sawe |first=Benjamin Elisha |title=How Did Barbados Get Its Name? |website=WorldAtlas |date=1 November 2018 |url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/how-did-barbados-get-its-name.html |access-date=9 August 2025}}</ref> Furthermore, the island of [[Barbuda]] in the [[Leeward Islands|Leewards]] is very similar in name and was once named "{{lang|es|Las Barbudas|italic=unset}}" by the Spanish.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

The original name for Barbados in the [[Pre-Columbian era]] was {{lang|awd|Ichirouganaim}}, according to accounts by descendants of the Indigenous [[Arawakan languages|Arawakan]]-speaking tribes in other regional areas, with possible translations including "Red land with white teeth"<ref>{{Cite book |title=Barbados the Red Land with White Teeth: Home of the Amerindians |url=http://www.barbmuse.org.bb/ |access-date=14 May 2010 |publisher=Barbados Museum & Historical Society |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505161730/http://www.barbmuse.org.bb/ |archive-date=5 May 2010 |url-status=dead |quote=A temporary exhibit which examined some of the preliminary excavations conducted at the dig site at Heywoods, St. Peter.}}</ref> or "Redstone island with teeth outside (reefs)"<ref>{{Cite book |title=Barbados – Geography / History |url=http://www.coucouandflyingfish.com/where.php |access-date=14 May 2010 |year=2008 |publisher=Fun 'N' Sun Publishing Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213141038/http://www.coucouandflyingfish.com/where.php |archive-date=13 December 2010 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> or simply "Teeth".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pantribalconfederacy.com/confederacy/News/pdf/guyana_consul_visit.pdf |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160524005039/http%3A//www.pantribalconfederacy.com/confederacy/News/pdf/guyana_consul_visit.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 May 2016 |title=Guyana Consul (Barbados) Visit to Former Amerindian Village Site in B'dos |first=Norman |last=Faria |date=17 June 2009 |work=Guyana Chronicle |publisher=Pan-Tribal Confederacy of Indigenous Tribal Nations |page=2 |access-date=14 May 2010 |quote=Adjacent to the park, there is still a fresh water stream. This as a main reason the village was here. A hundred or so metres away is the sea and a further five hundred metres [{{cvt|500|m|yd |-1 |disp=out}}] out across a lagoon was the outlying reef where the Atlantic swells broke on the coral in shallow waters. As an aside, the word "''Ichirouganaim''", said to be an Arawak word used by the Amerindians to describe Barbados, is thought to refer to the "teeth" imagery of the waves breaking on the reefs off most of southern and eastern coasts. }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Drewett |first1=Peter |author1-link=Peter Drewett |title=Prehistoric Barbados |publisher=Barbados Museum and Historical Society |year=1991 |isbn=1-873132-15-8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Drewett |first1=Peter |title=Prehistoric Settlements in the Caribbean: Fieldwork on Barbados, Tortola and the Cayman Islands |date=2000 |publisher=Archetype Publications Ltd. |isbn=1-873132-22-0}}</ref>

Colloquially, Barbadians refer to their home island as "Bim" or other nicknames associated with Barbados, including "Bimshire". The origin is uncertain, but several theories exist. The [[National Cultural Foundation]] of Barbados says that "Bim" was a word commonly used by [[slave]]s, and that it derives from the [[Igbo language|Igbo]] term {{lang|ig|bém}} from {{lang|ig|bé mụ́}} meaning "my home, kindred, kind";<ref name="Carrington, Sean 2007 25">{{Cite book |author=Carrington, Sean |title=A~Z of Barbados Heritage |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aSccAQAAIAAJ&q=%22Bimshire%22|year=2007 |publisher=Macmillan Caribbean Publishers Limited |page=25 |isbn=978-0-333-92068-8}}</ref> the Igbo phoneme {{IPA|ig|e|}} in the Igbo orthography is very close to {{IPAc-en|ɪ}}.<ref name=Allsopp2003>{{cite book |title=Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage |first=Richard |last=Allsopp |author2=Allsopp, Jeannette |page=[https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofcari0000unse/page/101 101] |publisher=University of the West Indies Press |year=2003 |isbn=9766401454 |url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofcari0000unse/page/101}}</ref> The name could have arisen due to the relatively large percentage of [[Igbo people|Igbo]] slaves from modern-day southeastern [[Nigeria]] arriving in Barbados in the 18th century.<ref name=EltisRichardson1997>{{cite book |title=Routes to Slavery: Direction, Ethnicity, and Mortality in the Transatlantic Slave Trade |first=David |last=Eltis |author2=Richardson, David |page=87 |publisher=Routledge |year=1997 |access-date=24 November 2008 |url={{GBurl|kuXEzQZQmawC |pg=PA87}} |isbn=978-0-7146-4820-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Black Experience and the Empire |first=Philip D. |last=Morgan |author-link=Philip D. Morgan |author2=Hawkins, Sean |isbn=0-19-926029-X |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2004 |page=82 |url={{GBurl|kG824iVy1BsC |pg=PA82}} }}</ref> The words "Bim" and "Bimshire" are recorded in the ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]'' and ''[[Chambers Dictionary|Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionaries]]''. Another possible source for "Bim" is reported to be in the ''Agricultural Reporter'' of 25 April 1868, where the Rev. N. Greenidge (father of one of the island's most famous scholars, [[Abel Hendy Jones Greenidge]]) suggested that Bimshire was "introduced by an old planter listing it as a county of England". Expressly named were "Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire and Bimshire".<ref name="Carrington, Sean 2007 25"/> Lastly, in the ''Daily Argosy'' (of Demerara, i.e. Guyana) of 1652, there is a reference to Bim as a possible corruption of "Byam", the name of a Royalist leader against the Parliamentarians. That source suggested the followers of Byam became known as "Bims" and that this became a word for all Barbadians.<ref name="Carrington, Sean 2007 25"/>

== History ==

<!--Please keep this section as a summary and consider making additions to the main History of Barbados article-->
{{Main|History of Barbados}}

=== Geological history ===
Around 700,000 years ago, the island emerged from the ocean as a body of soft rock known as a [[diapir]] rose from the mantle beneath its present-day location. This process is still ongoing, raising Barbados at an average rate of 30 centimetres per thousand years.<ref name="earthmagazine">{{cite web|url=https://www.earthmagazine.org/article/travels-geology-barbados-ascending-sea-level-staircase/|title=Travels in Geology: Barbados: Ascending the sea-level staircase|first1=Terri|last1=Cook|first2=Lon |last2=Abbott|website=Earth Magazine|date=7 June 2018|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531170107/https://www.earthmagazine.org/article/travels-geology-barbados-ascending-sea-level-staircase/|url-status=live}}</ref> Dozens of inland sea reefs still dominate coastal features within terraces and cliffs on the island.<ref name="earthmagazine"/>

=== Pre-colonial period ===

Archeological evidence suggests humans may have first settled or visited the island {{circa|1600 BC}}.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Barbados |title= Barbados |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |access-date=9 July 2019 |archive-date=8 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008193237/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/52655/Barbados/54603/History |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Drewett, Peter (1993). "Excavations at Heywoods, Barbados, and the Economic Basis of the Suazoid Period in the Lesser Antilles", ''Journal of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society'' 38:113–137.</ref><ref>Fitzpatrick, Scott M., "A critical approach to c14 dating in the Caribbean", ''Latin American Antiquity'', 17 (4), pp. 389 ff.</ref> More permanent [[Amerindian]] settlement of Barbados dates to about the 4th to 7th centuries AD, by a group known as the [[Saladoid]]-Barrancoid.<ref>[[Hilary McD. Beckles|Beckles, Hilary McD.]] ''A History of Barbados: From Amerindian Settlement to Caribbean Single Market'' (Cambridge University Press, 2007 edition).</ref> Settlements of [[Arawaks]] from South America appeared by around 800 AD and again in the 12th–13th century.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> The [[Kalinago]] (called "[[Island Caribs|Caribs]]" by the Spanish) visited the island regularly, although there is no evidence of permanent settlement.<ref name="Watson">{{cite book |last=Watson |first=Karl |date=1997 |editor-last=Ali |editor-first=Arif |editor-link=Arif Ali (publisher) |title=Barbados |publisher=Hansib |chapter=A brief history of Barbados }}</ref>

=== European arrival ===

[[File:1632 Cardona Descripcion Indias (11).jpg|thumb|left|Spanish map of the island (1632)]]
It is uncertain which European nation arrived first in Barbados, which probably would have been at some point in the 15th century or 16th century. One lesser-known source points to earlier revealed works antedating contemporary sources, indicating it could have been the Spanish.<ref name="Spanish Main"/> Many, if not most, believe the [[History of Portugal (1415–1578)|Portuguese]], en route to Brazil,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barbados.org/history1.htm |title=AXSES Systems Caribbean Inc., The Barbados Tourism Encyclopaedia |publisher=Barbados.org |date=8 February 2007 |access-date= 4 July 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20000116155652/http://barbados.org/history1.htm |archive-date= 16 January 2000 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/52655/Barbados/54603/History |title=History of Barbados |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica |access-date=4 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913025338/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/52655/Barbados/54603/History |archive-date=13 September 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> were the first Europeans to come upon the island. The island was largely ignored by Europeans, though Spanish slave raiding is thought to have reduced the native population, with many fleeing to other islands.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/><ref>Beckles, ''A History of Barbados'' (2007), pp. 1–6.</ref>

=== English settlement in the 17th century ===

[[File:GEORGE WASHINGTON HOUSE - BARBADOS.jpg|thumb|right|[[George Washington House (Barbados)|George Washington House]] was visited by [[George Washington]] in 1751, in what is believed to have been his only trip outside the present-day United States.<ref name=boston>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/travel/getaways/caribbean/articles/2008/02/17/new_take_on_george_slept_here/ |title=New Take on George Slept Here |work=[[The Boston Globe]] |access-date=18 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093752/http://www.boston.com/travel/getaways/caribbean/articles/2008/02/17/new_take_on_george_slept_here/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>]]
The first English ship, which had arrived on 14 May 1625, was captained by John Powell. The first settlement began on 17 February 1627, near what is now [[Holetown]] (formerly Jamestown, after King James I of England),<ref>Beckles, ''A History of Barbados'' (2007), p. 7.</ref> by a group led by John Powell's younger brother, [[Henry Powell (governor)|Henry]], consisting of 80 settlers and 10 English [[Indentured servitude|indentured labourers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.funbarbados.com/Sights/holetown.cfm |title=Holetown Barbados – Fun Barbados Sights |website=funbarbados.com |access-date=12 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912191845/http://www.funbarbados.com/Sights/holetown.cfm |archive-date=12 September 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Some sources state that some Africans were among these first settlers.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/>

The settlement was established as a [[proprietary colony]] and funded by Sir [[William Courten]], a [[City of London]] merchant who acquired the title to Barbados and several other islands. The first colonists were actually tenants, and much of the profits of their labour returned to Courten and his company.<ref>[http://www.shipstamps.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10931 William And John] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117122343/http://www.shipstamps.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10931 |date=17 November 2017 }}, 11 January 201, Shipstamps.co.uk</ref> Courten's title was later transferred to [[James Hay, 1st Earl of Carlisle]], in what was called the "Great Barbados Robbery".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Barbados: A Walk through History (Part 3) {{!}} The Association for Promotion of International Cooperation (APIC) |url=https://www.apic.or.jp/english/projects/barbados003-eng.html |access-date=2025-09-24 |website=www.apic.or.jp}}</ref> Carlisle then chose as governor [[Henry Powell (governor)|Henry Powell]], who established the [[Barbados House of Assembly|House of Assembly]] in 1639, in an effort to appease the planters, who might otherwise have opposed his controversial appointment.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/><ref name="Slavery and Economy in Barbados">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/barbados_01.shtml |title=Slavery and Economy in Barbados |access-date=9 July 2019 |archive-date=12 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212022845/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/barbados_01.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:English Quakers Tobacco Planters and Slaves, Barbados, 17th cent. (colorized).jpg|thumb|English tobacco planters and slaves in Barbados, 17th century]]
In the period 1640–1660, the West Indies attracted more than two-thirds of the total number of English emigrants to the Americas. By 1650, there were 44,000 settlers in the West Indies, as compared to 12,000 on the [[Chesapeake Bay|Chesapeake]] and 23,000 in [[New England]]. Most English arrivals were indentured. After five years of labour, they were given "freedom dues" of about £10, usually in goods. Before the mid-1630s, they also received {{convert|5|to|10|acre|ha|abbr=off|0}} of land, but after that time the island filled and there was no more free land. During the [[Interregnum (England)|Cromwellian era]] (1650s) this included a large number of prisoners-of-war, vagrants and people who were illicitly kidnapped, who were forcibly transported to the island and sold as servants. These last two groups were predominantly Irish, as several thousand were infamously rounded up by English merchants and sold into servitude in Barbados and other Caribbean islands during this period, a practice that came to be known as being ''Barbadosed''.<ref name="Slavery and Economy in Barbados"/><ref>{{cite book |url=http://oxfordindex.oup.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562527.003.0014 |title=Patrick J. Corish, The Cromwellian Regime, 1650–1660 |first=Patrick J. |last=Corish |chapter=The Cromwellian Regime, 1650–60 |date=12 March 2009 |pages=353–386 |publisher=Oxford University Press |doi=10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562527.003.0014 |isbn=978-0-19-956252-7 |access-date=26 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406160124/http://oxfordindex.oup.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562527.003.0014 |archive-date=6 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Cultivation of [[sugar]] was thus handled primarily by European indentured labour until it became difficult to bring more indentured servants from England.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Marjoleine Kars|chapter=2 – Labor Camps in the Making |title=Blood on the River |date=2020|location=New York|pages=39–40|publisher=The New Press|quote=developed sugar plantations on the islands of Barbados and Jamaica, first with indentured and convict laborers from England and then, when that supply dried up, with enslaved Africans}}</ref>

[[Parishes of Barbados|Parish]] registers from the 1650s show that, for the white population, there were four times as many deaths as marriages. The mainstay of the infant colony's economy was the growth export of tobacco, but tobacco prices eventually fell in the 1630s as Chesapeake production expanded.<ref name="Slavery and Economy in Barbados"/>

==== Effects of the English Civil War ====

{{Main|English overseas possessions in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms|Restoration in the English colonies}}
Around the same time, fighting during the [[War of the Three Kingdoms]] and the [[Interregnum (England)|Interregnum]] spilled over into Barbados and Barbadian territorial waters. The island was not [[English overseas possessions in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms|involved in the war]] until after the execution of [[Charles I of England|Charles I]], when the island's government fell under the control of Royalists (ironically the Governor, Philip Bell, remaining loyal to [[Parliament of England|Parliament]] while the Barbadian [[House of Assembly]], under the influence of Humphrey Walrond, supported [[Charles II of England|Charles II]]). To try to bring the recalcitrant colony to heel, the [[Rump Parliament#Commonwealth of England|Commonwealth Parliament]] passed an act on 3 October 1650 prohibiting trade between England and Barbados, and because the island also traded with the Netherlands, further [[Navigation Acts]] were passed, prohibiting any but English vessels trading with [[Dutch Empire#Atlantic|Dutch colonies]]. These acts were a precursor to the [[First Anglo-Dutch War]]. The [[Commonwealth of England]] sent an invasion force under the command of [[George Ayscue|Sir George Ayscue]], which arrived in October 1651. Ayscue, with a smaller force that included Scottish prisoners, surprised a larger force of Royalists, but had to resort to spying and diplomacy ultimately. On 11 January 1652, the Royalists in the House of Assembly led by [[Francis Willoughby, 5th Baron Willoughby of Parham|Lord Willoughby]] surrendered, which marked the end of royalist privateering as a major threat.<ref>Blakemore, Richard J. and Murphy, Elaine. (2018). ''The British Civil Wars at Sea, 1638–1653''. Woodbridge, Suffolk: The Boydell Press. p. 170. {{ISBN|9781783272297}}.</ref> The conditions of the surrender were incorporated into the [[Charter of Barbados]] ([[Oistins#History|Treaty of Oistins]]), which was signed at the Mermaid's Inn, [[Oistins]], on 17 January 1652.<ref>{{cite web |first=Karl |last=Watson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/civil_war_revolution/barbados_01.shtml |title=The Civil War in Barbados |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202110646/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/civil_war_revolution/barbados_01.shtml |archive-date=2 December 2010 |work=History in-depth |publisher=BBC |date=5 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite DNB|wstitle= Walrond, Humphrey |volume= 59 |last= Pollard |first= Albert |author-link= Albert Pollard |pages= 211-212 |year= 1899 | short=1}}</ref>

=== Irish people in Barbados ===

{{Main|Irish people in Barbados}}
Starting with [[Oliver Cromwell|Cromwell]], a large percentage of the white labourer population were indentured servants and involuntarily transported people from Ireland. Irish servants in Barbados were often treated poorly, and Barbadian planters gained a reputation for cruelty.<ref name="Monahan">{{cite book |last=Monahan |first=Michael J. |year=2011 |title=The Creolizing Subject: Race, Reason, and the Politics of Purity |publisher=[[Fordham University Press]] |edition=1st |isbn=978-0823234509}}</ref>{{rp|55}} The decreased appeal of an indenture on Barbados, combined with enormous demand for labour caused by sugar cultivation, led to the use of involuntary transportation to Barbados as a punishment for crimes, or for political prisoners, and also to the kidnapping of labourers who were deported to Barbados.<ref name="Monahan"/>{{rp|55}} Irish indentured servants were a significant portion of the population throughout the period when white servants were used for plantation labour in Barbados, and while a "steady stream" of Irish servants entered the Barbados throughout the 17th century, Cromwellian efforts to pacify Ireland created a "veritable tidal wave" of Irish labourers who were sent to Barbados during the 1650s.<ref name="Monahan"/>{{rp|56}} Due to inadequate historical records, the total number of Irish labourers sent to Barbados is unknown, and estimates have been "highly contentious".<ref name="Monahan"/>{{rp|56}} While one historical source estimated that as many as 50,000 Irish people were deported to either Barbados or Virginia during the 1650s, this estimate is "quite likely exaggerated".<ref name="Monahan"/>{{rp|56}} Another estimate that 12,000 Irish prisoners had arrived in Barbados by 1655 has been described as "probably exaggerated" by historian Richard B. Sheridan.<ref name="Sheridan">{{cite book |first=Richard B. |last=Sheridan |title=Sugar and Slavery: An Economic History of the British West Indies, 1623–1775 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QUV98bwrqscC |year=1974 |publisher=Canoe Press |isbn=978-976-8125-13-2 |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726134707/https://books.google.com/books?id=QUV98bwrqscC |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|236}} According to historian [[Thomas Bartlett (historian)|Thomas Bartlett]], it is "generally accepted" that approximately 10,000 Irish were deported to the West Indies and approximately 40,000 came as voluntary indentured servants, while many also travelled as voluntary, un-indentured emigrants.<ref name="Bartlett">Bartlett, Thomas. {{"'}}This famous island set in a Virginian sea': Ireland in the British Empire, 1690–1801". In Marshall, P. J.; Low, Alaine; and Louis, William Roger (1998). P. J. Marshall and Alaine Low (eds.). ''The Oxford History of the British Empire''. Volume II: The Eighteenth Century. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</ref>{{rp|256}}

==== The sugar revolution ====
[[File:Mercado de los domingos, donde lo esclavos eran intercambiados por otros bienes y necesidades (Barbados Museum, Bridgetown).jpg|thumb|Sunday market in Barbados during the colonial era]]
The introduction of [[sugar cane]] from [[Dutch Brazil]] in 1640<ref>Knutson, A. (2023). “The True Temper of It”: Combustibility and Emblematic Representation in Richard Ligon’s True and Exact History of the Island of Barbados. ''Early American Literature'', ''58''(1), 41–70.</ref> completely transformed society, the economy and the physical landscape.<ref>Schomburg, S. R. (2012). ''History of Barbados''. Taylor and Francis.</ref> Barbados eventually had one of the world's biggest sugar industries.<ref name=beyond>{{Cite book |author-link=Arif Ali |author=Ali, Arif |title=Barbados: Just Beyond Your Imagination |pages=46, 48 |year=1997 |publisher=Hansib Publishing (Caribbean) Ltd |isbn=1-870518-54-3}}</ref> One group instrumental in ensuring the early success of the industry was the [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardic Jews]], who had originally been expelled from the [[Iberian peninsula]], to end up in [[Dutch Brazil]].<ref name="beyond"/> As the effects of the new crop increased, so did the shift in the ethnic composition of Barbados and surrounding islands.<ref name="Slavery and Economy in Barbados"/> The workable sugar plantation required a large investment and a great deal of heavy labour. At first, Dutch traders supplied the equipment, financing, and African slaves, in addition to transporting most of the sugar to Europe.<ref name="Slavery and Economy in Barbados"/><ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> In 1644 the population of Barbados was estimated at 30,000, of which about 800 were of African ancestry, with the remainder mainly of English ancestry. These English smallholders were eventually bought out and the island filled up with large sugar plantations worked by African slaves.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> By 1660 there was near parity with 27,000 Black people and 26,000 White people. By 1666 at least 12,000 white smallholders had been bought out, died, or left the island, many choosing to emigrate to [[Jamaica]] or the [[Thirteen Colonies|American Colonies]] (notably the Carolinas).<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> As a result, Barbados enacted a [[Barbados Slave Code|slave code]] as a way of legislatively controlling its enslaved Black population.<ref>Jerome Handler, ''New West Indian Guide'' 91 (2017) 30–55</ref> The law's text was influential in laws in other colonies.<ref name=menard>[https://books.google.com/books?id=FyB24GZrJxAC&pg=PA112 ''Sweet Negotiations: Sugar, Slavery, and Plantation Agriculture in Early Barbados''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125230814/https://books.google.com/books?id=FyB24GZrJxAC&pg=PA112 |date=25 January 2021 }}, Chapter 6 "The Expansion of Barbados", p. 112</ref>

By 1680 there were 20,000 free whites and 46,000 enslaved Africans;<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> by 1724, there were 18,000 free whites and 55,000 enslaved Africans.<ref name="Slavery and Economy in Barbados"/>

=== 18th and 19th centuries ===

[[File:Bussa statue.png|thumb|upright|left|[[Emancipation Statue (Haggett Hall, Barbados)|Statue of Bussa]], Bridgetown. Bussa led the largest slave rebellion in Barbadian history.]]
The harsh conditions endured by the slaves resulted in several planned slave rebellions, the largest of which was [[Bussa's rebellion]] in 1816 which was rapidly suppressed by the colonial authorities.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> In 1819, another slave revolt broke out on Easter Day. The revolt was put down in blood, with heads being displayed on stakes. Nevertheless, the brutality of the repression shocked even England and strengthened the abolitionist movement.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.humanite.fr/noel-1831-la-grande-revolte-des-esclaves-jamaiquains-682318 |title=Noël 1831 La grande révolte des esclaves jamaïquains &#124; L'Humanité |language=fr |publisher=Humanite.fr |date=25 December 2019 |accessdate=6 February 2022 |archive-date=19 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219221230/https://www.humanite.fr/noel-1831-la-grande-revolte-des-esclaves-jamaiquains-682318 |url-status=live }}</ref> Growing opposition to slavery led to its abolition in the British Empire in 1833.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> The [[plantocracy]] class retained control of political and economic power on the island, with most workers living in relative poverty.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/>

The [[Great Hurricane of 1780|1780 hurricane]] killed more than 4,000 people on Barbados.<ref name="pr">{{cite web |author=Orlando Pérez |year=1970 |title=Notes on the Tropical Cyclones of Puerto Rico |publisher=San Juan, Puerto Rico National Weather Service |access-date=12 February 2007 |url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/data_sub/perez_11_20.pdf |archive-date=29 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629062539/http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/data_sub/perez_11_20.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="deadliest">{{cite web |author1=Edward N. Rappaport |author2=Jose Fernandez-Partagas |author3=Jack Beven |year=1997 |title=The Deadliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclones, 1492–1996 |publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] |access-date=2 January 2007 |url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastdeadlyapp1.shtml |archive-date=21 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221030653/http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pastdeadlyapp1.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1854, a [[cholera]] epidemic killed more than 20,000 inhabitants.<ref>[http://countrystudies.us/caribbean-islands/83.htm "Barbados"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129092003/http://countrystudies.us/caribbean-islands/83.htm |date=29 January 2012 }}. [[Library of Congress Country Studies]].</ref>

=== 20th century before independence ===

Deep dissatisfaction with the situation on Barbados led many to emigrate.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/><ref>[http://countrystudies.us/caribbean-islands/85.htm "Barbados – population"]. {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129062341/http://countrystudies.us/caribbean-islands/85.htm |date=29 January 2012 }}. [[Library of Congress Country Studies]].</ref> Things came to a head in the 1930s during the [[Great Depression]], as Barbadians [[British West Indian labour unrest of 1934–1939|began demanding]] better conditions for workers, the legalisation of trade unions and a widening of the franchise, which at that point was limited to male property owners.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> As a result of the increasing unrest the British sent a commission, called the [[Report of West India Royal Commission (Moyne Report)|West Indies Royal Commission, or Moyne Commission]], in 1938, which recommended enacting many of the requested reforms on the islands.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> As a result, Afro-Barbadians began to play a much more prominent role in the colony's politics, with universal suffrage being introduced in 1950.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/>
[[File:Collectie Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen TM-60062011 De hoofdstraat van Bridgetown Barbados fotograaf niet bekend.jpg|thumb|Broad Street, Bridgetown in 1914]]
Prominent among these early activists was [[Grantley Herbert Adams]], who helped found the [[Barbados Labour Party]] (BLP) in 1938.<ref name=dnation>{{cite news |first=Sanka |last=Price |title='Political giant' passes away |url=http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/political-giant-passes-away/ |work=Daily Nation |publisher=Nation Publishing |date=10 March 2014 |access-date=7 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310110000/http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/political-giant-passes-away/ |archive-date=10 March 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He became the first Premier of Barbados in 1953, followed by fellow BLP-founder [[Hugh Gordon Cummins]] from 1958 to 1961. A group of left-leaning politicians who advocated swifter moves to independence broke off from the BLP and founded the [[Democratic Labour Party (Barbados)|Democratic Labour Party]] (DLP) in 1955.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Party |url=http://www.dlpbarbadoscanada.com/the-party.html |work=Official Web Site |publisher=Democratic Labour Party |access-date=3 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204033621/http://www.dlpbarbadoscanada.com/the-party.html |archive-date=4 February 2012}}</ref><ref name=DN>Nohlen, D. (2005) ''Elections in the Americas: A data handbook, Volume I'', p. 85. {{ISBN|978-0-19-928357-6}}</ref> The DLP subsequently won the [[1961 Barbadian general election]] and their leader [[Errol Barrow]] became premier.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

Full internal self-government was enacted in 1961.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> Barbados joined the short-lived British [[West Indies Federation]] from 1958 to 1962, later gaining full independence on 30 November 1966.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> Errol Barrow became the country's first prime minister.

Barbados opted to remain within the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]. [[Elizabeth II]] became [[Queen of Barbados]] and was represented locally by a [[Governor-General of Barbados|governor-general]].<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010090239/http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchAndCommonwealth/TheQueenandBarbados/Historyandpresentgovernment.aspx |archive-date=10 October 2012 |url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchAndCommonwealth/TheQueenandBarbados/Historyandpresentgovernment.aspx |title=History and present government – Barbados |author=HRM Queen Elizabeth II |year=2010 |publisher=[[Monarchy of Barbados|The Royal Household]] |access-date=10 May 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Post-independence era ===

The Barrow government sought to diversify the economy away from agriculture, seeking to boost industry and the tourism sector. Barbados was also at the forefront of regional integration efforts, spearheading the creation of [[CARIFTA]] and [[CARICOM]].<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> The DLP lost the [[1976 Barbadian general election]] to the BLP under [[Tom Adams (politician)|Tom Adams]]. Adams adopted a more conservative and strongly pro-Western stance, allowing the Americans to use Barbados as the launchpad for their [[United States invasion of Grenada|invasion of Grenada]] in 1983.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ex-airport boss recalls Cubana crash |last=Carter |first=Gercine |url=http://www.nationnews.com/index.php/articles/view/ex-airport-boss-recalls-cubana-crash/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124195240/http://www.nationnews.com/index.php/articles/view/ex-airport-boss-recalls-cubana-crash/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 January 2012 |newspaper=[[The Daily Nation (Barbados)|Nation Newspaper]] |date=26 September 2010 |access-date=16 October 2011}}</ref> Adams died in office in 1985 and was replaced by [[Harold Bernard St. John]]; however, St. John lost the [[1986 Barbadian general election]], which saw the return of the DLP under Errol Barrow, who had been highly critical of the US intervention in Grenada. Barrow, too, died in office, and was replaced by [[Lloyd Erskine Sandiford]], who remained Prime Minister until 1994.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

[[Owen Arthur]] of the BLP won the [[1994 Barbadian general election]], remaining prime minister until 2008.<ref name=DN5>[[Dieter Nohlen]] (2005) ''Elections in the Americas: A data handbook, Volume I'', p. 90. {{ISBN|978-0-19-928357-6}}.</ref> Arthur was a strong advocate of republicanism, though a planned referendum to replace Queen Elizabeth as Head of State in 2008 never took place.<ref name="cnn_republic">{{cite web |url=http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2005/02/07/vote.shtml |title=Barbados to vote on move to republic |author=Norman 'Gus' Thomas |publisher=Caribbean Net News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228082001/http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2005/02/07/vote.shtml |archive-date=28 December 2007}}</ref> The DLP won the [[2008 Barbadian general election]], but the new Prime Minister [[David Thompson (Barbadian politician)|David Thompson]] died in 2010 and was replaced by [[Freundel Stuart]]. The BLP returned to power [[2018 Barbadian general election|in 2018]] under [[Mia Mottley]], who became Barbados's first female prime minister.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caribbeanelections.com/bb/elections/bb_results_2018.asp |title=Barbados General Election Results – 24 May 2018 |website=caribbeanelections.com |access-date=26 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912213745/http://www.caribbeanelections.com/bb/elections/bb_results_2018.asp |archive-date=12 September 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Transition to republic ====

{{Main|Republicanism in Barbados}}
The Government of Barbados announced on 15 September 2020 that it intended to become a republic by 30 November 2021, the 55th anniversary of its independence, resulting in the replacement of the [[Barbadian monarchy]] with a president elected through [[electoral college]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Yasharoff |first=Hannah |title=Barbados announces plan to remove Queen Elizabeth as head of state next year|date=16 September 2020|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/09/16/queen-elizabeth-removed-barbados-head-state-barbados-says/5814409002/ |access-date=16 September 2020 |website=USA TODAY|archive-date=7 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007081350/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/09/16/queen-elizabeth-removed-barbados-head-state-barbados-says/5814409002/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/22/americas/barbados-elects-first-president-intl-hnk/index.html |title=Barbados elects first president, replacing UK Queen as head of state |website=CNN|date=22 October 2021 |access-date=23 October 2021 |archive-date=26 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026044014/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/22/americas/barbados-elects-first-president-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Barbados would then cease to be a [[Commonwealth realm]], but could maintain membership in the [[Commonwealth of Nations]], like [[Guyana]] and [[Trinidad and Tobago]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Team |first=Caribbean Lifestyle Editorial |date=15 September 2020 |title=Barbados to become an Independent Republic in 2021 |url=https://caribbeanlifestyle.com/barbados-to-become-republic-by-2021/ |access-date=15 September 2020 |website=Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle|archive-date=23 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923111016/https://caribbeanlifestyle.com/barbados-to-become-republic-by-2021/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Speare-Cole |first=Rebecca |date=16 September 2020 |title=Barbados to remove Queen as head of state by November 2021 |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/barbados-queen-head-of-state-removal-a4548381.html |access-date=16 September 2020 |website=Evening Standard|archive-date=13 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813201215/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/barbados-queen-head-of-state-removal-a4548381.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=17 September 2020 |title=Wickham predicts Barbados' republic model to mirror Trinidad's |url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2020/09/17/wickham-predicts-barbados-republic-model-to-mirror-trinidads/ |url-status=live |editor1-last=Madden |editor1-first=Marlon |department=Top Featured Article |publisher=Barbados Today |publication-date=17 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813162631/https://barbadostoday.bb/2020/09/17/wickham-predicts-barbados-republic-model-to-mirror-trinidads/ |archive-date=13 August 2021 |access-date=4 June 2021 |url-access= |quote=As Barbados prepares to ditch the Queen as its Head of State and become a republic, a prominent political scientist is predicting that Prime Minister Mia Mottley will follow the Trinidad and Tobago model. What's more, Peter Wickham has shot down any idea of the Barbados Labour Party administration holding a referendum on the matter, saying that to do so would be a 'mistake'. 'There is no need to and I don't think it makes a lot of sense. We had a situation where since 1999 this [political party] indicated its desire to go in the direction of a republic. The Opposition has always supported it ... So, I think there is enough cohesion in that regard to go with it,' he said. }}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-54174794 |title=Barbados to remove Queen Elizabeth as head of state |work=BBC News |date=16 September 2020 |access-date=18 March 2021 |archive-date=11 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311160055/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-54174794 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 20 September 2021, just over a full year after the announcement for the transition was made, the [[Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2021]] was introduced to the Parliament of Barbados. Passed on 6 October, the Bill made amendments to the Constitution of Barbados, introducing the office of the [[president of Barbados]] to replace the role of [[Elizabeth II]] as Queen of Barbados.<ref name="billdetail">{{cite web |title=Barbados Parliament Bills Archive |url=https://www.barbadosparliament.com/bills/details/581 |website=barbadosparliament.com|access-date=8 October 2021 |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008030047/https://www.barbadosparliament.com/bills/details/581 |url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, on 12 October 2021, incumbent [[Governor-General of Barbados]] [[Sandra Mason]] was jointly nominated by the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition as candidate to be the first [[president of Barbados]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/sittings/attachments/11c0bb650b1c768dbdbee5a0208f6256.pdf |publisher=[[Parliament of Barbados]] |access-date=16 October 2021 |date=12 October 2021 |title=Letter to the Speaker RE Nomination of Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason as 1st President of Barbados |archive-date=15 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015205955/https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/sittings/attachments/11c0bb650b1c768dbdbee5a0208f6256.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> and was subsequently [[2021 Barbadian presidential election|elected]] on 20 October.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/19661398.barbados-just-appointed-first-president-becomes-republic/ |title=Barbados just appointed its first president as it becomes a republic |first=Kirsteen |last=Paterson|work=[[The National (Scotland)|The National]] |location=Scotland|date=20 October 2021|access-date=21 October 2021 |archive-date=21 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021191804/https://www.thenational.scot/news/19661398.barbados-just-appointed-first-president-becomes-republic/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Mason took office on 30 November 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://constitutionnet.org/news/barbados-parliament-votes-amend-constitution-paving-way-republican-status#:~:text=republican%20status%20%7C%20ConstitutionNet-,In%20Barbados%2C%20parliament%20votes%20to%20amend%20constitution%2C%20paving,the%20way%20to%20republican%20status&text=Parliament%20voted%20by%20a%2025,into%20force%20by%20November%2030 |title=In Barbados, parliament votes to amend constitution, paving the way to republican status |date=30 September 2021 |publisher=ConstitutionNet |access-date=9 October 2021 |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008170938/http://constitutionnet.org/news/barbados-parliament-votes-amend-constitution-paving-way-republican-status#:~:text=republican%20status%20%7C%20ConstitutionNet-,In%20Barbados%2C%20parliament%20votes%20to%20amend%20constitution%2C%20paving,the%20way%20to%20republican%20status&text=Parliament%20voted%20by%20a%2025,into%20force%20by%20November%2030 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Prince Charles]], the heir apparent to the Barbadian Crown at the time, attended the swearing-in ceremony in Bridgetown at the invitation of the Government of Barbados.<ref>{{cite news |title=Barbados becomes a republic and parts ways with the Queen |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-59470843 |access-date=10 May 2023 |work=BBC News |date=30 November 2021 |archive-date=30 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130120934/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-59470843 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Queen Elizabeth sent a message of congratulations to President Mason and the people of Barbados, saying: "As you celebrate this momentous day, I send you and all Barbadians my warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future."<ref>{{cite web |title=A message from The Queen to the President and people of Barbados |url=https://www.royal.uk/message-queen-president-and-people-barbados |website=The Royal Family |access-date=30 November 2021 |date=30 November 2021 |archive-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201020537/https://www.royal.uk/message-queen-president-and-people-barbados |url-status=live }}</ref>

A survey that was conducted between 23 October 2021 and 10 November 2021, by the [[University of the West Indies]] showed 34% of respondents being in favour of transitioning to a republic, while 30% were indifferent. Notably, no overall majority was found in the survey; with 24% not indicating a preference and the remaining 12% being opposed to the removal of Queen Elizabeth.<ref>{{cite web|date=21 December 2021|title=Survey shows support for republic|url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/12/21/survey-shows-support-for-republic/|access-date=22 December 2021|website=Barbados Today|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221200757/https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/12/21/survey-shows-support-for-republic/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=20 December 2021|title=UWI poll: Republic preferred option|first=Sheria|last=Brathwaithe|url=https://www.nationnews.com/2021/12/20/uwi-poll-republic-preferred-option/|access-date=22 December 2021|website=nationnews.com|archive-date=22 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222044016/https://www.nationnews.com/2021/12/20/uwi-poll-republic-preferred-option/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 20 June 2022, a Constitutional Review Commission was formed and sworn in by Jeffrey Gibson (who at the time was serving temporarily as Acting President of Barbados) to review the Constitution of Barbados.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2022 |title=Members of Constitutional Review Commission sworn in |url=https://www.nationnews.com/2022/06/20/members-constitutional-review-commission-sworn/ |access-date=21 June 2022 |website=nationnews.com |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621191900/https://www.nationnews.com/2022/06/20/members-constitutional-review-commission-sworn/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The commission was given a 15-month timeline to complete its work, which included consulting the public about the new republic and drafting a constitution.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Constitutional Reform Commission of Barbados: Much Expectation, Great Skepticism|last1=Barrow-Giles |first1=Cynthia |last2=Yearwood|first2=Rico|url=https://constitutionnet.org/news/constitutional-reform-commission-barbados-much-expectation-great-skepticism|date=12 August 2022|work=ConstitutionNet}}</ref> Thus, the CRC engaged the public in a number of public meetings, lectures, and [[Twitter Spaces]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Public Meetings|url=https://www.crcbarbados.com/public-meetings|work=Constitutional Reform Commission|date=15 January 2024 }}</ref> The report was announced delayed by August 2023,<ref>{{cite web|title=Report of Constitutional Reform Commission delayed until 2024|last=Joseph |first=Emmanuel|work=Barbados Today |url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/08/23/not-ready/amp/|date=23 August 2023}}</ref> with the final report submitted 30 June 2024.<ref>{{cite web|title=Constitutional Reform Commission gets another extension|work=Barbados Today|url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2024/04/26/constitutional-reform-commission-gets-another-extension/
|date=26 April 2024}}</ref>

== Geography and climate ==

{{Main|Geography of Barbados}}
[[Image:Barbados-2022 englisch.png|thumb|upright=1.1|Map of Barbados]]
Barbados is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, east of the other [[West Indies]] Islands. Barbados is the easternmost island in the [[Lesser Antilles]]. It is {{convert|34|km|mi|abbr=off|disp=flip}} long and up to {{cvt|23|km|mi}} wide, covering an area of {{cvt|439|km2}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 August 2012 |title=Barbados country profile |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18723928 |access-date=2 October 2023 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002085534/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18723928 |url-status=live }}</ref> It lies about {{cvt|168|km}} east of both the countries of [[Saint Lucia]] and [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]]; {{cvt|180|km}} south-east of [[Martinique]] and {{cvt|400|km}} north-east of [[Trinidad and Tobago]]. It is flat in comparison to its island neighbours to the west, the [[Windward Islands]]. The island rises gently to the central highland region known as Scotland District, with the highest point being [[Mount Hillaby]] {{cvt|340|m|ft}} above sea level.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/>

In Barbados, [[forest cover]] is around 15% of the total land area, equivalent to 6,300 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, which was unchanged from 1990. In 2020, naturally regenerating forest covered 6,300 hectares (ha) and planted forest covered 0 hectares (ha). Of the naturally regenerating forest 0% was reported to be [[primary forest]] (consisting of native tree species with no clearly visible indications of human activity) and around 5% of the forest area was found within protected areas. For the year 2015, 1% of the forest area was reported to be under [[State ownership|public ownership]], 0% [[Private property|private ownership]] and 99% with ownership listed as other or unknown.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a6e225da-4a31-4e06-818d-ca3aeadfd635/content |title=Terms and Definitions FRA 2025 Forest Resources Assessment, Working Paper 194 |publisher=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |year=2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, Barbados |url=https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/BRB/home/overview |website=Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations}}</ref>

In the parish of [[Saint Michael, Barbados|Saint Michael]] lies Barbados's capital and main city, [[Bridgetown]], containing one third of the country's population.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> Other major towns scattered across the island include [[Holetown]], in the parish of [[Saint James, Barbados|Saint James]]; [[Oistins]], in the parish of [[Christ Church, Barbados|Christ Church]]; and [[Speightstown]], in the parish of [[Saint Peter, Barbados|Saint Peter]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

=== Geology ===

Barbados lies on the boundary of the [[South American Plate|South American]] and the [[Caribbean Plate]]s.<ref>{{cite news |title=Geologic History of Barbados Beaches |first=Gabi |last=Logan |url=http://traveltips.usatoday.com/geologic-history-barbados-beaches-57660.html |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |access-date=2 July 2011 |quote=Barbados lies directly over the intersection of the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate in a region known as a subduction zone. Beneath the ocean floor, the South American Plate slowly slides below the Caribbean Plate. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322063852/http://traveltips.usatoday.com/geologic-history-barbados-beaches-57660.html |archive-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[subduction]] of the South American Plate beneath the Caribbean Plate scrapes sediment from the South American Plate and deposits it above the subduction zone forming an [[Accretionary wedge|accretionary prism]]. The rate of this depositing of material allows Barbados to rise at a rate of about {{cvt|25|mm|in|0}} per 1,000 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barbadosbeachhouse.com/barbados_sightseeing_animal_flower_cave.php |title=Barbados Sightseeing – Animal Flower Cave |year=2010 |work=Leigh Designs |publisher=Little Bay House |access-date=10 July 2011 |quote=The Animal flower Cave is the island's lone accessible sea-cave and was discovered from the sea in 1780 by two English explorers. The cave's coral floor is estimated to be 400,000 to 500,000 years old and the "younger" coral section above the floor is about 126,000 years old. The dating was carried out by the German Geographical Institute, and visitors can see a "map" of the dating work in the bar and restaurant. The cave now stands some six feet above the high tide mark even though it was formed at sea level. This is because Barbados is rising about one inch per 1,000 years, which is yet another indication of the cave's age. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111212233710/http://www.barbadosbeachhouse.com/barbados_sightseeing_animal_flower_cave.php |archive-date=12 December 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> This subduction means [[Geology|geologically]] the island is composed of [[coral]] roughly {{cvt|90|m|ft}} thick, where reefs formed above the sediment. The land slopes in a series of "terraces" in the west and goes into an incline in the east. A large proportion of the island is circled by [[coral reefs]].<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/>

The erosion of [[limestone]] in the northeast of the island, in the Scotland District, has resulted in the formation of various [[cave]]s and [[Gully|gullies]]. On the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] east coast of the island [[coastal landforms]], including [[Stack (geology)|stacks]], have been created due to the limestone composition of the area. Also notable in the island is the rocky cape known as [[Pico Teneriffe (Barbados)|Pico Teneriffe]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/barbados-attractions/beaches-and-bays/north-coast-beaches/pico-teneriffe.html |title=Pico Teneriffe – Barbados Pocket Guide |last=Gloria |website=barbadospocketguide.com |access-date=3 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127022828/http://www.barbadospocketguide.com/barbados-attractions/beaches-and-bays/north-coast-beaches/pico-teneriffe.html |archive-date=27 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> or Pico de Tenerife, which is named after the fact that the island of [[Tenerife]] in Spain is the first land east of Barbados according to the belief of the locals.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

=== Climate ===

[[File:Bathsheba, Barbados 08.jpg|thumb|[[Bathsheba, Saint Joseph, Barbados|Bathsheba, Saint Joseph]]]]
The country generally experiences two seasons, one of which includes noticeably higher rainfall. Known as the "[[wet season]]", this period runs from June to December. By contrast, the "[[dry season]]" runs from December to May. Annual precipitation ranges between {{cvt|40|and|90|in|mm|order=flip}}.
From December to May the average temperatures range from {{convert|21|to|31|C|F}}, while between June and November, they range from {{convert|23|to|31|C|F}}.<ref name="weather1">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT003280 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070220165443/http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT003280 | archive-date =20 February 2007 |title=Average and Record Conditions at Bridgetown, Barbados| access-date =10 September 2009 |work=BBC Weather}}</ref>

On the [[Köppen climate classification]] scale, much of Barbados is regarded as a [[tropical monsoon climate]] (Am). However, breezes of {{cvt|12|to|16|km/h|0}} abound throughout the year and give Barbados a [[climate]] which is moderately tropical.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

Infrequent natural hazards include earthquakes, [[landslip]]s, and [[Atlantic hurricane|hurricanes]]. Barbados lies outside the [[Main Development Region]] for [[tropical cyclone]] activity in the Atlantic, and is often spared the worst effects of the region's storms during the rainy season. On average, a major hurricane makes [[landfall]] in Barbados about once every 26 years. The last significant hit from a hurricane to cause severe damage to Barbados was [[Hurricane Janet]] in 1955; in 2010 the island was struck by [[Hurricane Tomas]], but this caused only minor damage across the country as it was only at Tropical Storm strength at the time of impact.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11660080 "Hurricane Tomas lashes Caribbean islands"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105151112/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11660080 |date=5 November 2015 }}. BBC News, 30 October 2010.</ref>

=== Environmental issues ===

[[File:BarbadosFromISS.jpg|thumb|Barbados, seen from the [[International Space Station]]]]
[[File:Water_Stress,_Top_Countries_(2020).svg|thumb|Barbados is the twentieth most water stressed country in the world.]]
Barbados is susceptible to environmental pressures. As one of the world's most [[List of island countries by population density|densely populated isles]], the government worked during the 1990s<ref>[http://www.cep.unep.org/pubs/Techreports/tr43en/Barbados.htm Domestic and Industrial Wastewater Treatment Techniques in Barbados] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724024004/http://www.cep.unep.org/pubs/Techreports/tr43en/Barbados.htm |date=24 July 2013 }}. Cep.unep.org. Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref> to aggressively integrate the growing south coast of the island into the Bridgetown Sewage Treatment Plant to reduce contamination of offshore coral reefs.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120707103415/http://archive.wri.org/reefsatrisk/casestudy_text.cfm?ContentID=3332 Barbados], World Resources Institute</ref><ref>[http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=4130 Perspectives: A continuing problem and persistent threat] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724030532/http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=4130 |date=24 July 2013 }}. Barbadosadvocate.com. Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref> As of the first decade of the 21st century, a second treatment plant has been proposed along the island's west coast. Being so densely populated, Barbados has made great efforts to protect its underground [[aquifer]]s.<ref name="barbadosadvocate.com">[http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=185 "PERSPECTIVES: Squatting – a continuing problem"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724030614/http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=185 |date=24 July 2013 }}. Barbadosadvocate.com (24 March 2008). Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref>

As a coral-limestone island, Barbados is highly permeable to seepage of surface water into the earth. The government has placed great emphasis on protecting the catchment areas that lead directly into the huge network of underground aquifers and streams.<ref name="barbadosadvocate.com"/> On occasion illegal squatters have breached these areas, and the government has removed squatters to preserve the cleanliness of the underground springs which provide the island's drinking water.<ref>[http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/squatters-get-thumbs-down-from-mp-forde/ "Squatters get thumbs down from MP Forde"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421100046/http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/squatters-get-thumbs-down-from-mp-forde/ |date=21 April 2014 }}. Nationnews.com (30 June 2010). Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref>

The government has placed a huge emphasis on keeping Barbados clean with the aim of protecting the environment and preserving offshore coral reefs which surround the island.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Adhya |first1=Sarah Wakefield |title=Barbados Commits to Ambitious Ocean Conservation |url=https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/barbados-blue-bond-ocean-conservation/ |website=The Nature Conservancy |access-date=16 June 2023 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616174428/https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/barbados-blue-bond-ocean-conservation/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Many initiatives to mitigate human pressures on the coastal regions of Barbados and seas come from the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coastal.gov.bb/ |title=Welcome to Coastal Zone Management Unit – Coastal Zone Management Unit |access-date=24 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301091103/http://www.coastal.gov.bb/ |archive-date=1 March 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=22569 Barbados' CZMU in demand] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724030519/http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=22569 |date=24 July 2013 }}. Barbadosadvocate.com (4 February 2012). Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref> Barbados has nearly {{convert|90|km|abbr=off|disp=flip}} of coral reefs just offshore and two protected marine parks have been established off the west coast.<ref>[http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/cermes/folkestone.html Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128032823/http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/cermes/folkestone.html |date=28 November 2012 }}, The University of the West Indies.</ref> Overfishing is another threat which faces Barbados.<ref>[http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/FI-CP_BB/en Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111223113158/http://www.fao.org/fishery/countrysector/FI-CP_BB/en |date=23 December 2011 }}, UN-FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department</ref>

Although on the opposite side of the Atlantic, and some {{convert|4800|km|abbr=off|disp=flip}} west of Africa, Barbados is one of many places in the American continent that experience heightened levels of [[mineral dust]] from the [[Sahara Desert]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Prospero, Joseph M. |title=Saharan Dust Impacts and Climate Change |pages=60–61 |journal=Oceanography |volume=19 |issue=2 |date=June 2006 |doi=10.5670/oceanog.2006.65|doi-access=free|bibcode=2006Ocgpy..19b..60P }}</ref> Some particularly intense dust episodes have been blamed partly for the impacts on the health of coral reefs<ref>[http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/african_dust/ The Effects of African Dust on Coral Reefs and Human Health] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502091350/http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/african_dust/ |date=2 May 2012 }}. Coastal.er.usgs.gov (15 April 2014). Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref> surrounding Barbados or [[asthmatic]] episodes,<ref>[http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Dust/ When the Dust Settles (DAAC Study)] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212215007/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Dust/ |date=12 February 2012 }}, NASA</ref> but evidence has not wholly supported the former claim.<ref>[http://commprojects.jhsph.edu/globaltobacco/ProjectDetail.cfm?project_id=7780&country_code=BB The Impact of African Dust on Childhood Asthma Morbidity in Barbados] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724092116/http://commprojects.jhsph.edu/globaltobacco/ProjectDetail.cfm?project_id=7780&country_code=BB |date=24 July 2013 }}. Commprojects.jhsph.edu. Retrieved April 2014.</ref>

Access to [[biocapacity]] in Barbados is much lower than world average. In 2016, Barbados had 0.17 global hectares<ref name=footprintdata>{{cite web |url=http://data.footprintnetwork.org/#/countryTrends?cn=14&type=BCpc,EFCpc |title=Country Trends |publisher=Global Footprint Network |access-date=24 June 2020 |archive-date=8 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808050235/http://data.footprintnetwork.org/#/countryTrends?cn=14&type=BCpc,EFCpc |url-status=live }}</ref> of biocapacity per person within its territory, much less than the world average of 1.6 global hectares per person.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lin |first1=David |last2=Hanscom |first2=Laurel |last3=Murthy |first3=Adeline |last4=Galli |first4=Alessandro |last5=Evans |first5=Mikel |last6=Neill |first6=Evan |last7=Mancini |first7=MariaSerena |last8=Martindill |first8=Jon |last9=Medouar |first9=FatimeZahra|last10=Huang|first10=Shiyu |last11=Wackernagel |first11=Mathis |year=2018 |title=Ecological Footprint Accounting for Countries: Updates and Results of the National Footprint Accounts, 2012–2018 |journal=Resources|volume=7 |issue=3 |page=58 |doi=10.3390/resources7030058|doi-access=free|bibcode=2018Resou...7...58L }}</ref> In 2016 Barbados used 0.84 global hectares of biocapacity per person - their [[ecological footprint]] of consumption. This means they use approximately five times as much biocapacity as Barbados contains. As a result, Barbados is running a biocapacity deficit.<ref name=footprintdata/>

=== Wildlife ===

{{Main|Fauna of Barbados}}
Barbados is host to four species of nesting turtles ([[green turtles]], [[Loggerhead sea turtle|loggerheads]], [[hawksbill turtle]]s, and [[leatherbacks]]) and has the second-largest hawksbill turtle-breeding population in the Caribbean.<ref>[https://www.thestar.com/travel/caribbean/article/1144716--caribbean-travel-swim-with-the-turtles-in-barbados Caribbean Travel: Swim with the turtles in Barbados] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315191127/http://www.thestar.com/travel/caribbean/article/1144716--caribbean-travel-swim-with-the-turtles-in-barbados |date=15 March 2012 }}. Thestar.com (13 March 2012). Retrieved 20 April 2014.</ref> The driving of vehicles on beaches can crush nests buried in the sand and such activity is discouraged in nesting areas.<ref>[http://www.divebarbadosblue.com/snorkeling/turtles-shipwrecks/ Sea Turtles – Dive Operators Association of Barbados] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319084119/http://www.divebarbadosblue.com/snorkeling/turtles-shipwrecks/|date=19 March 2012}}, Barbados Blue Inc.</ref>

Barbados is also the host to the [[green monkey]].<ref>Burns-Cusato, M., Cusato, B., & Glueck, A. C. (2013). Barbados green monkeys (''Chlorocebus sabaeus'') recognize ancestral alarm calls after 350 years of isolation. ''Behavioural Processes'', ''100'', 197–199. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2013.09.012</nowiki></ref> The green monkey is found in West Africa from Senegal to the Volta River. It has been introduced to the Cape Verde islands off north-western Africa, and the West Indian islands of Saint Kitts, Nevis, Saint Martin, and Barbados. It was introduced to the West Indies in the late 17th century when slave trade ships travelled to the Caribbean from West Africa.  The green monkey is considered a very curious and mischievous/troublesome animal by locals.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Overing |first1=Matt |date=3 August 2023 |title=MEDDLESOME MONKEYS: CENTRE STUDENTS RESEARCH ONGOING DILEMMA IN BARBADOS |url=https://www.centre.edu/news/meddlesome-monkeys-centre-students-research-ongoing-dilemma-barbados |url-status=live |department= |publisher=[[Centre College]] |publication-date=3 August 2023 |no-pp= |access-date=9 March 2024 |url-access= |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310060238/https://www.centre.edu/news/meddlesome-monkeys-centre-students-research-ongoing-dilemma-barbados }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sealy |first1=Shane |author-link1= |last2=Wood |first2=Chris |date=14 October 2014 |title=CBC Barbados – Monkey on the Evening News |url=https://www.facebook.com/CBCNews.bb/videos/its-monkey-business-in-thorpes-cottage-st-georgeresidents-from-the-area-say-they/1487374074876631/ |url-status=live |department= |work=CBC TV-8 News |publisher=Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation |publication-date=8 October 2014 |access-date=9 March 2024 |url-access= |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310060238/https://www.facebook.com/CBCNews.bb/videos/its-monkey-business-in-thorpes-cottage-st-georgeresidents-from-the-area-say-they/1487374074876631/ }}</ref>

== Demographics ==

{{Main|Demographics of Barbados|Barbadians}}
[[File:Barbados bus stop.jpg|thumb|A bus stop in Barbados]]
The 2010 national census conducted by the Barbados Statistical Service reported a resident population of 277,821, of which 144,803 were female and 133,018 were male.<ref name=census>{{cite report |url=http://www.barstats.gov.bb/files/documents/PHC_2010_Census_Volume_1.pdf |title=2010 Population and Housing Census |volume=1 |page=i |publisher=Barbados Statistical Service |date=September 2013 |access-date=17 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118220332/http://www.barstats.gov.bb/files/documents/PHC_2010_Census_Volume_1.pdf |archive-date=18 January 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The life expectancy for Barbados residents {{As of|2020|lc=y}} is 80 years. The average life expectancy is 83 years for females and 79 years for males (2020).<ref name="cia"/> Barbados and Japan have the highest per capita occurrences of [[centenarian]]s in the world.<ref>Best, Tony (9 April 2005){{cite web |url=http://www.nationnews.com/story/284159291378094.php |title=Bajan secrets to living long |access-date=27 June 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211110656/http://www.nationnews.com/story/284159291378094.php |archive-date=11 December 2007}} . nationnews.com.</ref>

The crude birth rate is 12.23 births per 1,000 people, and the crude death rate is 8.39 deaths per 1,000 people. The infant mortality rate was 11.057 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021, according to UNICEF.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Data Warehouse |url=https://data.unicef.org/resources/data_explorer/unicef_f/ |access-date=13 November 2023 |website=UNICEF DATA |archive-date=13 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113171216/https://data.unicef.org/resources/data_explorer/unicef_f/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Barbados (BRB) – Demographics, Health & Infant Mortality |url=https://data.unicef.org/country/brb/ |access-date=13 November 2023 |website=UNICEF DATA |archive-date=13 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113172711/https://data.unicef.org/country/brb/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Ethnicity  ===
[[File:Bridgetown 049.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.9|People shopping in the capital Bridgetown]]
Close to 90% of all Barbadians (also known colloquially as "Bajan") are of [[Afro-Caribbean]] ancestry ("[[Afro-Barbadian|Afro-Bajans]]") and mixed ancestry. The remainder of the population includes groups of Europeans ("Anglo-Bajans" / "Euro-Bajans") mainly from the United Kingdom, Portugal, Ireland, Germany, and Italy.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} Other European groups consisted of the French, Austrians, Spaniards, and Russians. Asians, predominantly from Hong Kong and India (both Hindu and Muslim) make up less than 1% of the population.
Other groups in Barbados include people from the United States and Canada. Barbadians who return after years of residence in the United States and children born in the United States to Bajan parents are called "Bajan Yankees", a term considered derogatory by some.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Byfield, Judith Ann-Marie |author2=Denzer, LaRay |author3=Morrison, Anthea |title=Gendering the African diaspora: women, culture, and historical change in the Caribbean and Nigerian hinterland |url={{GBurl|C6_aWWN5aoUC |pg=PA39}} |year=2010 |publisher=Indiana University Press |isbn=978-0-253-22153-7 |pages=39–}}</ref> Generally, Bajans recognise and accept all "children of the island" as Bajans, and refer to each other as such.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

The biggest communities outside the Afro-Caribbean community are:

# The [[Indo-Guyanese]], an important part of the economy due to the increase of immigrants from partner country{{clarify|date=October 2021}} [[Guyana]]. There are reports of a growing [[Indians in Barbados|Indo-Bajans]] diaspora originating from Guyana and India starting around 1990. Predominantly from southern India, they are growing in size but are smaller than the equivalent communities in Trinidad and Guyana.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/webarchive/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fcaribbean%2Fnews%2Fstory%2F2006%2F09%2F060906_guyaneseinbdos.shtml |title=BBCCaribbean.com &#124; Are Guyanese welcome in Barbados? |first=Bertram |last=Niles| publisher= British Broadcasting Corporation (Caribbean Bureau)|date=7 September 2006|access-date=8 July 2016 |archive-date=11 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911063819/http://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2006/09/060906_guyaneseinbdos.shtml |url-status=live}}.</ref><ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> The Muslim Barbadians of Indian origin are largely of [[Gujarat]]i ancestry. Many small businesses in Barbados are run and operated by Muslim-Indian Bajans.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Amadou Mahtar M'Bow |author2=M. Ali Kettani |title=Islam and Muslims in the American Continent |url={{GBurl|_d_XAAAAMAAJ}} |year=2001 |publisher=Center of Historical, Economical and Social Studies}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Rhoda Reddock |title=Ethnic minorities in Caribbean society |url={{GBurl|RaIMAQAAMAAJ}} |year=1996 |publisher=I.S.E.R., The University of the West Indies |isbn=978-976-618-024-9}}</ref>
# Euro-Bajans (5% of the population)<ref name="cia">[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/barbados/ Barbados] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123091149/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/barbados/ |date=23 January 2021 }} CIA World Factbook</ref> have settled in Barbados since the 17th century, originating from England, Ireland, Portugal, and Scotland. In 1643, there were 37,200 whites in Barbados (86% of the population).<ref>Watson, Karl (17 February 2011) [https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/barbados_01.shtml "Slavery and Economy in Barbados"], BBC | History. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/barbados_01.shtml], BBC.</ref> More commonly they are known as "[[White Barbadian|White Bajans]]". Euro-Bajans introduced folk music, such as [[Irish music]] and Highland music, and certain place names, such as "Scotland District", a hilly region in the parish of St. Andrew. Among White Barbadians there exists an underclass known as [[Redlegs]] comprising followers of the [[James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth|Duke of Monmouth]] after his defeat at the [[Battle of Sedgemoor]], as well as the descendants of [[Irish people|Irish]] indentured labourers and prisoners imported to the island.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Rodgers, Nini |title=The Irish in the Caribbean 1641–1837: An Overview |journal=Irish Migration Studies in Latin America |volume=5 |issue=3 |date=November 2007 |pages=145–156 |url=http://www.irlandeses.org/0711rodgers2.htm |access-date=15 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119044057/http://www.irlandeses.org/0711rodgers2.htm |archive-date=19 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Many additionally moved on to become the earliest settlers of modern-day [[Province of Carolina|North]] and [[Colonial period of South Carolina|South Carolina]] in the United States. Today the Redlegs number only around 400.<ref>{{cite news |date=19 December 2009 |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2009/0117/1232059655355.html |title=Remnants of an indentured people |newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] |quote="Today, behind the facade of a lush green, rural setting, the descendants of those transported still remain – a poor, white population of around 400 known as the Red Legs." |access-date=23 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022184928/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2009/0117/1232059655355.html |archive-date=22 October 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
# Chinese-Barbadians are a small portion of Barbados's wider Asian population.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> Chinese food and culture is becoming part of everyday Bajan culture.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}
# Lebanese and Syrians form the island's [[Arab]] Barbadian community.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/>
# [[Jews]] arrived in Barbados just after the first settlers in 1627. Bridgetown is the home of [[Nidhe Israel Synagogue]], one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in the Americas, dating from 1654, though the current structure was erected in 1833, replacing one ruined by the hurricane of 1831.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewish-history.com/occident/volume2/sep1844/barbadoes.html |title=Jews in Barbadoes |website=jewish-history.com |access-date=26 July 2017 |archive-date=25 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025185350/http://www.jewish-history.com/occident/volume2/sep1844/barbadoes.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Tombstones in the neighbouring cemetery date from the 1630s. Now under the care of the Barbados National Trust,<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://barbadosnationaltrust.com/about/ |access-date=28 June 2024 |website=Barbados National Trust |language=en-US}}</ref> the site was deserted in 1929 but was saved and restored by the Jewish community beginning in 1986.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}
# In the 17th century, [[Romani people]] were sent from the United Kingdom to work as slaves in the plantations in Barbados.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.travellerstimes.org.uk/features/feature-roma-and-gypsy-slavery |title=Feature – Roma and Gypsy Slavery |website=Travellers Times|date=24 February 2017 |access-date=1 September 2020 |archive-date=27 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027211246/https://www.travellerstimes.org.uk/features/feature-roma-and-gypsy-slavery |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Languages ===

English is the [[official language]] of Barbados, and is used for communications, administration, and public services all over the island. In its capacity as the official language of the country, the standard of English tends to conform to vocabulary, pronunciations, spellings, and conventions akin to, but not exactly the same as, those of [[British English]]. For most Barbadians, however, [[Bajan Creole]] is the language of everyday life, despite remaining primarily oral and lacking a standardised written form.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Fenigsen |first=Janina |title=Language Ideologies in Barbados: Processes and Paradigms |journal=Pragmatics |volume=17 |issue=2 |pages=167–188 |year=2007 |doi=10.1075/prag.17.2.02fen|doi-access=free }}</ref>

=== Religion ===

{{Main|Religion in Barbados}}
[[File:Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison-115165.jpg|thumb|[[Cathedral Church of Saint Michael and All Angels]], Bridgetown]]

Christianity<ref>''The Pious and the Profane: The Religious Life of Early Barbados Planters: The Historian: Vol 62, No 2''. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2025, from <nowiki>https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1540-6563.2000.tb01440.x</nowiki></ref> is the largest religion in Barbados, with the largest denomination being [[Anglican Communion|Anglican]] (23.9% of the population in 2019).<ref name="2019religion">{{cite web |publisher=[[US Department of State]] |title=Barbados 2019 International Religious Freedom Report |url=https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BARBADOS-2019-INTERNATIONAL-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-REPORT.pdf |access-date=30 September 2021 |archive-date=30 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930135328/https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BARBADOS-2019-INTERNATIONAL-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-REPORT.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Other Christian denominations with significant followings in Barbados are the [[Catholic Church]] (administered by [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown]]), [[Pentecostals]] (19.5%), [[Jehovah's Witness]]es, the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]] and [[Spiritual Baptist]]s.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> The [[Church of England]] was the official state religion until its legal disestablishment by the Parliament of Barbados following independence.<ref name="2019religion"/><ref>{{cite book |url=http://104.238.85.55/en/ShowPdf/375.pdf |chapter=375: Anglican Church Act |title=Laws of Barbados |year=2008 |publisher=Government of Barbados |access-date=6 June 2021 |archive-date=14 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714013752/http://104.238.85.55/en/ShowPdf/375.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2019, 21% of Barbadians report having [[irreligion|no religion]], making the non-religious the second largest group after Anglicans.<ref name=FOTR/> Smaller religions in Barbados include [[Islam in Barbados|Islam]], [[Hinduism]], the [[Baháʼí Faith]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bahai.org/dir/bahaullah |title=Baha'u'llah |publisher=Bci.org |access-date=4 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828163913/http://www.bahai.org/dir/bahaullah |archive-date=28 August 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Rastafarism]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Barbados – 2022 World Factbook (Archive) |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2022/countries/barbados/summaries |access-date=10 August 2025 |year=2022 |at=Religions |quote="Protestant 66.4% (includes Anglican 23.9%, other Pentecostal 19.5%, Adventist 5.9%, Methodist 4.2%, Wesleyan 3.4%, Nazarene 3.2%, Church of God 2.4%, Baptist 1.8%, Moravian 1.2%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 3.8%, other Christian 5.4% (includes Jehovah’s Witness 2.0%, other 3.4%), Rastafarian 1%, other 1.5%, none 20.6%, unspecified 1.2% (2010 est.)"}}</ref> and [[History of the Jews in Barbados|Judaism]].<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/>

The state is considered [[secular state|secular]], guaranteeing [[freedom of religion|freedom of religion or belief]] to all and featuring only symbolic allusions to a higher power in the preamble to the constitution.<ref name=FOTR>{{cite web |url=https://fot.humanists.international/countries/americas-caribbean/barbados/ |title=Freedom of Thought Report: Barbados |work=[[Freedom of Thought Report]] |publisher=[[Humanists International]] |date=16 October 2020 |access-date=30 September 2021 |archive-date=30 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930133950/https://fot.humanists.international/countries/americas-caribbean/barbados/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nearly half (45.5%) of all Barbadians reported [[irreligion|no religious affiliation]] whatsoever in the 2021 Census.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2024/05/28/bss-clears-air-on-2021-census-data/|work=Barbados Today|date=28 May 2024|accessdate=30 April 2025|title=BSS clears air on 2021 census data}}</ref>

== Government and politics ==

{{Main|Government of Barbados|Politics of Barbados}}
[[File:Bridgetown barbados parliament building.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Parliament Buildings (Barbados)|Barbados parliament building]] in Bridgetown]]
Barbados has been an independent country since 30 November 1966.<ref>{{cite book |title=Fransman's British Nationality Law |first=Laurie |last=Fransman |page=848 |publisher=A&C Black |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-84592-095-1}}</ref> It functions as a [[parliamentary republic]] modelled on the British [[Westminster system]]. The [[head of state]] is the [[President of Barbados]] – presently [[Jeffrey Bostic]] – elected by the [[Parliament of Barbados]] for a term of four years, and advised on matters of the Barbadian state by the [[Prime Minister of Barbados]], who is [[head of government]]. There are 30 representatives within the [[Barbados House of Assembly|House of Assembly]], the lower chamber of Parliament. In the [[Senate of Barbados|Senate]], the upper chamber of Parliament, there are 21 senators.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parliament |url=https://www.gov.bb/Government/parliament |access-date=20 January 2024 |website=Official Website of the Barbaros Government |archive-date=3 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403054759/https://www.gov.bb/Government/parliament |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Constitution of Barbados]] is the supreme law of the country.<ref>[http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Barbados/barbados66.html The official Constitution of Barbados] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215130425/http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Barbados/barbados66.html |date=15 December 2012 }} (1966) version.</ref> Legislation is passed by the Parliament of Barbados but does not have the force of law unless the President grants her assent to that law. The right to withhold assent is absolute and cannot be overridden by Parliament.<ref>Pursuant to section 58 of the [http://www.oas.org/dil/the_constitution_of_barbados.pdf Constitution of Barbados] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202231431/https://www.oas.org/dil/The_Constitution_of_Barbados.pdf |date=2 December 2021 }}<br>As amended by section 26 of the [https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/bill_resolution/56f53e308108b4b315d1b367c2914f7a.pdf Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2021] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019153950/https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/bill_resolution/56f53e308108b4b315d1b367c2914f7a.pdf |date=19 October 2021 }}</ref> The Attorney General is the principal legal adviser to the government (according to s.72(1) of the Constitution.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://electoral.barbados.gov.bb/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Constitution-of-Barbados.pdf |title=The Constitution of Barbados |publisher=Government of Barbados |access-date=24 July 2025}}</ref> The [[Judiciary of Barbados|independent judiciary]], known as the Judicature, is  established by s79C of the Constitution.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Constitution of Barbados |url=https://electoral.barbados.gov.bb/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Constitution-of-Barbados.pdf |publisher=Government of Barbados |access-date=24 July 2025}}</ref>

During the 1990s, at the suggestion of [[Trinidad and Tobago]]'s [[Patrick Manning]], Barbados attempted a [[political union]] with Trinidad and Tobago and [[Guyana]]. The project stalled after the then prime minister of Barbados, [[Lloyd Erskine Sandiford]], became ill and his [[Democratic Labour Party (Barbados)|Democratic Labour Party]] lost the next general election.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jamaicaobserver.com/columns/html/20030720T080000-0500_46578_OBS_CHASING_AFTER_AN_ELUSIVE_UNION.asp |title=Chasing after an elusive union |access-date=14 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624141705/http://jamaicaobserver.com/columns/html/20030720T080000-0500_46578_OBS_CHASING_AFTER_AN_ELUSIVE_UNION.asp |archive-date=24 June 2009 |work=Jamaica Observer |date=20 July 2003}}</ref><ref>[https://groups.yahoo.com/group/derumshoplime/message/18746 "Former PM: Caribbean doing/un-doing everything again and again"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219042747/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/derumshoplime/message/18746 |date=19 February 2012 }}. NationNews.com. 14 July 2003</ref> Barbados continues to share close ties with Trinidad and Tobago and with Guyana, claiming the highest number of Guyanese immigrants after the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Barbados is a party to the [[Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://asp.icc-cpi.int/en_menus/asp/states%20parties/latin%20american%20and%20caribbean%20states/Pages/latin%20american%20and%20caribbean%20states.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809030312/https://asp.icc-cpi.int/en_menus/asp/states%20parties/latin%20american%20and%20caribbean%20states/Pages/latin%20american%20and%20caribbean%20states.aspx |url-status=live |title=Latin American and Caribbean State Parties to the Rome Statute|publisher= International Criminal Court|access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=9 August 2021}}</ref>

According to [[International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance|International IDEA]]’s Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices and Democracy Tracker, Barbados performs in the mid to high range on overall democratic measures, with particular strengths in gender equality, inclusive suffrage, and freedom of expression.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Barbados {{!}} The Global State of Democracy |url=https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/country/barbados |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=www.idea.int |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Global State of Democracy Indices {{!}} The Global State of Democracy |url=https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/gsod-indices |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=www.idea.int}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} The Global State of Democracy |url=https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/ |access-date=2025-10-06 |website=www.idea.int}}</ref>

=== Political culture ===

{{Main|Elections in Barbados}}
Barbados functions as a [[two-party system]]. The dominant political parties are the [[Democratic Labour Party (Barbados)|Democratic Labour Party]] and the incumbent [[Barbados Labour Party]]. Since independence on 30 November 1966, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has governed from 1966 to 1976; 1986 to 1994; and from 2008 to 2018; and the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has governed from 1976 to 1986; 1994 to 2008; and from 2018 to present.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 May 2024 |title=Barbados country profile |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-18723928 |access-date=5 March 2025 |website=BBC}}</ref>

=== Foreign relations ===

{{Main|Foreign relations of Barbados}}
Barbados follows a policy of [[Non-Aligned Movement|nonalignment]] and seeks cooperative relations with all friendly states. Barbados is a full and participating member of the [[Caribbean Community]] (CARICOM), [[CARICOM Single Market and Economy]] (CSME), the [[Association of Caribbean States]] (ACS),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060228195122/http://www.barbadosbusiness.gov.bb/miib/Barbados/regional_links.cfm BarbadosBusiness.gov.bb], The Barbados government's Regional and International affiliations</ref> the [[Organization of American States]] (OAS), the [[Commonwealth of Nations]], and the [[Caribbean Court of Justice]] (CCJ). In 2005, Barbados replaced the [[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council]] with the [[Caribbean Court of Justice]] as its final court of appeal.<ref>{{cite web |title=Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2003 |url=https://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Barbados/amendment03.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Barbados/amendment03.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Barbados has been a member of [[The Forum of Small States (FOSS)]] since the group's founding in 1992.<ref name="singaporebook">{{Cite book|title=50 Years of Singapore and the United Nations |publisher=World Scientific |isbn=978-981-4713-03-0 |year=2015 }}access-date=28 March 2024</ref>

==== World Trade Organization, European Commission, CARIFORUM ====

Barbados is an original member (1995) of the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO) and participates actively in its work. It grants at least MFN treatment to all its trading partners. [[European Union]] relations and cooperation with Barbados are carried out both on a bilateral and a regional basis. Barbados is party to the [[Cotonou Agreement]], through which, {{as of|2007|December}}, it is linked by an [[Economic Partnership Agreement]] with the [[European Commission]]. The pact involves the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) subgroup of the [[African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States]] (ACP). CARIFORUM is the only part of the wider ACP-bloc that has concluded the full regional trade-pact with the [[European Union]]. There are also ongoing EU-[[Community of Latin American and Caribbean States]] (CELAC) and EU-[[CARIFORUM]] dialogues.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eeas.europa.eu/barbados/ |title=European Union – EEAS (European External Action Service) &#124; EU Relations with Barbados |publisher=Europa (web portal) |date=19 June 2014 |access-date=10 November 2018 |archive-date=30 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130080648/https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/barbados_en |url-status=live }}</ref>

Trade policy has also sought to protect a small number of domestic activities, mostly food production, from foreign competition, while recognising that most domestic needs are best met by imports.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TRADE POLICY REVIEW BARBADOS |url=https://www.foreign.gov.bb/?jet_download=1121 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603180500/https://www.foreign.gov.bb/?jet_download=1121 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |page=7 |quote=Trade policy has also sought to protect a small number of domestic activities, mostly food production, from foreign competition, while recognizing that most domestic needs are best met by imports.}}</ref>

=== Military and law enforcement ===

The [[Barbados Defence Force]] has roughly 800 members. Within it, service members aged 14 to 18 years make up the Barbados Cadet Corps. The defence preparations of the island nation are closely tied to defence treaties with the United Kingdom, the United States, the People's Republic of China,<ref>{{cite news |title=Barbados turns to China for military assistance |url=http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/10902.html |publisher=Caribbean360.com |date=7 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917012432/http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/10902.html |archive-date=17 September 2013}}</ref> and [[Regional Security System|other eastern Caribbean countries]].

The [[Barbados Police Service]] is the sole law enforcement agency on the island of Barbados.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GOV.BB |url=https://www.gov.bb/Departments/police-department |access-date=9 December 2023 |website=gov.bb |archive-date=9 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609035738/https://www.gov.bb/Departments/police-department |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Administrative divisions ===

{{Main|Parishes of Barbados}}
Barbados is [[Administrative division|divided]] into 11 parishes:
{|
|
# [[Christ Church, Barbados|Christ Church]]
# [[Saint Andrew, Barbados|Saint Andrew]]
# [[Saint George, Barbados|Saint George]]
# [[Saint James, Barbados|Saint James]]
# [[Saint John, Barbados|Saint John]]
# [[Saint Joseph, Barbados|Saint Joseph]]
# [[Saint Lucy, Barbados|Saint Lucy]]
# [[Saint Michael, Barbados|Saint Michael]]
# [[Saint Peter, Barbados|Saint Peter]]
# [[Saint Philip, Barbados|Saint Philip]]
# [[Saint Thomas, Barbados|Saint Thomas]]
| style="width:400px;"|
{{Map of Barbados}}
|}

== Economy ==

{{Main|Economy of Barbados}}
[[File:2022 Barbados 1 oz Silver Caribbean Seahorse reverse.jpg|thumb|1 oz Silver Caribbean Seahorse – Sovereign coin backed by the Barbados government]]
Barbados is the 52nd [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|richest country in the world]] in terms of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita,<ref name=imf2>[http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2016/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=47&pr.y=13&sy=2015&ey=2020&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=316&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a= Barbados] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510073904/http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2016/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=47&pr.y=13&sy=2015&ey=2020&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=316&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a= |date=10 May 2017 }}, International Monetary Fund.</ref> with a well-developed [[mixed economy]] and a moderately high [[standard of living]]. According to the World Bank, Barbados is one of 83 [[high income economy|high income economies]] in the world.<ref>[http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups#High_income World Bank – Country Groups] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318125456/http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups#High_income |date=18 March 2011 }}. Retrieved 6 June 2021.</ref> Despite this, a 2012 self-study in conjunction with the [[Caribbean Development Bank]] revealed that 20% of Barbadians live in poverty and nearly 10% cannot meet their basic daily food needs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.bb/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4204:20-percent-in-poverty&catid=36:local-news&Itemid=59 |title=20 percent in poverty |date=20 April 2012 |work=Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=22 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423020856/http://cbc.bb/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4204%3A20-percent-in-poverty&catid=36%3Alocal-news&Itemid=59 |archive-date=23 April 2012}}</ref> Barbados was ranked 77th in the [[Global Innovation Index]] in 2024,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.wipo.int/web-publications/global-innovation-index-2024/en/|title=Global Innovation Index 2024. Unlocking the Promise of Social Entrepreneurship|access-date=22 October 2024|author=[[World Intellectual Property Organization]]|year=2024|isbn=978-92-805-3681-2|doi= 10.34667/tind.50062|location=Geneva|page=18}}</ref> but its ranking dropped to the 84th rank in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Barbados ranking in the Global Innovation Index 2025|url=https://www.wipo.int/gii-ranking/en/barbados|access-date=2025-10-21 |website=www.wipo.int|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=GII Innovation Ecosystems & Data Explorer 2025 |url=https://www.wipo.int/gii-ranking/en/barbados |access-date=2025-10-16 |website=WIPO}}</ref>

Historically, the economy of Barbados was dependent on [[sugarcane]] cultivation and related activities, but since the late 1970s and early 1980s it has diversified into the manufacturing and tourism sectors.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> Offshore finance and information services have become important foreign exchange earners.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Barbados |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-investment-climate-statements/barbados/ |access-date=15 October 2023 |website=United States Department of State |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019101114/https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-investment-climate-statements/barbados/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Partly due to the staging of the 2007 Cricket World Cup, the island saw a construction boom, with the development and redevelopment of hotels, office complexes, and homes.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.nationnews.com/story/285076846570648.php |title=Builders paradise |access-date=29 July 2009 |first=Roy |last=Morris |date=2 January 2006 |work=The Nation Newspaper |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060104024455/http://www.nationnews.com/story/285076846570648.php |archive-date=4 January 2006 |quote=Industry sources are warning, however, that while the boom will bring many jobs and much income, ordinary Barbadians hoping to undertake home construction or improvement will be hard pressed to find materials or labour, given the large number of massive commercial projects with which they will have to compete.&nbsp;... Construction magnate Sir Charles 'COW' Williams, agreeing that this year will be "without doubt" the biggest ever for the island as far as construction was concerned, revealed that his organisation was in the final stages of the construction of a new {{US$|6 million}} plant at Lears, St Michael to double its capacity to produce concrete blocks, as well as a new {{US$|2 million}} plant to supply ready-mixed concrete from its fleet of trucks. "The important thing to keep in mind is that the country will benefit tremendously from a massive injection of foreign exchange from people who want to own homes here," Sir Charles said. }}</ref> This slowed during the 2008 to 2012 world economic crisis and the recession.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18723928 |title=Barbados profile – Overview |access-date=6 April 2014 |date=22 December 2013 |publisher=BBC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405174713/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18723928 |archive-date=5 April 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The economy was strong between 1999 and 2000 but entered a recession in 2001 and 2002 due to decreases in tourism and [[consumer spending]] and the impact of the [[11 September 2001 attacks]] in the United States and the [[7 July 2005 London bombings]] in the United Kingdom. The economy rebounded in 2003 and grew from 2004 to 2008. The economy went into recession again from 2008 to 2013 before growing from 2014 to 2017. Then it declined to another recession from 2017 to 2019 during the world economic crisis. There were 23 downgrades by both Standard & Poor's and Moody's in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The economy showed signs of recovery with 3 upgrades from Standard and Poor's and Moody's in 2019. From 1 January to 31 March 2020 the economy had started to grow, but then it experienced another decline due to the [[COVID-19 recession|COVID-19 economic recession]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

Traditional trading partners include Canada, the [[Caribbean Community]] (especially [[Trinidad and Tobago]]), the United Kingdom, and the United States. Recent government administrations have continued efforts to reduce unemployment, encourage [[foreign direct investment]], and privatise remaining state-owned enterprises. Unemployment dropped to 10.7% in 2003.<ref name="cia"/> However, it has since increased to 11.9% in second quarter, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barstats.gov.bb/ |work=Barbados Statistical Service |title=Latest Socio-Economic Indicators |access-date=8 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105151638/http://www.barstats.gov.bb/ |archive-date=5 November 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The European Union is assisting Barbados with a {{€|10 million}} program of modernisation of the country's International Business and Financial Services Sector.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.gisbarbados.gov.bb/index.php?categoryid=13&p2_articleid=2151 |title=Barbados signs agreement with EU |access-date=29 July 2009 |first=Cathy |last=Lashley |date=24 July 2009 |work=gisbarbados.gov.bb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724051506/http://www.gisbarbados.gov.bb/index.php?categoryid=13&p2_articleid=2151 |archive-date=24 July 2013}}</ref>

Barbados maintains the third largest [[Barbados Stock Exchange|stock exchange]] in the Caribbean region. {{As of|2009}}, officials at the stock exchange were investigating the possibility of augmenting the local exchange with an International Securities Market (ISM) venture.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=business&NewsID=5140 |title=Treaty network an advantage in securities trading |access-date=28 July 2009 |date=28 July 2009 |work=[[Barbados Advocate]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060211110821/http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/NewViewNewsleft.cfm?Record=24352 |archive-date=11 February 2006}}</ref>

=== Sovereign default and restructuring ===

By May 2018, Barbados's outstanding debt had climbed to {{US$|7.5 billion}}, more than 1.7 times the country's [[GDP]]. In June 2018 the government defaulted on its sovereign debt when it failed to make a coupon on [[Eurobond (international)|Eurobond]]s maturing in 2035. Outstanding bond debt of Barbados reached {{US$|4.4 billion}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cbonds.com/news/item/1014317 |title=Barbados announced a technical default on coupon of Eurobonds with maturity in 2035 |website=cbonds.com |access-date=10 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612092443/http://cbonds.com/news/item/1014317 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In October 2019, Barbados concluded restructuring negotiations with a creditor group including investments funds [[Eaton Vance|Eaton Vance Management]], [[Greylock Capital Management]], Teachers Advisors, and Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry. Creditors will exchange existing bonds for a new debt series maturing in 2029. The new bonds involve a principal "haircut" of approximately 26% and include a clause allowing for deferment of principal and capitalisation of interest in the event of a natural disaster.<ref>{{cite web |title=Barbados reaches debt restructuring deal with creditors |url=https://www.latinfinance.com/daily-briefs/2019/10/21/barbados-reaches-debt-restructuring-deal-with-creditors |website=latinfinance.com |date=21 October 2019 |access-date=17 December 2019 |archive-date=17 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217214629/https://www.latinfinance.com/daily-briefs/2019/10/21/barbados-reaches-debt-restructuring-deal-with-creditors |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Barbados completes debt restructuring and Lebanon facing growing risks |url=https://ihsmarkit.com/research-analysis/capital-markets-weekly-barbados-completes-debt-restructuring.html |website=ihsmarkit.com |date=25 October 2019 |access-date=17 December 2019 |archive-date=17 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217214627/https://ihsmarkit.com/research-analysis/capital-markets-weekly-barbados-completes-debt-restructuring.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Health ==

The main hospital on the island is the [[Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Bridgetown|Queen Elizabeth Hospital]]; however, Barbados has eight polyclinics across five parishes. There are also well-known medical care centres in Barbados such as Bayview Hospital, Sandy Crest Medical Centre and FMH Emergency Medical Clinic, and Urgent Care.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.urgentcarebarbados.com/urgent-care-barbados/ |title=Welcome to Urgent Care Barbados |publisher=Urgent Care Barbados |access-date=4 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Barbados Healthcare & Medical Tourism Market Report, 2030 |url=https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/barbados-healthcare-medical-tourism-market-report |access-date=26 January 2025 |website=www.grandviewresearch.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Education ==

{{Main|Education in Barbados}}
[[File:Christ Church, Barbados 014.jpg|thumb|upright|Schoolchildren in [[Saint Philip, Barbados]]]]
The Barbados [[List of countries by literacy rate|literacy rate]] is ranked close to 100%.<ref name="unesco">{{cite web |url=http://stats.uis.unesco.org/unesco/tableviewer/document.aspx?ReportId=143 |title=Unesco Institute for Statistics: Date Centre |date=14 September 2007| access-date=28 February 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110130085835/http://stats.uis.unesco.org/unesco/tableviewer/document.aspx?ReportId=143| archive-date= 30 January 2011 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> The mainstream public education system of Barbados is fashioned after the British model. The government of Barbados spends 6.7% of its GDP on education (2008).<ref name="cia"/>

All young people in the country must attend school until age 16. Barbados has over 70 primary schools and over 20 secondary schools throughout the island. There are a number of private schools, including those offering [[Montessori education|Montessori]] and [[International Baccalaureate]] education. Student enrolment at these schools represents less than 5% of the total enrolment of the public schools.<ref name="mes.gov.bb">{{Cite web |title=Barbados Education System / Welcome Stamp / Ministry of Educational Transformaion |url=https://mes.gov.bb/Welcome-Stamp/Barbados-Education-System.aspx |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=mes.gov.bb}}</ref>

Certificate-, diploma- and degree-level education in the country is provided by the [[Barbados Community College]], the [[Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology]], [[Codrington College]], and the [[University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus|Cave Hill campus]] and Open Campus of the [[University of the West Indies]]. Barbados is also home to several overseas medical schools, such as [[Ross University School of Medicine]] and the [[American University of Integrative Sciences|American University of Integrative Sciences, School of Medicine]].<ref name="mes.gov.bb"/>

== Culture ==

{{Main|Culture of Barbados}}
Barbados is a blend of West African, [[Portuguese culture|Portuguese]], Creole, [[Indian culture|Indian]] and [[British culture]]s. Citizens are officially called Barbadians, but are colloquially known as "Bajans" (pronounced ˈbājənz). This term evolved from "Badian" (a shortening of "Barbadian") during the 19th century.<ref name="u035">{{cite web | last1=Dickson | first1=W. | last2=Marshall | first2=P. | last3=Marryat | first3=F. | last4=Hamilton | first4=B. | last5=Strachan | first5=H. | title=Bajan, adj. & n. meanings, etymology and more | website=Oxford English Dictionary | date=1 July 2023 | url=https://www.oed.com/dictionary/bajan_adj?tl=true&tab=etymology | access-date=21 June 2024}}</ref><ref name="n238">{{cite web | title=Definition of BAJAN | website=Merriam-Webster | date=23 October 2023 | url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bajan | access-date=21 June 2024}}</ref>

The largest [[carnival]]-like cultural event that takes place on the island is the [[Crop Over]] festival, which was established first in 1687 and reintroduced in 1974. As in many other Caribbean and Latin American countries, Crop Over is an important event for many people on the island, as well as the thousands of tourists that flock to there to participate in the annual events.<ref name="Encylopedia Britannica- Barbados"/> The festival includes musical competitions and other traditional activities, and features the majority of the island's homegrown [[calypso music|calypso]] and [[soca music]] for the year. The male and female Barbadians who harvested the most sugarcane are crowned as the King and Queen of the crop.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.2camels.com/crop-over-festival.php |title=Crop Over Festival |publisher=2camels.com |access-date=30 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305104727/http://www.2camels.com/crop-over-festival.php |archive-date=5 March 2010}}</ref> Crop Over gets under way at the beginning of July and ends with the costumed parade on Kadooment Day, held on the first Monday of August. New calypso/soca music is usually released and played more frequently from the beginning of May to coincide with the start of the festival.<ref name="mes.gov.bb"/>

=== Art ===
Barbadian art has evolved over the centuries, influenced by the island's complex history, which includes Indigenous cultures, colonial periods, and the subsequent emergence of a vibrant post-colonial identity. The interplay of African, European, and Caribbean influences has given rise to a unique artistic heritage that continues to inspire contemporary artists.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Mr Adrian |date=2021-03-06 |title=Caribbean Art: Unveiling a Journey of Cultural Identity |url=https://adrianreynolds.ie/cultural-identity-caribbean-art/ |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=Adrian Reynolds |language=en}}</ref>

The latter part of the 20th century and into the 21st century witnessed a cultural renaissance in Barbadian art now documented by Raskal Magazine. Artists began to explore diverse mediums and techniques, blending traditional practices with contemporary expressions. This period of experimentation contributed to the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Barbadian art, reflecting the island's openness to cultural exchange and adaptation.

Barbadian artists, mindful of their place within the global art community, began to engage with international artistic trends. This global perspective led to a cross-pollination of ideas, as artists drew inspiration from diverse sources while simultaneously contributing to the broader discourse on Caribbean and diasporic art.

===Media===
{{main|Mass media in Barbados}}
* [[Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation|Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)]]

=== Cuisine ===

{{Main|Barbadian cuisine}}
[[File:Mount Gay Rum Visitors Centre, Spring Garden HWY, Barbados-002.jpg|thumb|[[Mount Gay Rum]] visitors centre]]
Bajan cuisine is a mixture of [[Cuisine of Africa|African]], [[Indian cuisine|Indian]], [[Ireland|Irish]], [[Creole peoples|Creole]] and [[British cuisine|British]] influences. A typical meal consists of a main dish of meat or fish, normally marinated with a mixture of herbs and spices, hot side dishes, and one or more salads. A common Bajan side dish could be pickled cucumber, fish cakes, bake, etc. The meal is usually served with one or more sauces.<ref name=Totally>[http://www.totallybarbados.com/barbados/About_Barbados/Local_Information/Barbados_Food/ Barbados Food] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329232049/http://www.totallybarbados.com/barbados/About_Barbados/Local_Information/Barbados_Food/ |date=29 March 2015 }}. ''Totally Barbados''. Retrieved 25 January 2011.</ref> The [[national dish]] of Barbados is [[cou-cou]] and [[flying fish]] with spicy gravy.<ref>[http://www.epicureantourist.com/E.T.%20Blog/B86F2DEA-8D9A-4B1D-B27B-11156E58400D.html Barbados National Dish: Coucou & Flying Fish] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616113813/http://www.epicureantourist.com/E.T.%20Blog/B86F2DEA-8D9A-4B1D-B27B-11156E58400D.html |date=16 June 2011 }}. Epicurian Tourist. 25 December 2007. Retrieved 21 January 2011.</ref> Another traditional meal is pudding and souse, a dish of pickled [[pork]] with spiced sweet potatoes.<ref>[http://www.barbados.org/barbados-recipes-pudding-souse.htm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530041329/http://www.barbados.org/barbados-recipes-pudding-souse.htm|date=30 May 2017}}.www.barbados.org. Retrieved 28 May 2015.</ref> A wide variety of seafood and meats are also available.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Barbados Food and Cooking |url=https://www.tastetheglobe.com/country/barbados |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=www.tastetheglobe.com}}</ref>

The [[Mount Gay Rum]] visitor's centre in Barbados claims to be the world's oldest remaining rum company, with the earliest confirmed deed from 1703. [[Cockspur Rum]] and [[Malibu (rum)|Malibu]] are also from the island. Barbados is home to the [[Banks Barbados Brewery]], which brews Banks Beer, a [[pale lager]], as well as Banks [[Amber Ale]].<ref>[http://www.banksbeer.com/thebeer.html "Banks Beer: The Beer"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707211137/http://www.banksbeer.com/thebeer.html |date=7 July 2011 }}. BanksBeer.com. Retrieved 9 March 2011.</ref> Banks also brews Tiger Malt, a non-alcoholic [[malta|malted beverage]]. 10 Saints beer is brewed in [[Speightstown]], St. Peter in Barbados and aged for 90 days in Mount Gay 'Special Reserve' Rum casks. It was first brewed in 2009 and is available in certain Caricom nations.<ref>[http://www.10saints.com/ "10 Saints beer"]. {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516093824/http://10saints.com/ |date=16 May 2017 }}. Banks Beer. Retrieved 9 March 2011.</ref>

=== Music ===

{{Further|Music of Barbados}}
[[File:Rihanna-brisbane.jpg|thumb|upright|International [[Celebrity|pop star]] [[Rihanna]], a native of Barbados, is a [[Grammy Awards|nine-time Grammy Award winner]] and one of the [[List of best-selling music artists|best-selling music artists]] of all time, selling over 200&nbsp;million records worldwide.]]

{{Excerpt|Music of Barbados|hat=no|file=none|template=none|references=yes}}

In 2021, [[Rihanna]] was appointed as a National Hero of the country by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, during its presidential inauguration, which served to mark the country becoming a republic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/11/30/entertainment/rihanna-national-hero-barbados/index.html |title=Rihanna honored as 'national hero' of Barbados |work=CNN |last=Respers France |first=Lisa |date=30 November 2021 |access-date=4 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://pmo.gov.bb/2018/10/24/about-the-prime-minister/ |title=The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, SC, MP |date=24 October 2018 |publisher=Official Website of the Prime Minister of Barbados |access-date=4 April 2025}}</ref>

== Sports ==
{{Main|Sport in Barbados}}
[[File:Horesandjockey.jpg|thumb|right|A horse and rider at Garrison Savannah]]

As in other Caribbean countries of British colonial heritage, [[cricket]] is very popular on the island. The [[West Indies cricket team]] usually includes several Barbadian players. In addition to several warm-up, group stage and few "Super Eight" matches, the country hosted the final of the [[2007 Cricket World Cup]] and [[2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 March 2024 |title=Malcolm Marshall {{!}} West Indian Fast Bowler, Cricket Legend {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Malcolm-Marshall |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=britannica.com |archive-date=29 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829001710/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Malcolm-Marshall |url-status=live }}</ref>

In [[Track and Field]], sprinter [[Obadele Thompson]] won a bronze medal in the [[100m]] at the [[2000 Summer Olympic Games]]. As of August 2022, he was the first [[Barbados at the Olympics|Olympics medalist in the Barbados]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Salmon |first=Santana |date=30 November 2022 |title=Obadele Thompson, Barbados' first and only Olympics medalist |url=https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/barbados-independence/obadele-thompson-barbados-first-and-only-olympics-medalist/ |access-date=27 June 2024 |website=CNW Network |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Rugby union|Rugby]] is also popular in Barbados.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BARBADOS RUGBY CLUB {{!}} Sporting Barbados |url=https://www.sportingbarbados.com/sporting-contacts/barbados-rugby-club |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=sportingbarbados.com |date=5 September 2011 |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329030838/https://www.sportingbarbados.com/sporting-contacts/barbados-rugby-club |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Basketball]] is an increasingly popular sport, played at school or college. The [[Barbados men's national basketball team|Barbados men's national team]] has additionally shown some international success, including a fifth-place finish in the [[Basketball at the 2006 Commonwealth Games|2006 Commonwealth Games]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Mike |date=23 March 2006 |title=FIBA – Barbados power past Scotland |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/news/FIBA-Barbados-power-past-Scotland |access-date=11 April 2024 |website=[[FIBA]]}}</ref>

[[Polo]] is very popular among the rich elite on the island and the "High-Goal" Apes Hill team is based at the St James's Club.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ape hills polo |url=http://www.apeshillclub.com/Polo/ |website=Ape hills Club |access-date=2 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112201200/http://www.apeshillclub.com/Polo/ |archive-date=12 January 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Kensington_Oval_yes.jpg|left|thumb|[[Kensington Oval]] in [[Bridgetown]] hosted the [[2007 Cricket World Cup Final|2007 Cricket World Cup final]]. Cricket is one of the most followed games in Barbados and Kensington Oval is often referred to as the "Mecca in Cricket" due to its significance and contributions to the sport.]] 
In golf, the [[Barbados Open]], played at Royal Westmoreland Golf Club, was an annual stop on the [[European Seniors Tour]] from 2000 to 2009. In December 2006 the [[WGC-World Cup]] took place at the country's [[Sandy Lane (resort)|Sandy Lane]] resort on the Country Club course, an 18-hole course designed by [[Tom Fazio]]. The Barbados Golf Club is another course on the island.

[[Volleyball]] is also popular and is mainly played indoors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Volleyball |url=https://www.totallybarbados.com/articles/sports/volleyball/ |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=Totally Barbados |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329031300/https://www.totallybarbados.com/articles/sports/volleyball/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Tennis]] is gaining popularity and Barbados is home to [[Darian King]], who has achieved a career-high ranking of 106 in May 2017 and has played in the [[Tennis at the 2016 Summer Olympics – Men's singles|2016 Summer Olympics]] and the [[2017 US Open – Men's Singles|2017 US Open]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Darian King {{!}} Bio {{!}} ATP Tour {{!}} Tennis |url=http://www.atptour.com/en/players/plwiki/kc86/bio |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=ATP Tour}}</ref>

[[Motorsports]] also play a role, with Rally Barbados occurring each summer and being listed on the FIA NACAM calendar. Also, the [[Bushy Park, Barbados|Bushy Park Circuit]] hosted the [[Race of Champions]] in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 December 2014 |title=Race of Champions {{!}} Event {{!}} Motorsport.com |url=https://www.motorsport.com/general/event/race-of-champions-13/8809/ |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=motorsport.com |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329040419/https://www.motorsport.com/general/event/race-of-champions-13/8809/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The presence of the trade winds along with favourable swells make the southern tip of the island an ideal location for wave sailing (an extreme form of the sport of [[windsurfing]])

[[Netball]] is also popular with women in Barbados.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 December 2020 |title=Netball |url=https://olympic.org.bb/netball-2/ |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=The Barbados Olympic Association Inc. |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329040838/https://olympic.org.bb/netball-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Several players in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) are from Barbados, including [[Robert Bailey (American football)|Robert Bailey]], [[Roger Farmer]], [[Elvis Joseph]], [[Ramon Harewood]] and [[Sam Seale]].<ref>Grasso, John (2013). ''Historical Dictionary of Football''. Scarecrow Press. Page 484. {{ISBN|9780810878570}}.</ref>

Each March, the Barbados Surf Pro surfing contest is held in Bathsheba. It is the season-ending event for the World Surf League's North American qualifying series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 March 2025 |title=BTMI Barbados Surf Pro 2025 |url=https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2025/qs/361/btmi-barbados-surf-pro/main |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=World Surf League |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Barbados national football team]], nicknamed the Bajan Tridents (after [[Flag of Barbados|the country's flag]]), competes in [[CONCACAF]], but has never qualified for a major tournament.

== Transport ==

{{Main|Transport in Barbados}}
[[File:Barbados Midibus1.jpg|thumb|A Hino ACME Minibus B 163 in Speightstown, St. Peter, Barbados]]
Although Barbados is about {{cvt|34|km|mi}} across at its widest point, a car journey from Six Cross Roads in St. Philip (south-east) to North Point in St. Lucy (north-central) can take one and a half hours or longer due to traffic. Barbados has half as many registered cars as citizens. In Barbados, drivers drive on the left side of the road.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guide |first=Barbados org Travel |title=Barbados Driving Tips – Stay Safe As You Explore The Island |url=http://barbados.org/tours/barbados-driving-tips.htm |access-date=17 October 2023 |website=barbados.org |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019095618/https://barbados.org/tours/barbados-driving-tips.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Barbados is known for its many roundabouts. One famous roundabout is located east of Bridgetown and holds the Emancipation Statue of the slave [[Bussa's rebellion|Bussa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statue of Bussa – Barbados Pocket Guide |url=https://www.barbadospocketguide.com/barbados-attractions/attractions-by-parish-location/st-michael/statue-of-bussa.html |access-date=17 October 2023 |website=barbadospocketguide.com |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019095612/https://www.barbadospocketguide.com/barbados-attractions/attractions-by-parish-location/st-michael/statue-of-bussa.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Transport on the island is relatively convenient with "[[share taxis|route taxis]]" called "[[ZR (bus)|ZRs]]" (pronounced "Zed-Rs") travelling to most points on the island. These small buses can at times be crowded, as passengers are generally never turned down regardless of the number. They will usually take the more scenic routes to destinations. They generally depart from the capital [[Bridgetown]] or from [[Speightstown, Barbados|Speightstown]] in the northern part of the island.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Private Transportation – Barbados Pocket Guide |url=https://www.barbadospocketguide.com/getting-around-in-barbados/buses/private-transportation.html |access-date=17 October 2023 |website=barbadospocketguide.com |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019095608/https://www.barbadospocketguide.com/getting-around-in-barbados/buses/private-transportation.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Including the ZRs, there are three bus systems running seven days a week (though less frequently on Sundays). There are ZRs, the yellow minibuses and the blue [[Barbados Transport Board|Transport Board buses]]. A ride on any of them costs {{Currency|3.50|BBD|linked=no}}.<ref>[https://www.transportboard.com/about-us/fare-policy/ Fare Policy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231201023/https://www.transportboard.com/about-us/fare-policy/ |date=31 December 2019 }}: Barbados Transport Board</ref> The smaller buses from the two privately owned systems ("ZRs" and "minibuses") can give change; the larger blue buses from the government-operated [[Barbados Transport Board]] system cannot, but do give receipts. The Barbados Transport Board buses travel in regular bus routes and scheduled timetables across Barbados. Schoolchildren in school uniform including some Secondary schools ride for free on the government buses and for {{Currency|2.50|BBD|linked=no}} on the ZRs. Most routes require a connection in Bridgetown. Barbados Transport Board's headquarters are located at Kay's House, Roebuck Street, St. Michael, and the bus depots and terminals are located in the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal in Fairchild Street and the Princess Alice Bus Terminal (which was formerly the Lower Green Bus Terminal in Jubilee Gardens, Bridgetown, St. Michael) in Princess Alice Highway, Bridgetown, St. Michael; the Speightstown Bus Terminal in Speightstown, St. Peter; the Oistins Bus Depot in Oistins, Christ Church; and the Mangrove Bus Depot in Mangrove, St. Philip. In July 2020, the [[Barbados Transport Board]] received 33 [[BYD Auto|BYD]] electric buses which were obtained not only to add to the ageing fleet of diesel buses but also to assist the Government in their goal of eliminating the use of [[fossil fuels]] by 2030.<ref>{{cite web |title=EV buses are here |url=https://epaper.barbadostoday.bb/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=f33c044d-c56c-4b0f-8918-cb5624b8e054 |access-date=16 September 2020 |website=epaper.barbadostoday.bb |archive-date=16 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916231719/https://epaper.barbadostoday.bb/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=f33c044d-c56c-4b0f-8918-cb5624b8e054 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=National Energy Policy for Barbados 2019 – 2030 |url=https://www.energy.gov.bb/web/national-energy-policy-for-barbados-2019-2030 |access-date=16 September 2020 |website=energy.gov.bb |archive-date=16 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916195727/https://www.energy.gov.bb/web/national-energy-policy-for-barbados-2019-2030 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Some hotels also provide visitors with shuttles to points of interest on the island from outside the hotel lobby. There are several locally owned and operated vehicle rental agencies in Barbados but there are no multi-national companies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-05 |title=Barbados - Page 6 of 6 - Smoke Tree Manor |url=https://www.smoketreemanor.com/barbados/6/ |access-date=2025-07-04 |language=en-US}}</ref>

The island's lone airport is the [[Grantley Adams International Airport]]. It receives daily flights by several major airlines from points around the globe,<ref name="Caribbean Journal 2023 p507">{{cite web | title=American Airlines Adding More Barbados Flights for Holidays | website=Caribbean Journal | date=16 July 2023 | url=https://www.caribjournal.com/2023/07/16/barbados-american-airlines-flights-holidays/ | access-date=14 April 2024 | archive-date=18 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718074656/https://www.caribjournal.com/2023/07/16/barbados-american-airlines-flights-holidays/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Jamaica Gleaner 2024 j994">{{cite news | title=Barbados welcomes return of Delta Airlines | website=Jamaica Gleaner | date=7 February 2024 | url=https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/business/20240207/barbados-welcomes-return-delta-airlines | access-date=14 April 2024 | archive-date=9 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209113036/https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/business/20240207/barbados-welcomes-return-delta-airlines | url-status=live }}</ref> as well as several smaller regional commercial airlines and charters.<ref name="Epstein 2023 b660">{{cite news | last=Epstein | first=Curt | title=Universal Aviation Adds Barbados FBO to Network | website=Aviation International News | date=15 May 2023 | url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-05-15/universal-aviation-adds-barbados-fbo-network | access-date=14 April 2024 | archive-date=11 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011074619/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-05-15/universal-aviation-adds-barbados-fbo-network | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Airways 2023 h266">{{cite news | title=FlightSupport (Barbados) Ltd Celebrates Successful Launch in Barbados | website=PR Newswire | date=5 December 2023 | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flightsupport-barbados-ltd-celebrates-successful-launch-in-barbados-302005747.html | access-date=14 April 2024 | archive-date=4 March 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304235837/https://www.prnewswire.com//news-releases/flightsupport-barbados-ltd-celebrates-successful-launch-in-barbados-302005747.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The airport serves as a southern air-transportation hub for the Caribbean.<ref name="Traffic 2023 q584">{{cite news | title=InterCaribbean 'cutting-edge' Support System takes flight | website=Barbados Today | date=2 December 2023 | url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/12/02/intercaribbean-cutting-edge-support-system-takes-flight/ | access-date=14 April 2024 | archive-date=12 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212052627/https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/12/02/intercaribbean-cutting-edge-support-system-takes-flight/ | url-status=live }}</ref> It underwent a {{US$|100 million}} upgrade and expansion from 2003 to 2006.<ref name="Airport Technology 2017 g678">{{cite web | title=Grantley Adams International Airport Expansion and Renovation | website=Airport Technology | date=1 November 2017 | url=https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/grantley-adams/ | access-date=14 April 2024 | archive-date=8 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208094623/https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/grantley-adams/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, it began conversion of its former Concorde terminal and museum to a new departure terminal,<ref name="Caribbean Journal 2023 q165">{{cite web | title=Barbados Is Transforming the Concorde Hangar Into a New Airport Terminal | website=Caribbean Journal | date=25 November 2023 | url=https://www.caribjournal.com/2023/11/25/barbados-airport-terminal-transforming-concorde-hangar/ | access-date=14 April 2024 | archive-date=22 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222015551/https://www.caribjournal.com/2023/11/25/barbados-airport-terminal-transforming-concorde-hangar/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and in December 2023, Prime Minister [[Mia Mottley]] announced the negotiations for a  {{US$|300 million}} for additional airport development.<ref name="Deane 2023 h296">{{cite news | last=Deane | first=Sandy | title=PM hoping to finalise airport PPP by early 2024 | website=Barbados Today | date=15 December 2023 | url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/12/15/pm-hoping-to-finalise-airport-ppp-by-early-2024/ | access-date=14 April 2024 | archive-date=21 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221111823/https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/12/15/pm-hoping-to-finalise-airport-ppp-by-early-2024/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

The Bridgetown seaport is the primary port of call for commercial container and cruise traffic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Zahra |date=29 October 2022 |title=3 Major Ports In Barbados |url=https://www.marineinsight.com/know-more/3-major-ports-in-barbados/ |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Marine Insight |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129210053/https://www.marineinsight.com/know-more/3-major-ports-in-barbados/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Today 2023 o421">{{cite web | first=Sasha |last=Mehter | title=Port extends hours amid cargo surge | website=Barbados Today | date=22 December 2023 | url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/12/22/port-extends-hours-amid-cargo-surge/ | access-date=14 April 2024 | archive-date=27 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227060129/https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/12/22/port-extends-hours-amid-cargo-surge/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Maritime traffic is managed by the [[Barbados Port Incorporated|Barbados Port Inc.]], formally Barbados Port Authority.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://barbadosport.com/our-history/ |access-date=10 March 2025 |website=Barbados Port Inc.}}</ref>

Until 2009, when [[Bajan Helicopters|Bajan Helicopter]] closed their doors, they offered helicopter shuttle services.<ref>{{Cite news |last=BFP |date=11 April 2009 |title=Bajan Helicopters Closes Doors – Now The Police & Barbados Government Will Have To Buy Their Own! |url=https://barbadosfreepress.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/bajan-helicopters-closes-doors-now-the-police-barbados-government-will-have-to-buy-their-own/ |access-date=10 March 2025 |pages=Barbados Free Press}}</ref> Air traffic is managed by the [[Barbados Civil Aviation Department]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=http://bcad.gov.bb/page/history.htm |access-date=10 March 2025 |website=Barbados Civil Aviation Department}}</ref>

== See also ==

{{portal|Caribbean|Islands}}
* [[Outline of Barbados]]
* [[Index of Barbados-related articles]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==

* Burns, Sir Alan, ''History of the British West Indies''. London: George Allen and Unwin, 1965.
* [[David Brion Davis|Davis, David Brion]]. ''[[Inhuman Bondage: The Rise and Fall of Slavery in the New World]]''. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. {{ISBN|0-19-514073-7}}
* Frere, Samuel, [https://archive.org/download/shorthistoryofba00john/shorthistoryofba00john.pdf ''A Short History of Barbados: From its First Discovery and Settlement, to the End of the Year 1767.''] London: J. Dodsley, 1768.
* Gragg, Larry Dale, ''Englishmen transplanted: The English Colonization of Barbados, 1627–1660''. Oxford University Press, 2003. {{ISBN|978-0199253890}}
* Hamshere, Cyril, ''The British in the Caribbean''. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1972.
* Newman, Simon P. ''A New World of Labor: The Development of Slavery in the British Atlantic.'' Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2013. {{ISBN|978-0812245196}}
* Northrup, David, ed. ''The Atlantic Slave Trade, Second Edition''. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. {{ISBN|0-618-11624-9}}
* O'Shaughnessy, Andrew Jackson, ''An Empire Divided: The American Revolution and the British Caribbean''. Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2000. {{ISBN|978-0812217322}}
* Rogozinski, January 1999. ''A Brief History of the Caribbean: From the Arawak and Carib to the Present''. Revised version, New York, USA. {{ISBN|0-8160-3811-2}}
* Scott, Caroline 1999. ''Insight Guide Barbados''. Discovery Channel and Insight Guides; fourth edition, Singapore. {{ISBN|0-88729-033-7}}
* {{CIA World Factbook|year=2003}}

== External links ==

{{Sister project links|voy=Barbados|Barbados}}
* {{official website|https://www.gov.bb/}}
* [https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/ Government of Barbados Official Information Service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502070048/https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/ |date=2 May 2023 }}
* [https://www.royal.uk/barbados Official webpage of Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Barbados]
* [https://www.barbadosparliament.com/ Parliament of Barbados official website]
* [https://www.visitbarbados.org/ Barbados Tourism Authority]—The Ministry of Tourism
* [http://www.centralbank.org.bb/ Central Bank of Barbados website]
* [https://www.barbadoschamberofcommerce.com/ Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry] (BCC&I)
* [https://exportbarbados.org/ Barbados Investment and Development Corporation]
* [https://barbadosmaritime.org/ Barbados Maritime Ship Registry]
* [http://www.barbmuse.org.bb/ Barbados Museum & Historical Society] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505161730/http://www.barbmuse.org.bb/ |date=5 May 2010 }}

=== General information ===
* {{Wikiatlas|Barbados}}
* {{OSM relation|}}

{{Barbados topics|state=uncollapsed}}
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{{Navboxes
|title=[[File:Gnome-globe.svg|25px]]{{nbsp}}Geographic locale
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'''[[Geographic coordinate system|Lat. {{small|and}} Long.]] {{Coord|13|10|12|N|59|33|09| W|type:country_region:BB|display=none}} {{colour|darkblue|(Bridgetown)}}'''
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{{Caribbean topic}}
{{Countries of North America}}
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{{The Commonwealth}}
{{Commonwealth realms}}
{{Caribbean Community (CARICOM)}}
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{{English official language clickable map}}
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[[Category:Barbados| ]]<!--please leave the empty space as standard-->
[[Category:Countries in the Caribbean]]
[[Category:Leeward Islands (Caribbean)]]
[[Category:Countries and territories where English is an official language]]
[[Category:British Leeward Islands]]
[[Category:Former Commonwealth realms]]
[[Category:Former British colonies and protectorates in the Americas]]
[[Category:Former English colonies]]
[[Category:Former Portuguese colonies]]
[[Category:Portuguese colonization of the Americas]]
[[Category:Islands of Barbados]]
[[Category:Member states of the Caribbean Community]]
[[Category:Member states of the Commonwealth of Nations]]
[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]]
[[Category:Small Island Developing States]]
[[Category:1620s establishments in the Caribbean]]
[[Category:1627 establishments in North America]]
[[Category:1627 establishments in the British Empire]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1966]]
[[Category:1960s establishments in the Caribbean]]
[[Category:1966 establishments in North America]]
[[Category:Former monarchies of North America]]
[[Category:Countries in North America]]
[[Category:Island countries]]
[[Category:Republics in the Commonwealth of Nations]]