Barbados Overview

Barbados is a wonderfully diverse island. It has a beautiful, calm west coast known for fantastic beaches, and a rugged east coast known for its natural beauty and fabulous surfing. Villa guests in Barbados will have no problem locating water sports, golf, tennis, shopping, restaurants and night life. All of our Island Hideaways rentals in Barbados are staffed with cook/maid service.

Barbados is one of the islands missed by Christopher Columbus. It was discovered by a Portuguese explorer named Pedro A Campos in 1536 as he was on his way to Brazil. Pedro named the island "Los Barbados" after the bearded fig trees he noted there at the time. Holetown, now known as St. James Parish, was established by the British in 1627. Barbados remained under British rule until independence in 1966. The British influence is very obvious, and because of this, the island has been referred to at times by its neighboring islands as "Little England". Today, Barbados is one of the most prosperous and developed of Caribbean nations with a strong and dependable infrastructure. Barbados offers comforts and facilities that are frequently lacking on other less developed islands.

Capital

Bridgetown

Language

English

Politics

Barbados is an independent state within the British Commonwealth.

Population

264,000 - The inhabitants of Barbados are called Bajans. Barbados has one of the highest populations per square mile in the Caribbean. Its population is well educated with an adult literacy rate of 99%.

The People

Most of the inhabitants are descended from African slaves that were brought to Barbados during the 17th century. In recent years, there is a growing national pride as the Bajans recognize the value of their own cultural roots.

Industry

The Barbados economy is primarily based on tourism. Major exports include clothing, electronic components, building cement and rum.

Money

The Barbados dollar ($Bds.) is the official currency. The exchange rate is about $2.00 Bds. to U.S.$1.00. It is better to exchange currency at commercial banks because they give a better rate, and you can save money by not using foreign currency for purchases. Credit Cards such as American Express, Bank Americard, Barclaycard, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, EnRoute, Eurocard, MasterCard, and Visa are widely accepted. There are cash machines at several banks in Bridgetown that accept credit cards. Most establishments also accept traveler's checks. The government has imposed a 15% value-added tax on car rentals, tours and restaurants.

Sunrise

Because of its position relative to the equator, the sun rises at approximately 5:30 a.m. and sets at approximately 6:00 p.m. year round.

Electricity

110 Volts AC/50 Cycles TIME - Atlantic Standard Time (one hour earlier than Eastern Standard Time).

Water

The water around the island is filtered through the coral rock, with very little chemical treatment, so it is safe and enjoyable to drink.

Religions

Anglican, Baptist, Christian Science, Jewish, Methodist, Moravian and Roman Catholic are represented. Check in the newspaper for times of services.

Communications and Media

Telephone (direct-dial to most places in the world), television and newspaper. The area code for Barbados is 246.

Postal Service

General Post Office in Cheapside, Bridgetown, express service to New York and London guaranteed to be delivered within 48 hours, parcel post service, registered mail service. District Post Offices are in every parish, and red pillar postal boxes which can usually be found set in walls throughout the island are also available.

Library

Central Public Library on Coleridge Street, next to the Law Courts, Bridgetown. Other branches can be found in the parishes of Christ Church, St. George, St. James, St. Peter, St. Philip and St. Thomas. A refundable deposit of $20.00 Bds. is required to check a book out of the library.

Barbados Guide

About Barbados

Barbados is a diverse island with a beautiful, calm west coast known for fantastic beaches and an east coast known for it's natural beauty. more

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