|
Barbados
Facts
- The United Nations
Development Index (1996) ranked Barbados third in terms of quality
of life among 160 developing countries worldwide (Hong Kong and Cyprus
ranked first and second respectively). Barbados ranked ahead of countries
such as Spain, Italy and Ireland.
- Our research
and surveys show, visitors highlight the friendliness of Barbadians
as its greatest and most pleasing asset. This is reflected in the
highest repeat visitor factor in the region of 39%
- The people of
Barbados have a history of long ingrained Christian principles, a
sound and free educational system with a literacy rate of 97%
- Barbados has
the third oldest parliament in the world with 358 years of an uninterrupted
parliamentary system of government.
- Barbados is the
only vacation destination in this Hemisphere with a scheduled Concorde
service.
- On this "mustard
seed" of an island (21 miles) long and a smile (14 miles) wide!
- We are the only coral island in the region with all white sand
beaches.
- Barbados has pure drinking water and was the first Caribbean
island to have piped water.
- Excellent telecommunications.
- Utilities available 100% island-wide.
- Accessible to everywhere
- Consistent cooling North-East tradewinds.
- Maximum daily temperature 75-85 F year round.
Time Zone
- Barbados falls in the Atlantic time zone, one hour ahead of US Stardard
Time. Barbados Standard Time is Greenwich Mean Time minus five hours.
There is no daylight savings time in Barbados.
FAST FACTS AND FIGURES
CAPITAL
Bridgetown
POPULATION
Approximately 254,000
CLIMATE Eight
to nine hours of sunshine most days. Temperature between 75 F and 90 F
year round.
GEOGRAPHY A
21 mile x 14 mile Caribbean island. West and South Coast have calm Caribbean
sea and endless beaches. Rugged cliffs and Atlantic Ocean on East Coast.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
English with a broad dialect.
CURRENCY
Barbados Dollar - US $1 = BDS $2 approx.
DRIVING
A temporary yearly Barbados licence costs BDS$10 and is obtainable from
car rental agencies and Police Stations. Full licence must be shown. Drive
on left..
ACCOMMODATION
Caters for all tastes and budgets from luxury hotels and all-inclusive
resorts to rooms in small hotels and self-catering apartments..
SPORTS Snorkeling,
diving, fishing, sailing, waterskiing, tennis, squash. Three 18-hole and
three nine-hole golf courses.
WEDDINGS
It is now possible for ceremonies to take place on day of arrival, providing
documents are in order.
Apply to Ministry of Legal Affairs, Bridgetown
|