Location: The easternmost Caribbean island; part of the Lesser Antilles. Northeast of Venezuela.

Size: 21 miles long by 14 miles wide (166 square miles).

Parishes: 11

Climate: Tropical year-round, with average temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees F.  A gentle sea breeze alleviates even the hottest days. 

Topography: Barbados is a pear-shaped coral island. The Caribbean West and South Coasts are calm and palm-fringed with gently lapping waves, whereas the Atlantic East Coast has a rugged beauty, featuring limestone cliffs and rolling waves. The highest point on the island is Mount Hillaby (1,089 feet). 

Language: English.

Population: 275, 000 approx.

Capital: Bridgetown.

Currency: The Barbados dollar is tied to the US dollar at a rate of BDS $2.00 to $US1.00.  Most establishments accept either Barbados or US dollars. 

Electricity: 110 volts/50 cycles (hotels have adapters/transformers). 
Government: Barbados is an independent country within the British Commonwealth and has a democratic parliamentary system of government.  The Queen of England also serves as Queen of Barbados and is represented by the Governor General. The bicameral legislature consists of the House of Assembly and the Senate. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the Assembly’s majority party.

Airport Service Charge: Formerly known as the “Departure Tax”, the “Airport Service Charge” is automatically billed into the cost of any ticket out of Barbados, therefore money is no longer collected at the airport.

Baggage Tipping: Suggested fee of US $1.00 per bag.

Religion: Predominantly Anglican, with 100 other denominations represented.

Accommodation: 6,800 guestrooms, ranging from all-inclusive properties and luxury resorts, to villas and budget accommodations to suit all budgets

Water: Barbados’ water can be enjoyed straight from the tap.

Banks: Banks open from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  The Barbados National Bank at Sir Grantley Adams International Airport is open from 8:00 a.m. until the last plane departs or arrives, seven days a week. There are also numerous ATM machines across the island.

Credit Cards: Most hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

Post Office: Post Office Building, Cheapside Tel: 246-436-4800 8:15 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Duty Free: Duty-free shopping is available in various well-respected boutiques.  Visitors need only produce their passport or other travel documents and airline ticket for the duty-free transaction to be completed.  Certain categories of goods can be collected at the point of purchase; others are delivered to the airport for pick-up before boarding.  Goods that cannot be bought over the counter duty-free are spirits, wines, tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, video sets, video games, videotapes, car stereos, televisions and home computers.