Country Profile: Barbados
Barbados, located in the Caribbean Sea northeast of Venezuela, is characterized by its relatively flat terrain and a tropical climate. The population is approximately 304,139, predominantly of African descent, with a rich cultural heritage reflected in its English and Bajan languages. The economy has transitioned from a heavy reliance on sugar and rum production to a more diverse output, with tourism and manufacturing now at the forefront. Barbados became a republic in 2021, signaling a significant evolution in its governance, which includes a parliamentary system.
Geography
Barbados is the easternmost island in the Caribbean, covering an area of 430 square kilometers. The terrain is primarily flat, with a central highland region, and it features a coastline of 97 kilometers. The island experiences a tropical climate, with a rainy season from June to October, and is notably vulnerable to occasional hurricanes and landslides.
- 13.17 N, 59.32 W: Geographic coordinates
- 336 m: Highest point (Mount Hillaby)
- 0 km: Land boundaries
- 200 nm: Exclusive economic zone
People and Society
The population of Barbados is estimated at 304,139 in 2024, with a median age of 42.2 years. The Barbadian society is diverse, with 92.4% of the population identifying as of African descent. English serves as the official language, while a creole language, known as Bajan, is widely spoken in informal contexts. The country exhibits a high literacy rate, and about 31.4% of its population lives in urban areas.
- 8.02 births per 1,000 population: Birth rate (2025)
- 20.6%: Population identifying as having no religion
- 1.24 children: Total fertility rate (2025)
- 79 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
Economy
Barbados boasts a high-income economy driven primarily by tourism, construction, and financial services, transitioning away from its historical dependence on sugar production. The GDP (PPP) stands at $5.634 billion for 2024, with a growth rate projected at 3.8%. Despite challenges such as high public debt and reliance on imports, the economy has shown resilience and adaptability.
- 75.4%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2023)
- 7.6%: Unemployment rate (2024)
- 1.3%: Remittances as percentage of GDP (2023)
- $19,900: GDP per capita (2024)
Government
Barbados is a parliamentary republic and a member of the Commonwealth, with Bridgetown serving as its capital. The government is structured into a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Assembly and the Senate. Following its independence from the UK in 1966, Barbados became a republic in 2021, with Sandra MASON serving as the first president.
- 30: Total electoral seats in House of Assembly
- 11 parishes and 1 city: Administrative divisions
- 18 years: Universal suffrage
- 0.9%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2021)
Military and Security
The Barbados Defense Force (BDF) is responsible for national security and includes the Barbados Regiment and the Barbados Coast Guard. The military is small, with around 600 active personnel, and has a focus on providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
- 0.7%: Military expenditure of GDP (2024)
- 18-25 years: Age for voluntary military service (2025)
- 272: Total merchant marine (2023)
- BDF: Engaged in joint patrols with police for internal security
Energy
Barbados has achieved full electricity access for its population, with an installed generating capacity of 320,000 kW. The energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, contributing 91.9% to total installed capacity, though there is a growing emphasis on solar energy.
- 1.025 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023)
- 100%: Electrification of total population (2022 est.)
- 68.293 million Btu: Energy consumption per capita (2023)
Environment
Barbados faces environmental challenges, including pollution of coastal waters and soil erosion. It participates in numerous international environmental agreements focused on biodiversity and climate change, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices.
- 10.6%: Municipal solid waste recycled (2022)
- 1.348 million metric tonnes: Total CO2 emissions (2023)
- 23.3%: Agricultural land use (2023)
- 80 million cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022)
Transportation
Barbados boasts a single airport and one civil heliport. The transportation network includes a small but diverse fleet of merchant marine vessels primarily for cargo.
- 1: Number of airports (2025)
- 272: Merchant marine total (2023)
- 1: Port with oil terminals (2024)
Communications
The country enjoys a well-developed communication infrastructure with a significant percentage of its population connected to the internet and a range of broadcast media available.
- 80%: Internet users as a percentage of the population (2023)
- 323,482: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
- 121,000: Fixed-line subscriptions (2022)
- 106,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 304,139 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 430 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $5.634 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.6% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 8.02 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 79 years | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption (per capita) | 68.293 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Total Fertility Rate | 1.24 children/woman | 2025 estimate |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions | 1.348 million metric tons | 2023 estimate |
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