Country Profile: Barbados
Barbados, an eastern Caribbean island, boasts a rich history, having been settled by the British in 1627. Today, it features a population of over 300,000 and relies heavily on tourism, manufacturing, and financial services for economic growth. The country transitioned to a republic in 2021, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to political evolution and governance. As one of the most densely populated nations in the region, Barbados balances its historical legacy with modern development challenges.
Geography
Barbados is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela, making it the easternmost island in the Caribbean. It covers an area of 430 square kilometers, characterized by relatively flat terrain that rises to a central highland. The island has a coastline of 97 kilometers and experiences a tropical climate with a rainy season from June to October.
- 430 sq km: Total area of Barbados.
- 97 km: Length of the coastline.
- 336 m: Height of Mount Hillaby, the highest point on the island.
People and Society
With a population estimated at 304,139 in 2024, Barbados is the most densely populated country in the eastern Caribbean, with a significant portion of its inhabitants living in urban areas. The population primarily comprises individuals of African descent, and the official language is English. The society has a rich religious tapestry, with a majority identifying as Protestant.
- 79 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
- 16.6%: Percentage of the population aged 0-14 years.
- 8.02 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025).
- 20.6%: Proportion of the population identifying as having no religion (2010).
Economy
Barbados has a high-income economy and is characterized by a significant reliance on tourism, construction, and financial services, which have become vital drivers of GDP growth in recent years. Though public debt remains high, the country continues to foster a high standard of living and seeks to navigate challenges related to natural disasters and external dependencies.
- $5.634 billion: Real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
- 3.8%: Expected real GDP growth rate for 2024.
- 7.6%: Unemployment rate for 2024.
- 75.4%: Services' contribution to GDP (2023).
Government
Barbados operates as a parliamentary republic, having gained independence from the UK in 1966. The government is led by President Jeffrey Davidson Bostic and Prime Minister Mia Mottley, with a bicameral legislature comprising the House of Assembly and the Senate. The country adopted its current constitution in 1966, with amendments made to establish it as a republic in 2021.
- 30: Number of elected members in the House of Assembly.
- 18 years: Minimum voting age for suffrage.
- 11: Number of parishes and one city (Bridgetown).
Military and Security
The Barbados Defense Force (BDF) is responsible for national security, comprising the Barbados Regiment and the Coast Guard. The military's main function includes protecting the country, maintaining public order, and participating in humanitarian efforts. Military expenditures are relatively low at 0.7% of GDP for 2024.
- 600: Active personnel in the BDF (2025).
- 18-30 years: Age range for voluntary military service.
Energy
Barbados has achieved universal electricity access and primarily relies on fossil fuels for energy generation, accounting for 91.9% of total installed capacity. The country is gradually integrating renewable energy sources, with 7.9% of its energy coming from solar power.
- 320,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
- 1.025 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
Environment
Barbados faces environmental challenges such as coastal pollution and soil erosion, exacerbated by its developmental pressures. The island is a participant in various international environmental agreements, striving to address these issues while balancing economic growth.
- 100%: Access to improved sanitation facilities (2022).
- 80 million: Total renewable water resources (2022).
Transportation
Barbados has a well-developed transportation network, with a single international airport and a merchant marine fleet. The island's primary port is located in Bridgetown, which handles the majority of maritime traffic.
- 1: Number of airports (2025).
- 272: Total number of vessels in the merchant marine fleet (2023).
Communications
The communications sector in Barbados is robust, with a high percentage of internet and mobile phone usage among the population. The government operates the primary broadcasting corporation, alongside several private media entities.
- 80%: Internet penetration rate (2023).
- 323,482: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 304,139 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Area (total) | 430 sq km | |
| Real GDP (PPP) | $5.634 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.6% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 79 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Birth Rate | 8.02 births/1,000 population | Estimated for 2025 |
| Electricity Access | 100% | Estimated for 2022 |
| Total Energy Consumption | 68.293 million Btu/person | Estimated for 2023 |
| Total Renewable Water Resources | 80 million cubic meters | Estimated for 2022 |
| Urban Population | 31.4% | Percentage of total population (2023) |
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