# Barbados

> island nation in the Caribbean

**Wikidata**: [Q244](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q244)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbados)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/barbados

## Summary
Barbados is a sovereign island nation and parliamentary republic situated in the Caribbean region of North America, specifically within the Lesser Antilles and Windward Islands. Formerly a Commonwealth realm under Queen Elizabeth II, the country transitioned to a republic on November 30, 2021, electing a President as head of state while maintaining Bridgetown as its capital and main commercial hub. With a population estimated at roughly 281,000 in 2022 and a high Human Development Index of 0.790, it functions as a unitary state with a distinct culture characterized by the motto "Pride and Industry."

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Barbados
- **Sovereignty Status:** Sovereign state; transitioned from a Commonwealth realm to a Parliamentary Republic on November 30, 2021.
- **Capital:** Bridgetown
- **Area:** 439.0 square kilometres
- **Population:** 281,998 (2022 estimate); 303,431 (2023 estimate)
- **Currency:** Barbadian dollar
- **Government:** Unitary state, Parliamentary republic
- **Head of State (Current):** President Sandra Mason (since November 30, 2021)
- **Head of Government (Current):** Prime Minister Mia Mottley (since May 25, 2018)
- **Head of State (Former):** Queen Elizabeth II (November 30, 1966 – November 30, 2021)
- **Official Language:** English
- **Independence (Inception):** November 30, 1966
- **Time Zone:** UTC−04:00 (America/Barbados)
- **Driving Side:** Left
- **ISO Codes:** BB (Alpha-2), BRB (Alpha-3), 052 (Numeric)
- **Internet TLD:** .bb
- **Telephone Code:** +1246
- **Highest Point:** Mount Hillaby (340m)
- **Lowest Point:** Atlantic Ocean (0m)

## FAQs

**What form of government does Barbados have?**
Barbados is a unitary parliamentary republic and a sovereign state. It transitioned from a constitutional monarchy (Commonwealth realm) to a republic on November 30, 2021, removing the British monarch as its head of state and establishing the office of the President.

**Who are the current leaders of Barbados?**
The current Head of State is President Sandra Mason, who assumed office on November 30, 2021. The Head of Government is Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who has served since May 25, 2018.

**Where is Barbados located?**
Barbados is an island country located in the continent of North America, specifically in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Lesser Antilles and the Windward Islands, geographically situated in the North Atlantic Ocean at coordinates 13.17°N, 59.5525°W.

**What languages are spoken in Barbados?**
The official language is English. Additionally, Bajan Creole is widely spoken and recognized as an unofficial language of the island.

**When did Barbados gain independence?**
Barbados gained independence and was established as a sovereign territorial entity on November 30, 1966, succeeding the Colony of Barbados. It joined the United Nations on December 9, 1966.

**What are the key economic and social indicators for Barbados?**
Barbados has a nominal GDP of approximately 5.6 billion USD (2022) and a high Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.790 as of 2021. The country has a literacy rate of 100% (2014) and a life expectancy of 78 years (2022).

## Why It Matters
Barbados serves as a significant case study in post-colonial political evolution, recently transitioning to a republic while retaining its historical parliamentary traditions. Its strategic location in the Lesser Antilles makes it a key player in Caribbean regionalism through bodies like CARICOM and the Caribbean Development Bank. The nation boasts one of the highest literacy rates globally (100%) and a "Very High" Human Development Index, distinguishing it from many neighboring economies. Its history, marked by Portuguese discovery in 1536 and British colonization, has culminated in a distinct national identity that drives its current diplomatic and economic trajectory, including its complex relationship with international tax jurisdictions and renewable energy initiatives.

## Notable For
- **Republic Status:** Successfully transitioned to a parliamentary republic on November 30, 2021, replacing the Queen with a local President as head of state.
- **High Literacy:** Maintains a reported literacy rate of 100% as of 2014.
- **Life Expectancy:** Features a life expectancy of 78 years (2022), which is relatively high for the region.
- **Low Suicide Rate:** Recorded one of the world's lowest suicide rates at 0.7 per 100,000 in 2015.
- **Tourism Branding:** Markets itself with the slogan "Brilliant Barbados" and is known for its "Pride and Industry" motto.
- **Diplomatic Reach:** Maintains diplomatic relations with major global powers including the US, UK, China, Japan, and Russia, as well as smaller states like Kosovo and Eritrea.
- **Tax Jurisdiction:** Has appeared on the European Union's list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions multiple times between 2019 and 2023.

## Body

### Geography and Environment
Barbados is an island nation covering 439 square kilometers, situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is geographically part of the Lesser Antilles and the Windward Islands. The terrain is relatively flat compared to other Caribbean islands, with its highest point being Mount Hillaby at 340 meters. The lowest point is sea level at the Atlantic Ocean. The island is coextensive with the "America/Barbados" time zone (UTC-04:00). Its maritime identification digits are 314.

### Governance and Political History
The political entity of Barbados has evolved through several distinct phases. Initially associated with the Portuguese Empire (1536–1620), it later became the Colony of Barbados. It gained independence on November 30, 1966, succeeding the colony and joining the United Nations shortly after on December 9, 1966.

The country functions as a unitary state and parliamentary republic. The executive body is the Government of Barbados, and the legislative body consists of a bicameral Parliament, comprising the Senate and the House of Assembly.

**Head of State Evolution:**
- **Monarchy (1966–2021):** Queen Elizabeth II served as the monarch from independence until November 30, 2021.
- **Republic (2021–Present):** Dame Sandra Mason became the first President of Barbados on November 30, 2021.

**Head of Government Evolution:**
- **Owen Arthur:** Served as Prime Minister from September 6, 1994, to January 15, 2008.
- **David Thompson:** Served from January 16, 2008, until October 23, 2010.
- **Freundel Stuart:** Served from October 23, 2010, to May 25, 2018.
- **Mia Mottley:** Incumbent Prime Minister since May 25, 2018.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2023, the population is estimated at 303,431. In 2022, the population was composed of approximately 135,084 males and 146,550 females, with a higher proportion of females. The population is largely rural, with 193,416 rural residents compared to 88,219 urban residents in 2022.

**Health and Social Metrics:**
- **Life Expectancy:** 78 years (2022).
- **Birth Rate:** 10.783 per 1,000 (2022).
- **Death Rate:** 9.114 per 1,000 (2022).
- **Suicide Rate:** 0.7 per 100,000 (2015), indicating a very low incidence.
- **Age of Majority:** 18 years.
- **Marriageable Age:** 18 years (all genders).

**Language:**
English is the official language, spoken as a first language by 262,000 people and as a second language by 13,000. Bajan Creole is also widely spoken.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Barbados utilizes the Barbadian dollar as its currency. The economy is supported by a VAT rate of 17.5%.
- **GDP:** Nominal GDP was 5.6 billion USD in 2022.
- **GDP Per Capita:** 18,798 USD (2019).
- **Unemployment:** 12.8% (2020).
- **Power:** Mains voltage is 115V with a frequency of 50Hz. Plug types NEMA 1-15 and NEMA 5-15 are used.
- **Transport:** Vehicles drive on the left. License plates use the code BDS.

### International Relations
Barbados is a member of numerous international organizations, including:
- **United Nations:** Joined December 9, 1966.
- **Commonwealth of Nations:** Member since 1966.
- **World Trade Organization (WTO)**
- **Caribbean Community (CARICOM):** Founding member (August 1, 1973).
- **Organization of American States (OAS):** Member since 1967.
- **UNESCO:** Member since October 24, 1968.
- **Interpol:** Member since November 3, 1981.
- **Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)**
- **International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)**

It maintains diplomatic relations with nations including the United States, United Kingdom, China (PRC), Russia (relations since 1977), Brazil, Canada, Japan, and India. It recognizes Kosovo.

### Administrative Divisions
The country is divided into eleven administrative territorial entities known as parishes:
- Christ Church
- Saint Andrew
- Saint George
- Saint James
- Saint John
- Saint Joseph
- Saint Lucy
- Saint Michael (contains the capital, Bridgetown)
- Saint Peter
- Saint Philip
- Saint Thomas

### Culture and Symbols
- **National Motto:** "Pride and Industry" (also "Гордост и усърдие" / "Tự hào và Công nghiệp").
- **Tourism Slogan:** "Brilliant Barbados".
- **Flag:** Adopted on November 30, 1966 (Flag of Barbados).
- **Anthem:** National Anthem of Barbados.
- **Coat of Arms:** Coat of arms of Barbados.
- **Demonym:** Barbadian (also "Bajan" informally/locally).

### Digital and Academic Identifiers
Barbados is indexed in various global databases with specific codes:
- **ISO 3166:** BB / BRB / 052
- **ITU:** BRB
- **IOC:** BAR
- **UNDP:** BAR
- **Wikidata:** Q244
- **Domain:** .bb
- **Phone Prefix:** +1246
- **M49 Code:** 052

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8. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
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31. [Source](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/barbados/summaries/#people-and-society)
32. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
33. Official Names of the United Nations Membership
34. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
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48. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=239)
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