logo of CoolestCarib

Barbados
Services
the coolest caribbean commerce
the coolest caribbean commerce
the coolest caribbean commerce
the coolest caribbean commerce
the coolest caribbean commerce

Barbados
Photos

Barbados is a sovereign island country in the eastern Caribbean sea.

Located 62 miles east of the windward islands, the eastern most Caribbean island. View Map

5 Fun Facts

1.Birthplace of Rum:

Barbados is often credited as the birthplace of rum. The island has a rich history of sugar cane cultivation, and rum production began here as early as the 17th century. Mount Gay Rum, founded in 1703, is one of the oldest rum brands in the world and still operates on the island today.

2.Flying Fish:

The flying fish is a symbol of Barbados and can be found in abundance in the surrounding waters. These fish are known for their unique ability to glide above the water's surface, using their specially adapted fins. They are also a popular ingredient in Bajan cuisine, especially in dishes like flying fish and cou-cou.

3.Cricket Passion:

Cricket is the national sport of Barbados and is deeply ingrained in the culture of the island. The Kensington Oval in Bridgetown is one of the most famous cricket grounds globally and has hosted numerous international matches, including Cricket World Cup games.

4.George Washington Connection:

Barbados has a lesser-known historical tie to the United States through George Washington, the first President. In 1751, at the age of 19, Washington visited Barbados with his ailing half-brother. This trip is believed to have influenced Washington's later political views and his health.

5.Unesco World Heritage:

Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011. This area includes the historic city of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, and a well-preserved British colonial garrison complex that played a significant role in the Atlantic slave trade and British naval history.

Read Serious Facts below

Local Radio Click PLAY
Top 10 Attractions Random Order
1. Andromeda Botanical garden on the wild, wave-pummelled East Coast 2. Plantation house3.Harrison's caves in center of island 4. Historic Garrison Savannah guided tour 5. Barbados Wildlife Reserve 6.Experience Mount Gay Rum Visitor Center7.Barbados Museum of Parliament and National Heroes Gallery 8. The Bushy Park Ultimate Driving Experiences 9. Go see the magnificent Baobab Tree in Queen's Park 10.Take a crewed catamaran ride along the exclusive West Coast

Top Videos Island Life
Make the best of your stay and learn a new sport: windsurf, kitesurf or surf. Plenty of rentals along the coastline between the capital Bridgetown, south west, and Long Beach, south east, where most of the tourist resorts and restaurants are located. Endless Kiteboarding is one of the Caribbean's premier kitesurf schools that also offers windsurf, surf and paddle board rentals and lessons. They're located at Silver Rock, Christ Church. Read more Barbados related articles on our blog: CoolestCarib.com/blog.

Enjoy your stay!

Barbados Caribbean Maps
National Anthem

"The Barbados national anthem"


Weather Forecast Barbados
Photo Festure Barbados |Tag us @CoolestCarib
Serious Facts Barbados
Nationality
The residents of Barbados are called Barbadian, or Bajan if you're a local. They are self-confident, dynamic and love getting things done.
Size
166 square miles.
Population

274, 200 (2010 census).

Local Radio Station

Voice of Barbados: 92.9 FM. Known for lively phone ins and local news.

Currency & Credit Cards
Barbadian dollar ($) BBD. Major Credit Cards are accepted. ATM machines are located in banks and selected commercial outlets
Government
Unitary Parliamentary constitutional monarch.
Independence

Independence from the United Kingdom: 30 November 1966

Time Zone

Eastern Caribbean (UTC-4)

Drives on the

Left

Calling Code
+1 246
Animals
Iguanas, pelicans, mongoose, scorpions (not poisonous), donkeys, deer, hummingbirds, herons, bats and more. There are also various lizards, frogs and insects.
Food
Banana, Mango, Orange and Cashews.
Plants
Frangipani, Allamanda, Heliconia, Bougainvillea, Oleander, Hibiscus, Double Hibiscus, Flamboyant (Orange), Flamboyant (Yellow), Ixora, Agave / Century Plant, Cactus
Lingo

The language of the locals is English with a West Indian based dialects. For instance, the 'H' is often discarded ("thing" becomes "ting", and "thanks" becomes "tanks...mon"). Also water is pronouced watta and mother matta.

Brief History

Barbados first appears on a Spanish map from 1511. Historians have it that the Spanish may have plundered the island first. The Portuguese arrived in 1536 but also left it unclaimed. The first Englsh ship, the Olive Blossom, arrived in Barbados in 1624 in took pessession of it.