Barbados Sections Getting There Where To Stay Activities Visitor Tips Getting Married Watersports Weather Maps Information Request Barbados CTW Main	Description Barbados is located in the Atlantic about 300 mi (483 km) north of Venezuela, The island is only 21 mi long (34 km) and 14 mi across (23 km) at its widest point. It is circled by fine beaches and narrow coastal plains. The highest point is Mount Hillaby (1,105 ft; 337 m) in the north-central area. Barbados is a beautiful tropical island with many activities available. There is night life, music, history, art, and some of the best restaurants to be found anywhere. In addition to scuba diving, water activities include surfing, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking and more. But what makes Barbados such a wonderful place, and the reason why so many visitors keep returning to the island year after year, is the people. Barbadians, called Bajans, are warm and friendly, always ready to greet you with a sincere smile. History The island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established on the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance. Barbados At A Glance - Language: English Government: parliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth Capital: Bridgetown Size: 431 sq km Location: Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela Climate: Tropical; rainy season (June to October). Average daytime high of 75 - 85F. The nights are usually slightly cooler. Electricity: 110 Volts, 50 cycles Currency: Barbados Dollar Auto Rentals: International and local rental agencies are available, drivers license required
Rates & Services Listed are Subject to Change © 2006 Caribbean Travelweb