Barbados is a beautiful, coral and limestone island, and is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands.   Barbados measures 14 x 21 miles and has eleven parishes.  The capital city Bridgetown is located on the island’s southwestern coast in the parish of St. Michael.   Barbados has three other towns: Oistins in the South, Holetown in the West, and Speightstown in the North.

The name LOS BARBADOS was given by the Portuguese upon seeing  the bearded fig trees which grew abundantly on the island. The “Los” was subsequently dropped and the island became known as Barbados.   However, although the Portuguese and Spanish visited the island first, it was the British who colonized Barbados in the early 1600s.  Barbados was ruled by the British until 1966, when the island gained independence.

Barbados weather is mostly sunny and fair with warm days, cool winds and cozy nights. The prevailing cool northeast tradewinds blow steadily so that although it is bright and sunny, it is not unbearably hot.

Barbados has an average daytime have an average daytime high of 84 – 88^oF or 29 – 31^oC^. The dry season in Barbados lasts from December to May. Tropical rainstorms sometimes occur in the hurricane season which runs from June to October.

Barbados has its own currency issued by the Central Bank of Barbados. Two Barbados dollars are equivalent to one US dollar. Notes are issued in denominations of  $100, $50, $20, $10, $5, and $2. Coins are issued in denominations of $1 and 25, 10, 5, and 1 cents. Traveler’s cheques and most major credit cards are also widely accepted.

The population of Barbados is estimated at 285,912 and is made up mainly of people of African descent with some European, Asian, Hindu, Muslim and Syrian influence. The people of Barbados are friendly, fun loving, warm and are always ready to welcome you with a smile. You will always feel at home in Barbados.