| Surface :
430 sq km (166 sq mi) |
| Population :
267,900 (official estimate 1999) inhabitants |
| Electricity: The electricity supply here is
dependable. Barbados runs on the odd system of 110 volts/50 cycles and
uses the North American style 2-prong plug and outlet. Most 60 cycle
items will work here, and many hotels provide a 220 volt outlet in the
bathrooms. |
| Visa: On arrival you will pass
through immigration and customs. You should have a valid passport and
return ticket to show to the Immigration authorities as well as
information on where you will be staying. Visas are not required for
North Americans, Europeans or persons from Commonwealth countries.
Visas are required for citizens from the People's Republic of China,
Taiwan, Pakistan, non-Commonwealth African countries and all South
American countries except Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela. |
| Climate:
Barbados is balmy most of the time, boasting some 3 000 hours of sun
each year. Average temperatures run from 84 to 88 F (29-31 C) during
the day and about 75 to 70 F (24-26 C) at night. Cooling tradewinds
keep temperatures pleasant most of the year. The rainy (hurricane)
season starts in June and ends in November with the greatest
concentration of rain usually occurring from August through October.
Dry season is from December to June, when apart from the odd, passing
shower, the sun rules. |
| Capital : Bridgetown
(254,000) |
| System :
Independent state within the British Commonwealth - . Judicial,
political and administrative institutions are closely modeled on the
British system. All political parties are "middle of the
road", supportive of the free enterprise system, and committed to
the rule of law. Barbados has had representative government since 1939
and became an independent country in 1966. |
| Languages : English, Creole |
| Religions : Barbados has lots of
religious denominations and sects. More than 100 of them, actually.
The major religion is Anglican. Other principle religions including
Roman Catholic, Baptist, Christian Science, Jewish, Methodist,
Moravian, Muslim and Pentecostal. |
| Money : Barbadian dollar (Bds$) =
100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Bd$100, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
Coins are in denominations of Bd$1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. |
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