People & place
657 /km² across 430 km²
Barbados has a recorded population of 282,467 and a reported surface area of 430 km².
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CaribbeanBarbados
Barbados is a country or territory in Caribbean. Its capital is Bridgetown.
- Population
- 282K657 /km²
- Surface area
- 430 km²
- GDP
- $7.5B$27K per capita
- Capital
- Bridgetown
Barbados is located in the Caribbean, and its capital is Bridgetown. It has a population of approximately 282,467 and covers an area of about 430 km². Its official currency is the Barbadian dollar (BBD).
What stands out
Economic snapshot
$7.50 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $7.50 billion and GDP per capita at $26,545 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Barbadian dollar (BBD)
Barbados uses Barbadian dollar (BBD), calling code +1, internet domain .bb.
About Barbados
Barbados, the easternmost island of the Caribbean, enchants with its golden beaches, vibrant music, and a blend of British and African heritage that creates a uniquely welcoming atmosphere.
The island spans just 21 miles north‑to‑south and 14 miles east‑to‑west, featuring a rugged east coast of cliffs and surf, while the west coast boasts calm, crystal‑clear bays ideal for swimming. Its interior is marked by rolling sugar‑cane fields and limestone cliffs, with the highest point at Mount Hillaby rising 1,305 feet.
Barbadian culture pulses with calypso, soca, and the infectious rhythm of tuk bands, especially during the annual Crop Over Festival that celebrates the end of the sugar harvest. The cuisine blends island flavors—flying fish, cou‑coupé, and sweet rum cakes—reflecting both Creole and colonial influences.
In 1627 the English established the first permanent settlement on the island, making Barbados the first English colony in the Caribbean; it later became a leading sugar‑cane producer, shaping the island’s social and economic development for centuries.
Key facts
- Barbados is the only Caribbean nation that never changed hands; it remained under British rule from colonisation until independence in 1966.
- Population: approximately 287,000 people (2023 estimate) living on 430 km² (166 sq mi) of land.
- The island’s nickname, "The Land of the Flying Fish," stems from the abundant flying fish that migrate along its coastal waters each year.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Country data & reference
Capital
Bridgetown
Population
282,467 (657 /km²)
Surface Area
430 km²
GDP
$7.50 billion (2024)
GDP per Capita
$26,545 (2024)
Native Name
Barbados
Nationality
Barbadian
Currency
Barbadian dollar (BBD - Bds$)Phone Code
+1
Top-Level Domain
.bb
ISO Codes
BB / BRB
Coordinates
13.1667, -59.5333
Time zones
- America/Barbados (UTC-04:00)
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
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Barbados: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Barbados?
The capital of Barbados is Bridgetown.
What is the population of Barbados?
Barbados has a recorded population of approximately 282,467 people.
How big is Barbados?
Barbados covers an area of about 430 km².
What is the population density of Barbados?
Barbados has a population density of roughly 657 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Barbados?
Barbados has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $7.50 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Barbados?
Barbados has a GDP per capita of approximately $26,545.
What currency is used in Barbados?
Barbados uses the Barbadian dollar (BBD), with the symbol Bds$.
Where is Barbados located?
Barbados is located in the Caribbean, Americas.
What are people from Barbados called?
People from Barbados are referred to as Barbadian.
What is the phone calling code for Barbados?
The international dialing code for Barbados is +1.
What is the internet domain for Barbados?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Barbados is .bb.
What time zone is Barbados in?
Barbados uses the America/Barbados time zone.
What is Barbados known for?
Barbados, the easternmost island of the Caribbean, enchants with its golden beaches, vibrant music, and a blend of British and African heritage that creates a uniquely welcoming atmosphere.
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