Barbados Facts For Kids:
Geography, Animals and Culture

Here are some interesting Barbados Facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

Barbados Impressions: Parliament - National Flower - Crane Beach

What you will find on our Barbados Facts page:

Snapshot
Basic Facts
Maps
Geography
Geo Superlatives
Attractions

People & Culture
Animals
Economy
Food
Video
Resources

Now let's start with a quick Barbados Snapshot before we dive in deeper into our Facts about Barbados:

Barbados - Snapshot

Continent: North America
Region: Caribbean
Population: 261,692 (BSS 2025)
Area: 439 km² / 169 sq mi
Capital: Bridgetown
Language: English
Currency: Barbadian dollar (BBD)
Coastline: North Atlantic Ocean
Cultural traditions: Bajan creole, Crop Over Festival (Barbados carnival), flying fish (dish)

Barbados is the most densely populated island in the Caribbean and about the size of Malta or half the size of Singapore!
Barbados is the youngest republic in the world (since 2021) with the third oldest parliament in the world.

Last updated 16 April 2026 - sources: Barbados Statistical Service, VisitBarbados

Barbados Facts
Basic Facts at a Glance

Flag of Barbados

Continent: North America
Population: about 262,000 people live in Barbados (2026)
Capital: Bridgetown with 110,000 inhabitants
Government: republic with parliamentary democracy
Language: English
Literacy: 99% of all the Barbadians over the age of 15 years can read and write
Religion: Christians (73%, with the vast majority being Protestants)
Currency: 1 Barbados dollar = 100 cents
National colors: blue, yellow, black
National motto: "Pride and Industry"
National symbols: Neptune’s trident (shown also on the flag), pelican, Pride of Barbados (Red Bird of Paradise flower)

National Flower: Pride of Barbados

Independence Day: 30 November
History: The first indigenous inhabitants on the island were Amerindians from Venezuela. The island was first claimed for the Spanish crown after Spanish explorers landed on the island in 1511. The Portuguese also set foot on the island on their route to Brazil in 1637. Barbados was colonised by the British who settled on the island in 1627. The first settlement was in the islands’ west and was called Holetown. The British cut down the dense rainforest and planted tobacco and cotton. They also introduced sugarcane and shipped slaves from Africa to make them work on their plantations. Slavery was abolished in 1834, but the island remained a British colony. Barbados reached independence from Britain in 1966 and belongs to the Commonwealth States. Barbados became a republic in November 2021, removing the British monarch as head of state. Dame Sandra Mason became the first President. It still has a Prime Minister who runs the government day-to-day.
Prime Minister: Mia Amor Mottley
President: Sandra Mason

Barbados Facts
Barbados Maps

Barbados is located on the North American continent and is the easternmost island of the Caribbean islands and part of the Lesser Antilles. The island is sitting just east of the other Caribbean islands and is actually in the Atlantic Ocean, but not in the Caribbean Sea!

The country lies northeast of Venezuela in the North Atlantic Ocean. Barbados is located close to the equator.

The island is tiny and its circumference is only about 100 km/ 70 miles and can be driven around in just three hours.

The country is roughly 2.5 times the size of the city of Washington D.C./ USA or three times the size of Liechtenstein.

Barbados map

Bridgetown is the biggest city of the island. One third of the population live in the island’s biggest towns such as Bridgetown, Speightstown or Holetown.

Barbados Facts
Geography Overview

The island is mostly flat and there are some rolling hills in the centre of the island. Barbados is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs.

Barbados aerial view

32% of the country is agricultural land. Before the island was populated by settlers, the island was covered in dense rainforest. Wild pigs roamed this rainforest.

Thick dense rainforest can still be found in the country’s interior.

Barbadian rainforest with bearded fig trees

Did you know?

Portuguese explorers named the island "Os Barbados" which means "the bearded ones" as the aerial roots of the native bearded fig trees hang down to the ground looking like long beards dangling from branches.

Most of the country’s surface geology is made up of coral limestone. Unlike most Caribbean islands which are volcanic, Barbados is made almost entirely of coral limestone. Barbados has no mountains or volcanoes but an underground cave system, many natural springs and some of the clearest water in the world.

The country's climate is tropical and the average daytime high is 30 degrees Celsius/86 degrees Fahrenheit. The sea temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius on average!

The dry season lasts from January to June. Hurricane season is from July to October. Barbados has around 3,000 sunshine hours per year.

Barbados Facts
Geography Superlatives

Barbados is the easternmost island of the Caribbean region - not the Caribbean Sea!
Barbados lies on the boundary of the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates. The island is composed of limestone and thick coral soil and the island is also circled by coral reefs.
Barbados is the only Atlantic island in the Caribbean region and moves slowly westward about 2 cm every year.
This island country is one of the 20 smallest countries in the world. The island is just 34 km/ 21 miles long and up to 23 km/ 14 miles wide
Barbados is the most densely populated country in the Caribbean, the fourth most populated country in the Americas and the 18th most densely populated country in the world
The highest point is Mount Hillaby which is just 336 metres/ 1,100 ft. above sea level
There are many underground lakes, but no lake on the surface!

Barbados Facts
Attractions in Barbados

Barbados is one of the Caribbean's most visited travel destinations due to its fine sandy beaches and colourful reefs. Among the most popular attractions are:

The Parliament of Barbados was established in 1639, making it one of the oldest continuous parliamentary systems in the world and oldest functioning in the Americas. It is the third oldest in the Commonwealth, after Parliament of the United Kingdom and that of Bermuda. The parliament follows British traditions but is fully independent since 2021. The parliament meets in the famous buildings in Bridgetown. This building in neo-Gothic style was completed in the 1870s.

Parliament Buildings

Bridgetown: The capital of Barbados has been an important port town for many centuries. The historic town with its British colonial architecture and military garrison will tell you about the country's history. An UNESCO heritage site since 2011, the colourful houses of the town are well preserved. The famous Chamberlain Bridge in the inner marina gave the town its name.

Bridgetown Independence Gate - image by Byvalet

St. Nicholas Abbey: This historic site includes a sugar museum that tells about the island's past. Did you know that Barbados once had 500 sugar plantations? You can also visit the well-preserved Sunbury Plantation House, one of the oldest colonial plantation houses on the island.

Sunbury Plantation House

Morgan Lewis Mill: One of the oldest restored sugar mills of the island. The windmill stopped working in 1947 and is now a tourist attraction. The Barbados National Trust occasionally opens the mill for sugar cane grinding demonstrations.

Morgan Lewis Mill - image by Simon Dannhauer

Crane Beach: This beach often is called the most famous beach of the island. However, there are many more amazing beaches that can be explored as well.

Beach paradise Barbados

Harrison’s Cave: This cave is known for its crystal clear water. The cave system is more than 2.3km/ 1.4 miles long while the largest cave hall is 15m/ 49ft high.

Harrisons Cave

Barbados Facts
Barbados People

The people living in Barbados are called Barbadians or Bajans. English is the official language, but the locals communicate in an English Creole language called Bajan. The Bajan Creole is a dialect combining English with African language patterns. "Wuh loss!" means "Oh wow!"

Barbadian postman - image by Stephanie Braconnier

Most Barbadians are of Afro-Caribbean or mixed descent. Among the uniquely Barbados traditions are Tuk music and the Crop Over Festival. Tuk music is played with drums, flutes and triangles and blends African rhythms with British military-style marching music.

The biggest cultural event of the year is the Crop Over festival, that includes a carnival and calypso music that is typical for the island. The Crop Over Festival is not only the island’s biggest but also the most colourful celebration! Here a short video from 2025 made by the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation about the 50th anniversary of the specific "Delivery of the Last Canes Ceremony", which marks the end of the festival's celebration:

The Crop Over festival began more than 200 years ago when enslaved Africans celebrated the end of the sugar cane harvest. Today, this festival is held over several weeks usually from June to August. In 2026, the festival will be held between 3 July and 4 August. This summer festival is filled with music, dancing and costumes, and ends with a spectacular street parade.

Read more about the Crop Over Festival and other fabulous Barbados Festivals here soon!

Sunday is traditionally a day for church, family meals, and relaxation. Many Barbadians dress formally for church and then gather for a big lunch.

All children must attend school until the age of 16 years.

Bridgetown city centre - image by Solarisys

Cricket is considered the national sport. Several Barbadians play in the cricket team of the West Indies. Barbados has produced so many world-class cricketers that it is often called a "cricket powerhouse" despite its small size! The most famous cricket ground in Barbados is the 'Kensington' Oval. The Cricket World Cup was held in Barbados in 2007.

Rugby, volleyball, netball, soccer and basketball are also popular among locals.

Interesting to know is that Barbados has one of the highest proportions of centenarians in the world, which means there are many people here who are older than 100 years! This high age is thought to be linked to the healthy diet, a relaxed lifestyle and strong family communities. Other "centenarian hotspots" are Okinawa in Japan and Sardinia in Italy.

Also, it is illegal for civilians to wear camouflage clothing in Barbados, as this pattern is reserved for the military.

Famous People from Barbados

Rihanna (born as Robyn Rihanna Fenty in 1988): Singer, businesswoman and national hero. Rihanna is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and founder of the Fenty Beauty cosmetics brand. In 2021 Barbados declared her a National Hero.

Frank Worrell (1924-1967): Cricketer and first Black captain of West Indies. He is remembered for promoting unity and sportsmanship.
Kamau Brathwaite (1930-2020): Poet. He was one of the Caribbean's most important poets and literary scholars. He explored African and Caribbean identity through his poetry.
Errol Barrow (1920–1987): known as the "Father of Independence" in Barbados. He led the country to independence from Britain in 1966 and introduced important social reforms.

Barbados Facts
Barbados Animals

Barbados’ main ecosystems are the marine and coastal ecosystems. Barbados is home to four species of turtles such as green turtles, loggerhead turtles as well as hawksbills and leatherback turtles.

Did you know?

On several beaches along the island's west coast, there are nesting sites for endangered hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles.
Conservation groups protect these nesting sites from May to November each year.
During the other months snorkellers often can swim alongside turtles just off the shore.

A fish species that is very important to Barbados is the flying fish. It appears on the coat of arms, on banknotes and is even part of the national dish! These remarkable fish use their large pectoral fins like wings to leap from the sea and glide up to 45 m/ 147 ft through the air to escape predators.

Land animals also include bats, lizards and green monkeys. There are about 10,000 of the green monkeys on the island, as they do not have any natural predators.

Barbados Green Monkeys - Image by Gemma Ribakovs

Did you know?

West African green monkeys were brought to Barbados by traders between 1650 and 1680.
In Barbados, there are more monkeys per square kilometre than almost anywhere else in the world!
At the Barbados Wildlife Reserve, you can encounter green monkeys.

Most animals on the island were introduced by humans.

There are 270 bird species living in Barbados, but just one is endemic, that means this species can only be found on this island. This is the Barbados bullfinch.

Barbados Facts
Barbados Economy

The main industries are tourism, sugar production and light manufacturing. Natural resources include petroleum, natural gas and fish. The most important agricultural products are vegetables, cotton and sugar cane.

Did you know?

Barbados was the world's leading sugar producer in the 18th century.
Sugar cane covered almost every field. Windmills pumped the water needed for the crop and you can still see the ruins of sugar mills across the countryside today.

The biggest import and export partners are the USA, Trinidad and Tobago and China. Barbados exports mainly sugar, molasses, rum and manufactured goods.

Barbados roadside - image by Simon Dannhauer

The currency is the Barbadian dollar (BBD) which is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 2:1. This means the exchange rate stands always at two Barbadian dollars equal one USD. Locals also call it the "Bajan dollar."

Barbados uses its own colourful banknotes which feature famous Barbadians and local landmarks.

Face of Grantley Herbert Adams on the 100 BBD note.

The 100$ note, which features the country's first premier Grantley Herbert Adams, is often referred to as "Grantley" by the Barbadians.

Barbados has one of the wealthiest populations in the Eastern Caribbean. However, more people leave the island than move there, so the population growth rate is very low. The unemployment rate is about 6.5% (BSS 2025)

Barbados Facts
Typical Bajan Food

Barbadian food is often called "Bajan cuisine," and is flavourful using a variety of Caribbean spices. Allspice (Pimento), peppers, thyme, garlic, marjoram, chives and onions are added to many dishes.

Barbadian cooking is typically a mix of African and European (Portuguese, French, English) food traditions. The dishes usually have mixed influence, such as 'fish and chips' which also have a unique taste, as they have a strong local influence due to the spice mix batter and the use of different herbs.

Barbados Bridgetown fresh fruits at market - image by Ana del Castillo

Fruits at the market - image by Ana del Castillo

A traditional Bajan meal includes meat (mainly chicken or pork) or fish, that has been marinated in herbs and spices, a starchy side dish such as sweet potatoes and some spicy gravy, as well as salad and fruits.

The national dish of Barbados is flying fish and cou-cou.

Flying Fish sandwich with fries

Did you know?

Flying fish are small fish species that is abundant in Barbadian waters.
The tiny fish actually leap out of the ocean and glide through the air.
Flying fish also appear on the Barbadian coat of arms!

Typical food in Barbados:

flying fish sandwich: Seasoned flying fish dipped in a spicy cajun batter, then grilled or deep fried, usually served with French fries or macaroni pie and some salad or coleslaw
sweet potato fishcakes:
cou cou: Cornmeal stew with okra that is shaped into a smooth mound. This dish has a strong African influence. In the Westafrican country of Ghana, people have a very similar maize flour dish which is traditionally stirred while cooking with a flat wooden stick. The dish is commonly served with a spicy tomato sauce.
pudding and souse: Pickled pork with spiced sweet potatoes
macaroni pie: Baked macaroni and cheese dish, usually spiced with curry powder or other spices and served as a side dish with fried fish

Bajan macaroni pie with flying fish

conkies: Corn cookies made with sweet potatoes or coconut flour and wrapped in banana leaf
jug jug: a traditional dish that is enjoyed by many during Crop Over festival. It is made from pigeon peas and guinea corn, dating back to when enslaved Africans adapted traditional British dishes.

Barbados Facts
Official Tourism Video

Watch this video by Visit Barbados, the country’s official tourism site. How many uniquely Bajan traditions can you spot?

Barbados Facts
Further Reading and Resources

Visit Barbados. "Unesco Heritage Site." Barbados Tourism Marketing. Last accessed 16 April 2026
Barbados Statistical Service. "Key Indicators". BSS. Last accessed 16 April 2026
Go Barbados. "Discover Barbados." Barbados Tourism Encyclopaedia. Last accessed 16 April 2026
Kylie Morrow. "How to make flying fish and cou cou." Sandals.com. 5 July 2018. Last accessed 16 April 2026
Go Barbados. "Conkies." Barbados Tourism Encyclopaedia. Last accessed 16 April 2026
Alexandra Baradi. "21 Interesting Facts and Funfacts about Barbados." Travel with Bender. Last accessed 16 April 2026

Picture credits on Barbados Facts: own or shutterstock.com - see credits as captions under images

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