Caribbean, Windward Islands.

GMT -4.

430 sq km (166 sq miles).

272,000 (UN, 2005).

632.55 per sq km.

Bridgetown. Population: 5928 (1990).

Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean chain of islands. It lies well to the east of the West Indies. To the west, beaches are made of fine white sand and there are natural coral reefs. Along the east coast there is a lively surf as the sea pounds the more rocky shoreline. Barbados is predominantly flat with only a few gently rolling hills to the north. The coral structure of the island acts as a natural filter and the waters of Barbados are amongst the purest in the world.

The British monarch is Head of State and is represented in Barbados by a Governor General who is advised by the Cabinet and appoints the Prime Minister. The legislature comprises the Governor General, a 21-member Senate and the 28-strong House of Assembly, members of which are elected by universal adult suffrage for terms of up to five years.

Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1966. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Sir Clifford Husband since 1996. Head of Government: Prime Minister Owen Seymour Arthur since 1994. Recent history: Owen Arthur, a trained Economist, won a third term as Prime Minister in 2003 after his Barbados Labour Party (BLP) won 23 of 30 seats in Parliament. Barbados has been a stable democracy since it gained independence. However, there is a strong lobby – backed by a recent Government Commission examining Barbados’ constitutional future – for an elected President as Head of State. This would follow the example of Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and Dominica.

The official language is English. Local Bajan dialect is also spoken.

Mainly Christian, with an Anglican majority, Roman Catholic minority, plus small Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities.

Social attitudes, like administration and architecture, tend to echo the British provincial market town. However, the optimistic attitude, laid-back manner and wonderful sense of humour of the Bajans is well appreciated by many tourists. Casual wear is acceptable in most places. Dressing for dinner in hotels and restaurants is suggested. Smoking is generally unrestricted. Topless bathing is frowned upon. Certain homosexual acts are illegal.

110-115 volts AC, 50Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in use.