Barbados is a small island nation situated just east of the Caribbean Sea. Barbados has a very high standard of living and ranks third after Canada and the United States in the Americas. The island is a major tourist destination. The climate is tropical with mild constant tradewinds. The history of Barbados is similar to many other islands in the area.

Originally it was populated with American nomads. It was rediscovered by the Portuguese from whom it presumably got its current name. After the Portuguese came a period of slave trading, emigration, immigration and plantation industry. The island was then under the rule of the United Kingdom until it gained full independence in the Commonwealth in 1966. Today tourism and foreign investment has taken over sugarcane production as primary movers in the economy of Barbados. Infra-structure is well developed and most goods are readily available. The country is very stable politically and economically.

Inhabitants: 279,254
Area: 431 km2
Capital: Bridgetown (96,578)
Languages: English (Bajan)
Religion: Mainly Protestant Christians
GBD per capita: $17,610
Government: Democracy
Climate: Tropical