Country Profile: Barbados

Barbados is an eastern Caribbean island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for its relatively flat terrain and tropical climate. With a population of approximately 304,139, the nation has a rich history dating back to its settlement by the British in 1627, transitioning from a sugar-centric economy to one increasingly driven by tourism and manufacturing. After gaining independence from the UK in 1966, Barbados became a republic in 2021, reflecting its ongoing evolution in governance and economic structure.

Geography

Barbados is the easternmost island of the Caribbean, featuring a total area of 430 square kilometers with a coastline of 97 kilometers. The island's terrain rises gently to a central highland region, with its highest point being Mount Hillaby at 336 meters. The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from June to October, and the island faces occasional natural hazards including hurricanes and landslides.

430 sq km: Total land area
97 km: Length of coastline
336 m: Elevation of the highest point, Mount Hillaby
12 nm: Territorial sea limit
200 nm: Exclusive economic zone

People and Society

As of 2024, Barbados has a population estimated at 304,139, with a majority of the populace being of African descent. English is the official language, while Bajan, an English-based creole, is commonly spoken in informal settings. The age structure shows a median age of 41.4 years, indicative of a mature demographic, and the country has a relatively high life expectancy of 79 years.

304,139: Estimated total population (2024)
16.6%: Proportion of the population aged 0-14 years
67%: Proportion of the population aged 15-64 years
16.3%: Proportion of the population aged 65 years and older
10.7 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024)
79 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
20.6%: Percentage of the population with no religious affiliation (2010 est.)

Economy

Barbados possesses a high-income economy led by the tourism, construction, and financial sectors, contributing to a GDP of approximately $5.634 billion in 2024. The economy has seen fluctuations in public debt, leading to reliance on international support. As of 2024, unemployment stands at 7.6% with a labor force of around 147,200.

$5.634 billion: GDP (PPP) (2024)
3.8%: Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
$19,900: GDP per capita (PPP) (2024)
7.6%: Unemployment rate (2024)
75.4%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2023)
1.9%: Agriculture sector contribution to GDP (2023)
34.3%: Exports of goods and services as a percentage of GDP (2022)

Government

Barbados operates as a parliamentary republic and was formerly a Commonwealth realm. The government includes a bicameral Parliament and has undergone significant political transformations, including its recent republic status established in 2021. The current President is Jeffrey Davidson Bostic, and the Prime Minister is Mia Mottley.

2021: Year Barbados became a republic
30: Number of seats in the House of Assembly
21: Number of seats in the Senate
18 years: Minimum voting age
11: Total administrative parishes

Military and Security

The Barbados Defense Force (BDF) includes the Barbados Regiment and the Barbados Coast Guard, with around 600 active personnel. Military expenditures are low, constituting about 0.7% of GDP as of 2024. The BDF has responsibilities extending to maintaining public order and participating in regional security efforts.

0.7%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024)
600: Number of active BDF personnel (2025)
1979: Year the Barbados Defense Force was established
17-25 years: Age range for voluntary military service

Energy

Barbados has achieved 100% electricity access, primarily generated from fossil fuels (91.9%). The installed electrical capacity stands at 320,000 kW, serving both residential and industrial needs. Energy consumption per capita illustrates a moderate use of resources compared to the population.

100%: Electrification rate of the total population (2022)
320,000 kW: Installed generating capacity (2023)
1.025 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023)
7.9%: Contribution of solar energy to total installed capacity (2023)

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure includes one major airport and a small number of heliports, alongside a merchant marine fleet of 272 vessels. The Port of Bridgetown is the key port facility, enhancing trade and logistics capacity for the island.

1: Number of airports (2025)
272: Total number of merchant marine vessels (2023)
1: Total number of ports (2024)

Communications

Barbados boasts a well-developed communication network with a high mobile cellular subscription rate. The prevalence of the internet is notable, with around 80% of the population using online services. Fixed-line subscriptions also demonstrate a robust telecommunication infrastructure.

80%: Percentage of internet users in the population (2023)
323,000: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
121,000: Total fixed-line subscriptions (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	304,139	Estimated (2024)
Area	430 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$5.634 billion	Estimated (2024)
Unemployment Rate	7.6%	Estimated (2024)
Life Expectancy	79 years	Estimated (2024)
Birth Rate	10.7 births/1,000 population	Estimated (2024)
Military Expenditure	0.7% of GDP	Estimated (2024)
Electricity Access	100%	Total population (2022)
Median Age	41.4 years	Estimated (2024)