Country Profile: Barbados

Barbados is an island nation located in the Caribbean, known for its rich history, tropical climate, and vibrant culture. Home to approximately 304,139 residents as of 2024, it has transitioned from a sugar-based economy to one that now emphasizes tourism, construction, and financial services. Governance is characterized by a parliamentary republic structure, with the country becoming a republic in 2021. The economy has seen significant contributions from various sectors, despite challenges related to public debt and natural disasters.

Geography

Barbados is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela, and is the easternmost island in the Caribbean chain. The total area of the island is 430 square kilometers, with a coastline measuring 97 kilometers. The terrain is relatively flat, rising gently to a central highland region, where Mount Hillaby, the highest point, reaches 336 meters. The country experiences a tropical climate with a rainy season extending from June to October.

430 sq km - Total area
336 m - Highest point (Mount Hillaby)
97 km - Coastline length
12 nm - Territorial sea claim
200 nm - Exclusive economic zone

People and Society

Barbados has a population of approximately 304,139, with a demographic profile that consists largely of residents of African descent (92.4%). English is the official language, while a colloquial form known as Bajan is widely spoken. The nation boasts a high life expectancy of 79 years and a median age of 42.2 years. The population exhibits a majority Protestant religious affiliation, with a notable segment identifying as Rastafarian.

304,139 - Estimated population (2024)
79 years - Average life expectancy
67% - Population aged 15-64 years
8.02 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2025 est.)
20.6% - Percentage of population with no religious affiliation

Economy

Barbados possesses a high-income economy, with a GDP (PPP) of approximately $5.634 billion in 2024. The economy is heavily reliant on the services sector, which contributes around 75.4% to GDP, while agriculture accounts for just 1.9%. The country has experienced fluctuations in GDP growth, with a projected growth rate of 3.8% for 2024, showcasing resilience through tourism and construction developments despite high public debt levels.

$5.634 billion - GDP (PPP, 2024 est.)
75.4% - Service sector contribution to GDP (2023 est.)
7.6% - Unemployment rate (2024 est.)
1.9% - Agriculture's GDP contribution (2023 est.)
$19,900 - GDP per capita (PPP, 2024 est.)

Government

Barbados operates as a parliamentary republic with a history rooted in British colonialism. The capital, Bridgetown, functions as the political hub of the nation. The Barbadian legal system is based on English common law, and the country became independent from the United Kingdom on November 30, 1966. The government is structured with an executive headed by the Prime Minister, currently Mia Mottley, and a bicameral Parliament.

$7.165 billion - GDP (official rate, 2024 est.)
30 - Seats in the House of Assembly (all directly elected)
11 parishes and 1 city - Administrative divisions
18 years - Minimum voting age
1 - Number of World Heritage Sites

Military and Security

The Barbados Defense Force (BDF) is responsible for national security, which includes the Barbados Regiment and the Coast Guard. The military has approximately 600 active personnel and is supported by the Barbados Police Service, which models London’s Metropolitan Police. Military expenditures represent about 0.7% of GDP as of 2024.

600 - Active military personnel (2025)
0.7% - Military expenditure as a share of GDP (2024)
18-25 years - Age range for voluntary military service
1 - Main security force (Barbados Police Service)
1979 - Year the BDF was formed

Energy

Barbados has achieved 100% electrification, primarily relying on fossil fuels, which constitute 91.9% of its installed electricity generation capacity. The country consumes approximately 1.025 billion kWh of electricity yearly, with significant reliance on natural gas and petroleum for energy needs.

320,000 kW - Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
100% - Electrification rate (2022 est.)
1.025 billion kWh - Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
2,000 bbl/day - Total petroleum production (2023 est.)
91.9% - Fossil fuels share of electricity generation capacity (2023 est.)

Transportation

Barbados has a small but functional transportation infrastructure, with one airport serving international flights and a modest merchant marine fleet comprising 272 vessels. The key port, Bridgetown, plays a vital role in the nation’s trade and transport activities.

1 - Major airport (2025)
272 - Total merchant marine vessels (2023)
1 - Main port operational (2024)
1 - Heliport available (2025)

Communications

The country has a well-developed communication network, with a high rate of mobile cellular subscriptions. Approximately 80% of the population uses the internet, and fixed-line subscriptions are also prevalent.

80% - Internet usage among the population (2023 est.)
323,482 - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 est.)
106,000 - Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.)
121,000 - Fixed line subscriptions (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	304,139 (2024 est.)	Total estimated population
Area	430 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$5.634 billion	Real GDP for 2024
Unemployment Rate	7.6%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	8.02 births/1,000	Birth rate for 2025
Life Expectancy	79 years	Average life expectancy
Military Expenditure	0.7% of GDP	Military spending as a share of GDP (2024)
Electricity Access	100%	Electrification rate (2022 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	1.348 million metric tonnes	Estimated total emissions (2023 est.)
Urban Population	31.4%	Percentage of population living in urban areas (2023)