Country Profile: Barbados

Barbados is an eastern Caribbean island located northeast of Venezuela, marked by a tropical climate and a relatively flat terrain that rises gently to a central highland region. The population, estimated at 304,139 in 2024, predominantly consists of individuals of African descent. The Barbadian economy, which transitioned from sugar dependence to a focus on tourism and manufacturing in the late 20th century, is currently characterized by high-income levels and a public debt that remains a challenge. Governed as a parliamentary republic since achieving independence from the UK in 1966, Barbados became a republic in 2021 with Sandra MASON as its first president.

Geography

Barbados is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, with no land boundaries, but features a coastline of 97 km. The island covers an area of 430 square kilometers, making it 2.5 times larger than Washington, D.C. The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from June to October, and is prone to infrequent hurricanes.

• 430 sq km: Total area
• 97 km: Coastline length
• 336 m: Highest point, Mount Hillaby
• 0 km: Land boundaries

People and Society

The estimated population of Barbados is 304,139 in 2024, with a significant majority of individuals of African descent (92.4%). The capital, Bridgetown, is the largest urban area, home to approximately 89,000 residents. The official language is English, and the population displays a diverse range of religious affiliations, with Protestantism being the most common.

• 304,139: Population (2024 est.)
• 41.4 years: Median age
• 79 years: Life expectancy at birth
• 10.7 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2024 est.)

Economy

Barbados has a high-income economy with a GDP (PPP) estimated at $5.634 billion in 2024. Services dominate the economy, accounting for 75.4% of GDP in 2023, followed by industry at 13.2% and agriculture at 1.9%. Although public debt remains a concern, the economy is bolstered by tourism, construction, and financial services.

• $5.634 billion: GDP (PPP) (2024 est.)
• 3.8%: Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
• $19,900: GDP per capita (PPP) (2024 est.)
• 7.6%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.)

Government

Barbados operates as a parliamentary republic with a legal system based on English common law. The president serves as the head of state while the prime minister heads the government. The parliament is bicameral, consisting of the House of Assembly and the Senate, and the right to vote is granted at 18 years of age.

• President: Sandra MASON (since 2021)
• Prime Minister: Mia MOTTLEY (since 2018)
• 11: Administrative divisions (parishes and 1 city)
• 30: Seats in the House of Assembly

Military and Security

The Barbados Defense Force includes the Barbados Regiment and the Coast Guard, primarily focused on national security and public order. Military expenditures are relatively low, comprising about 0.7% of GDP in recent years. The BDF also engages in humanitarian assistance.

• 600: Active personnel (approx.)
• 0.7%: Military expenditures as % of GDP (2024 est.)
• 1979: Year the BDF was formed
• Voluntary service: Only (no conscription)

Energy

Barbados has achieved 100% electricity access, relying heavily on fossil fuels for energy generation, which account for 91.9% of its installed capacity. The country is also beginning to explore renewable sources, particularly solar energy.

• 320,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
• 1.025 billion kWh: Electricity consumption (2023 est.)
• 91.9%: Fossil fuels as a share of total energy generation (2023 est.)
• 2,000 bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023 est.)

Environment

Barbados faces environmental challenges such as coastal pollution and soil erosion. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing issues like biodiversity and climate change.

• 23.3%: Agricultural land as of 2022
• 100%: Access to improved sanitation facilities
• 80 million cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020 est.)
• 9%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled annually (2015 est.)

Transportation

Barbados has a single airport and a small merchant marine fleet, primarily focused on bulk and cargo. The island's transportation infrastructure supports both local and tourism-related travel.

• 1: Major airport (2025)
• 272: Merchant marine vessels (2023)
• 1: Port (Bridgetown)

Communications

The telecommunications sector in Barbados is well-developed, with a significant percentage of the population using mobile phones and internet services. The country has a state-run television station and multiple radio outlets.

• 323,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 est.)
• 106,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.)
• 80%: Internet user penetration (2023 est.)
• 121,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	304,139 (2024 est.)
Area	430 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$5.634 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	7.6%	2024 est.
Life Expectancy at Birth	79 years	2024 est.
Birth Rate	10.7 births/1,000 population	2024 est.
Military Expenditures	0.7% of GDP	2024 est.
Energy Consumption per Capita	68.293 million Btu/person	2023 est.
Electricity Access	100%	2022 est.
Urban Population	31.4% of total	2023 est.