Location:

Most easterly of the Caribbean islands, immediately east of the Windward Islands and 460 km [285.7 miles] northwest of Venezuela.

History:

Barbados, first sighted by the Portuguese, was settled by the English in 1627 and remained under British Control until independence in 1966. The Barbados House of Assembly is the third oldest legislature in the Americas, dating from 1639.

Economic Summary:

Tourism is the main industry of this broad-based economy, accounting for an estimated 15.4 per cent of GDP and 50.6 per cent of foreign-exchange earnings in 1996.  Off-shore financing and informatics are also important foreign-exchange earners.

There is a light manufacturing sector which is focused mainly at the local market although there is some exporting to other Caribbean countries.  The products include foodstuff, beer, flour, animal feeds and chemicals.  The main agro-industries are sugar refining and rum distilling, each with substantial export production.

The construction sector is basically tourism-related and has recorded an average growth of 4.3 per cent in 1993-6.  Cement is produced locally and is a substantial boost to the industry.

Airport:

Grantley Adams International

Status:

Independent -  30 November 1966

Capital:

Bridgetown

Population:

250,010 (2000)

Currency:

Barbados Dollar

GDP Per Capita (at current market prices):

EC$25,170.9m (1999)

Government web page:

http://www.barbados.gov.bb