Barbados is an independent island, with 166 square miles of land, located in the western Atlantic Ocean and just east of the Caribbean Sea.  It is a fairly flat island with the central region rising where its highest peak can be found at Mount Hillaby which reaches up to 340m.  With its tropical features, trade winds, fine sand, coral and kind people; it’s no wonder why tourists visit year after year.  Barbados can cater for all tourists’ needs with a variety of activities for beach-goers, sports-enthusiasts, nature lovers, those looking for culture and those looking for romance.  It has become an island to a diverse range of tourists, most of who are from North America and Europe, some of whom have decided to make the island a second home.

 

After a long period of British colonial rule, Barbados became an independent island in 1966.  It maintained its historical link with Britain by establishing membership to the Common Wealth Nations and Barbados continued to expand its links by becoming part of the United Nations and the Organisation of American States, all of which has helped to build its tourist industry. 

 

Barbados is steeped in history which can be found around the island, from the Jacobean Mansions, George Washington’s house through to the sugar mills and museums.  There are plenty of other attractions such as the Welchman Hall Gully, Harrison’s Cave, Ocean Park, shopping in the capital city of Bridgetown and the beaches. 

 

The beaches on the island can offer calm, relaxing, blue tranquil water on the west coast, gentle waves on the south coast (which also offers the opportunity for windsurfing) and huge waves that crash against the reef on the east and north coasts.  Plus, you can be inspired by the coral and sandstone cliffs on the north coast that rise straight out of the sea and reach up to a hundred feet in height.  It's still possible to find the occasional sheltered cove here.

 

Cou Cou and Flying Fish is the national dish of Barbados. Cou cou is a blend of cornmeal and okra mixed with salt, peppers and Bajan hot sauce. Flying fish is the most commonly found fish in the warm waters surrounding Barbados and is usually served fried or steamed.  Popular ingredients to many dishes include their seasoning known as Bajan seasoning or Barbados rum.

 

Property in Barbados
To buy land and property in Barbados, permission from the Central Bank of Barbados is required however because the banks will not lend to a non-Barbadian, the entire purchase amount must be brought into the island.  Once this money has been achieved, this amount must be registered with the Central Bank of Barbados. The Central Bank guarantees repatriation of this amount on selling.

 

Vendors are liable for the property transfer tax which is charged at the rate of 10% of the purchase price.

It is advisable to employ the services of an attorney-at-law and a reputable real estate agent to handle these transactions. Legal fees are approximately 2% of the purchase price.

 

Activities
Cricket is a much loved sport in Barbados (who held the 2007 Cricket World Cup) so finding a game to watch shouldn’t be too hard (depending on the time of year you travel).  Golf is another popular sport with the Barbados Open competition being held every year for the over 50’s.  Horse-riding and trekking, boat and safari excursions around the island, scuba diving, sailing and snorkelling are available in many of the tourist areas however, if you prefer more active pursuits, beach volleyball, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are also on offer.

 

For shopping and historical buildings all rolled into one, Broad Street in Bridgetown is a must see.  It consists of department stores, duty free shops plus and at the top of Broad Street lies the Parliament Buildings of Barbados.  The Barbados Parliament was established in 1639 and is third in the league table for the oldest Parliament in the entire Commonwealth. 

 

Barbados enjoys good nightlife and many tour cruises.

 

 

Language
English is the major language

 

Religion
Christianity

 

Barbados Dollar (B$)