Barbados

Some Basic Facts about the Island

Capital: Bridgetown (13°10′N, 59°32′W)

Official language: English

Area: 167 sq mi

Population (2005 estimate): 279,254

Currency: Barbadian dollar (US$1.00 = BD$2.00)

Time Difference: GMT -4

Internet TLD: .bb

Dialling code: +1-246

Barbados is divided into 11 parishes, of which St James and St Peter on the West Coast provide the best for holiday-makers, due the calmer waters of the Caribbean Sea (as opposed to the Atlantic to the East of the island).

The South Coast also has attractive beaches, but the waters are a little rougher. The area does benefit from some excellent restaurants but the hotels are not up to the standard of those along the West Coast. However, if surfing is your thing, then the South and East beaches will offer the waves you're looking for. The North Coast is rugged and spectacular, and also worth a visit - but definitely not for swimming.