Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean chain of islands. It is located latitude 13 degrees North. and longitude 59 degrees West. Affectionately known as "Little England" and "Bim", it has a population of approximately 273,400 and yet is a mere 166 square miles (416 square meters). The capital city is Bridgetown which is located on the southwestern side of the island.
Parishes – The island is divided into 11 divisions called "parishes", (similar to states or provinces) the largest of which is St. Philip. With the exception of St. George and St. Thomas, they all have a coastline.
Language - English is the official language. However, most Barbadians speak a local dialect called "Bajan".
Currency - The currency used is the Barbados dollar which is tied to the US dollar at the fixed rate of US$1.00 = BDS$1.98. US dollars are widely accepted on the island.
Climate - Barbados enjoys a warm and sunny climate year round with average temperatures ranging between 75 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit (24 and 31 degrees Celsius).The rainy season begins in June and goes through to November but the showers are usually brief and sunny skies soon reappear. The other half of the year is the dry season and encompasses the tourist "winter season" which runs from December to April. During this period, you can expect sunny skies day after day and cooling breezes with breathtaking sunsets.
Best time to visit – Year-round.
Beaches - Some of the best beaches in the world can be found in Barbados. The island is surrounded by pure, white sun-kissed beaches and beautiful turquoise waters. Barbados is of relatively flat terrain and of coral formation with lovely coral reefs surrounding most of the island.
Tourism - Tourism is the number one industry in Barbados with sugar now taking second place. It is the main source of foreign exchange and employment. Barbados enjoys a thriving tourist industry and welcomes visitors from all corners of the globe. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. The main sources of visitors come from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany and the Caribbean. Record numbers of cruise passengers also visit Barbados year round as an ever-increasing number of cruise liners choose Barbados as a preferred port of call.
Attractions & Activities - Barbados offers a host of wonderful and exciting attractions, activities and places of interest for all to enjoy. There is Harrison's Cave, Atlantis Submarine, Welchman Hall Gully, Andromeda Gardens, Barbados Wildlife Reserve, Flower Forest, Sunbury Plantation House and the Oistins Bay Garden amongst others. There are several water sport activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, jet-ski rides and sailing cruises, just to mention a few. If you are not just relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches or swimming among the turtles somewhere around the island, you may prefer to take a scenic tour or go on an island tour in a self-driven rental car or perhaps to go biking. There are many craft centers and museums you may wish to visit. Alternatively, you may prefer to take in a round of golf on one of the finest golf courses in the world or take in a game of cricket, the national sport.
National Festival - "Crop Over" is the national cultural festival of Barbados. It begins in June and culminates with Grand Kadooment in the first week in August.
Restaurants - There is an abundance of fine and informal restaurants in Barbados offering some of the most sumptuous cuisine found anywhere. A wide range of dining options is available to meet every taste and budget. Enjoy an evening at the ever-popular Oistins Bay Garden for a delicious "fish fry" enjoyed by both visitors and "Bajans", as locals are called.
Nightlife - There is extensive and varied nightlife and entertainment for all to enjoy. A night at the world famous St. Lawrence Gap, popularly known as "The Gap" is a must while in Barbados. There, you will find a host of nightclubs, restaurants and bars.
Education - Barbados enjoys a high standard of education with a literacy rate of approximately 98%. The Barbados Government pays the cost of education for Barbados students up to the secondary education level. There are numerous Government Primary and Secondary schools as well as several privately run Primary schools. There are a number of tertiary education institutions including the University of The West Indies and The Barbados Community College.
Religion - There are several dozen religious denominations in Barbados including Anglican, Evangelical, Hindu, Jehovah Witness, Jewish, Methodist, Moravian, Muslin, Pentecostal, Rastafarian, Roman Catholic, Seven Day Adventist and Spiritual Baptist.
Barbados is the prime location in the Caribbean to buy real estate. This comes as no surprise as its economic and social stability, relatively low crime rate, excellent infrastructure and telecommunications, lovely climate and high standard of living lends itself to be the ideal location to invest in real estate. In Barbados you can find a wide variety of affordable and luxury properties including beachfront properties, waterfront properties, residential homes, luxury homes, gated communities, townhouses, condos, retirement homes, apartments, hotel resorts, villas, plantation houses, guest houses, commercial developments as well as beautiful plots of land for both residential and commercial use.
There are no restrictions on non-nationals to buy real estate in Barbados.
Barbados – truly an Island Paradise. The "Gem" of the Caribbean.
Coral Stone Realty invites you to browse through our Barbados listings of Barbados Real Estate Sales and Barbados Land for Sale.