Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
Barbados was settled by the English in 1627 and became one of the richest sugar colonies in the Caribbean. It gained independence in 1966 and became a republic in 2021, replacing the British monarch as head of state.
Culture
Crop Over, the summer harvest festival, ends with the Grand Kadooment carnival parade. Cricket, rum and calypso are central, and Barbados is the home island of Rihanna.
Languages & Creoles
English is the official language. Bajan, an English-based creole, is spoken day to day.
Currency
The Barbados dollar (BBD), fixed at 2 to the US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted.
Popular Attractions
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors explore Harrison's Cave, the rugged east coast at Bathsheba and the calm west-coast beaches.
Food
The national dish is cou-cou and flying fish. Fish cakes, macaroni pie and Friday night fish fry at Oistins are must-tries.
Places to Visit
Bridgetown, Oistins, Holetown, Bathsheba, Carlisle Bay and the Mount Gay rum distillery.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres