266,100 (1997).

618.8 per sq km.

Bridgetown

6070 (1990).

Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean chain of islands. It lies well to the east of the West Indies, making it the most windward of the Windward Islands. To the west, beaches are made of fine white sand and there are natural coral reefs. Along the east coast there is a lively surf as the sea pounds the more rocky shoreline. Barbados is predominantly flat with only a few gently rolling hills to the north. The coral structure of the island acts as a natural filter and the waters of Barbados are amongst the purest in the world.

Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1966. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Sir Clifford Husbands since 1996. Head of Government: Owen S Arthur since 1994.

The official language is English. Local Bajan dialect is also spoken.

Mainly Christian, with an Anglican majority, Roman Catholic minority, plus small Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities.

GMT - 4 (- 5 in the summer).

110 volts AC, 50Hz. American-style 2-pin plugs are in use.