Barbados Travel - Island Description

The easternmost Caribbean island, Barbados is relatively flat around the edges, rising gently to a central highland region. The highest point is Mount Hillaby, 336m.

Barbados is divided into 11 parishes: Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip and Saint Thomas.

The capital city and main shopping center of Bridgetown are an intriguing blend of Euro-bbean. Wooden fishing boats painted in the national colors of blue and yellow anchor in the shadow of large medieval-looking government buildings.

Something of a time warp, Bridgetown is very much a Caribbean island. Flying fish, one of the national symbols, are eaten in restaurants like hamburgers and afternoon tea is observed, even on the beaches.

Area: 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, with almost 800 miles of hard surface road.

Population: About 280,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

Language: English. No other European culture ever gained a foothold here. The country has been referred to as "Little England."

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.   

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