Barbados - BB - BRB - BAR - Central America and the Caribbean
Last updated: May 05, 2025
Barbados Images
Harrison’s Cave in central Barbados provides tourists with a visual lesson of the purification process for island rainfall. Water seeping through the earthen roof forms an underground stream, which fills aquifers before draining into the ocean.
The Morgan Lewis Windmill in St. Andrew, Barbados, is the largest and only fully functioning sugar windmill in the Caribbean. This mill ground sugarcane from the 18th century through 1947. In 1962, the Barbados National Trust acquired the mill for preservation as a museum, and it was restored to full functionality.
Barbados geology is based on coral deposits and uplifts. Along the north shore, coral cliffs rise 15 m (50 ft) above the water below.
Saint James Church in Holetown is the oldest church in Barbados. The original building from 1628 was wooden, but coral and limestone upgrades were added over the next three centuries. The church today is largely unchanged from the early 1900s.
Bathsheba Beach is a popular surfing spot along the rugged east coast of Barbados. Limestone formations dot the coastline, providing a stark contrast to the clear waters.
Flower Cave on the Barbados north coast is a hollowed-out limestone cave that is partially submerged during high tide. Tourists can visit at low tide.
Harrison’s Cave in central Barbados provides tourists with a visual lesson of the purification process for island rainfall. Water seeping through the earthen roof forms an underground stream, which fills aquifers before draining into the ocean.
The Morgan Lewis Windmill in St. Andrew, Barbados, is the largest and only fully functioning sugar windmill in the Caribbean. This mill ground sugarcane from the 18th century through 1947. In 1962, the Barbados National Trust acquired the mill for preservation as a museum, and it was restored to full functionality.
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Barbados Factbook Data
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Karin B. SULLIVAN (since January 2025) note - also accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
embassy: Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, W.I.
mailing address: 3120 Bridgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3120
telephone: (246) 227-4000
FAX: (246) 431-0179
email address and website:
bridgetownpublicaffairs@state.gov
https://bb.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, W.I.
mailing address: 3120 Bridgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3120
telephone: (246) 227-4000
FAX: (246) 431-0179
email address and website:
bridgetownpublicaffairs@state.gov
https://bb.usembassy.gov/
Age structure
0-14 years: 16.6% (male 25,273/female 25,284)
15-64 years: 67% (male 100,328/female 103,536)
65 years and over: 16.3% (2024 est.) (male 20,986/female 28,732)
15-64 years: 67% (male 100,328/female 103,536)
65 years and over: 16.3% (2024 est.) (male 20,986/female 28,732)
This is the population pyramid for Barbados. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
13 10 N, 59 32 W
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Natural hazards
infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides
Area - comparative
2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Military service age and obligation
voluntary service only (men and women); 17 years, 9 months to 17 years, 11 months with letter of consent from a parent or guardian, or be in the age range of 18-25 years (18-30 for the Reserves) at the start of recruit training; citizens of Barbados by descent or naturalization (2024)
Background
Barbados was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. Enslaved Africans worked the sugar plantations established on the island, which initially dominated the Caribbean sugar industry. By 1720, Barbados was no longer a dominant force within the sugar industry, having been surpassed by the Leeward Islands and Jamaica. Slavery was abolished in 1834. The Barbadian economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance. Barbados became a republic in 2021, with the former Governor-General Sandra MASON elected as the first president.
Environment - current issues
pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifers
Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Exports - commodities
liquor, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, margarine, baked goods (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
USA 22%, Jamaica 17%, Trinidad & Tobago 8%, Canada 6%, Guyana 6% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Administrative divisions
11 parishes and 1 city*; Bridgetown*, Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas
Agricultural products
sugarcane, chicken, vegetables, milk, eggs, sweet potatoes, pork, coconuts, tropical fruits, pulses (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Military and security forces
Barbados Defense Force (BDF): The Barbados Regiment, The Barbados Coast Guard (2025)
note 1: the Barbados Police Service (TBPS) is the national police force; it is modeled after London's Metropolitan Police Service and divided into three territorial divisions
note 2: the Barbados Cadet Corps is a national youth organization affiliated with the BDF; membership is open to all school children in Barbados between the ages of 11 and 18
note 1: the Barbados Police Service (TBPS) is the national police force; it is modeled after London's Metropolitan Police Service and divided into three territorial divisions
note 2: the Barbados Cadet Corps is a national youth organization affiliated with the BDF; membership is open to all school children in Barbados between the ages of 11 and 18
Budget
revenues: $1.269 billion (2015 est.)
expenditures: $1.664 billion (2015 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
expenditures: $1.664 billion (2015 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Capital
name: Bridgetown
geographic coordinates: 13 06 N, 59 37 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: originally named Indian Bridge in 1628 for a bridge built beside Carlisle Bay, then called St. Michael's Town until the 19th century; now named after a bridge built over the Constitution River that flows through the center of the city
geographic coordinates: 13 06 N, 59 37 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: originally named Indian Bridge in 1628 for a bridge built beside Carlisle Bay, then called St. Michael's Town until the 19th century; now named after a bridge built over the Constitution River that flows through the center of the city
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, cars, plastic products, ships (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Climate
tropical; rainy season (June to October)
Coastline
97 km
Constitution
history: adopted 22 November 1966, effective 30 November 1966; Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2021 establishes Barbados as a republic and revokes the earlier Order in Council
amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as citizenship, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the organization and authorities of the branches of government requires two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses of Parliament; passage of other amendments only requires a majority vote of both houses
amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as citizenship, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the organization and authorities of the branches of government requires two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses of Parliament; passage of other amendments only requires a majority vote of both houses
Exchange rates
Barbadian dollars (BBD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
2 (2023 est.)
2 (2022 est.)
2 (2021 est.)
2 (2020 est.)
2 (2019 est.)
note: the Barbadian dollar is pegged to the US dollar
Exchange rates:
2 (2023 est.)
2 (2022 est.)
2 (2021 est.)
2 (2020 est.)
2 (2019 est.)
note: the Barbadian dollar is pegged to the US dollar
Executive branch
chief of state: President Sandra MASON (since 30 November 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Mia MOTTLEY (since 25 May 2018)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
elections/appointments: president elected by an electoral college of both Houses of Parliament for a 4-year renewable term; election last held on 20 October 2021 (next to be held by January 2027); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
election results: Sandra MASON elected as first president on 20 October 2021
head of government: Prime Minister Mia MOTTLEY (since 25 May 2018)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
elections/appointments: president elected by an electoral college of both Houses of Parliament for a 4-year renewable term; election last held on 20 October 2021 (next to be held by January 2027); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the president; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
election results: Sandra MASON elected as first president on 20 October 2021
Flag description
three equal vertical bands of ultramarine blue (hoist side), gold, and ultramarine blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the band colors represent the blue of the sea and sky and the gold of the beaches; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident)
Illicit drugs
a transit point for cocaine and marijuana destined for North America, Europe, and elsewhere in the Caribbean; some local demand for cocaine and some use of synthetic drugs
Independence
30 November 1966 (from the UK)
Industries
tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the High Court with 8 justices) and the Court of Appeal (consists of the High Court chief justice and president of the court and 4 justices; note - in 2005, Barbados acceded to the Caribbean Court of Justice as the final court of appeal, replacing that of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister and opposition leader of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, a 5-member independent body consisting of the Supreme Court chief justice, the commission head, and presidential appointees recommended by the prime minister; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 65
subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister and opposition leader of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, a 5-member independent body consisting of the Supreme Court chief justice, the commission head, and presidential appointees recommended by the prime minister; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 65
subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Land use
agricultural land: 23.3% (2022 est.)
arable land: 16.3% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 2.3% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 4.7% (2022 est.)
forest: 14.7% (2022 est.)
other: 62.1% (2022 est.)
arable land: 16.3% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 2.3% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 4.7% (2022 est.)
forest: 14.7% (2022 est.)
other: 62.1% (2022 est.)
Legal system
English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parlement de Barbade (Parliament of Barbados)
legislative structure: bicameral
note: tradition dictates that the next election is held within 5 years of the last election, but constitutionally it is 5 years from the first seating of Parliament plus a 90-day grace period
legislative structure: bicameral
note: tradition dictates that the next election is held within 5 years of the last election, but constitutionally it is 5 years from the first seating of Parliament plus a 90-day grace period
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 30 November (1966)
Nationality
noun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)
adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)
adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)
Natural resources
petroleum, fish, natural gas
Geography - note
easternmost Caribbean island
Economic overview
high-income Eastern Caribbean economy; high standard of living among regional peers; key tourism, construction, and financial sectors driving recent GDP growth; declining but still very high public debt leading to IMF support programs; susceptible to natural disasters and reliance on import partners
Political parties
Alliance Party for Progress or APP
Barbados Labor Party or BLP
Democratic Labor Party or DLP
Barbados Labor Party or BLP
Democratic Labor Party or DLP
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Telecommunication systems
general assessment: the telecom sector has seen a decline in subscriber numbers (particularly for prepaid mobile services the mainstay of short term visitors) and revenue; fixed and mobile broadband services are two areas that have benefited from the crisis as employees and students have resorted to working from home; one area of the telecom market that is not prepared for growth is 5G mobile; governments, regulators, and even the mobile network operators have shown that they have not been investing in 5G opportunities at the present time; network expansion and enhancements remain concentrated around improving LTE coverage (2021)
domestic: fixed-line teledensity of roughly 43 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone density about 113 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 1-246; landing points for the ECFS and Southern Caribbean Fiber submarine cable with links to 15 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad and Puerto Ricco; satellite earth stations - 1 (Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia (2019)
domestic: fixed-line teledensity of roughly 43 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular telephone density about 113 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 1-246; landing points for the ECFS and Southern Caribbean Fiber submarine cable with links to 15 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad and Puerto Ricco; satellite earth stations - 1 (Intelsat - Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia (2019)
Terrain
relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region
Government type
parliamentary republic; a Commonwealth realm
Military - note
formed in 1979, the Barbados Defense Force (BDF) is responsible for protecting national security, but it may also be called up to maintain internal public order in times of crisis, emergency, or other specific needs, such as special joint patrols with the police; it also provides humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations both domestically and regionally under the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS); other duties include assisting with national development, such as through the training of the country's youth with the units of the Barbados Cadet Corps
Barbados has been a member of the RSS since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security; the RSS is headquartered in Barbados (2024)
Barbados has been a member of the RSS since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security; the RSS is headquartered in Barbados (2024)
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Barbados
etymology: the name is the plural of the Spanish word barbado and means "the bearded ones," which could refer either to the beard-like leaves of the island's fig trees or to the beards of Carib inhabitants
conventional short form: Barbados
etymology: the name is the plural of the Spanish word barbado and means "the bearded ones," which could refer either to the beard-like leaves of the island's fig trees or to the beards of Carib inhabitants
Location
Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Irrigated land
50 sq km (2012)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Victor Anthony FERNANDES (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-9200
FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467
email address and website:
washington@foreign.gov.bb
https://www.foreign.gov.bb/embassies-high-commissions-and-permanent-missions/
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-9200
FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467
email address and website:
washington@foreign.gov.bb
https://www.foreign.gov.bb/embassies-high-commissions-and-permanent-missions/
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Internet users
percent of population: 76% (2022 est.)
Internet country code
.bb
GDP (official exchange rate)
$6.721 billion (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Credit ratings
Moody's rating: Caa1 (2019)
Standard & Poors rating: B- (2019)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Standard & Poors rating: B- (2019)
note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.
Total renewable water resources
80 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 31.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Broadcast media
government-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) operates the lone terrestrial TV station; CBC also operates a multi-channel cable TV subscription service; roughly a dozen radio stations, consisting of a CBC-operated network operating alongside privately owned radio stations (2019)
Drinking water source
improved:
urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 98.8% of population
unimproved:
urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 2% of population (2020 est.)
urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 98.8% of population
unimproved:
urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 2% of population (2020 est.)
National anthem
name: "The National Anthem of Barbados"
lyrics/music: Irving BURGIE/C. Van Roland EDWARDS
note: adopted 1966; the anthem is also known as "In Plenty and In Time of Need"
lyrics/music: Irving BURGIE/C. Van Roland EDWARDS
note: adopted 1966; the anthem is also known as "In Plenty and In Time of Need"
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Barbados. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
Major urban areas - population
89,000 BRIDGETOWN (capital) (2018)
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Hospital bed density
6 beds/1,000 population (2017)
National symbol(s)
Neptune's trident, pelican, Red Bird of Paradise flower (also known as Pride of Barbados); national colors: blue, yellow, black
Contraceptive prevalence rate
59.2% (2012)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 75.6% (2022 est.)
government consumption: 11.8% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 16.5% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.2% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 34.3% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -42.2% (2022 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
government consumption: 11.8% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 16.5% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.2% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 34.3% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -42.2% (2022 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 49.2 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 24.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.1 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 24.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.1 (2024 est.)
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Population distribution
most densely populated country in the eastern Caribbean; approximately one-third live in urban areas
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
8P
Sanitation facility access
improved:
urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: NA
rural: NA
total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
Ethnic groups
African descent 92.4%, mixed 3.1%, White 2.7%, East Indian 1.3%, other 0.2%, unspecified 0.3% (2010 est.)
Religions
Protestant 66.4% (includes Anglican 23.9%, other Pentecostal 19.5%, Adventist 5.9%, Methodist 4.2%, Wesleyan 3.4%, Nazarene 3.2%, Church of God 2.4%, Baptist 1.8%, Moravian 1.2%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 3.8%, other Christian 5.4% (includes Jehovah's Witness 2.0%, other 3.4%), Rastafarian 1%, other 1.5%, none 20.6%, unspecified 1.2% (2010 est.)
Languages
English (official), Bajan (English-based creole language, widely spoken in informal settings)
Imports - partners
USA 32%, Trinidad & Tobago 19%, Netherlands 6%, UK 6%, Guyana 5% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Literacy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.6%
male: 99.6%
female: 99.6% (2014)
total population: 99.6%
male: 99.6%
female: 99.6% (2014)
Elevation
highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Physician density
2.96 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Current health expenditure
8.1% of GDP (2021)
Military expenditures
0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2019 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2019 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 600 active personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the BDF's major equipment inventory is comprised mostly of donated items from China, the Netherlands, and the US (2024)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 20 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 10 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 5 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 10 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
agricultural: 5 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 174,815 tons (2011 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 15,733 tons (2015 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 9% (2015 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 15,733 tons (2015 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 9% (2015 est.)
Air pollutants
particulate matter emissions: 9.79 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 1.28 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 2.35 megatons (2020 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 1.28 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 2.35 megatons (2020 est.)
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
Coal
exports: 4 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 57 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 57 metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 91.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 7.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 7.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
production: 7.957 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 32.593 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 24.636 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 113.267 million cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 32.593 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 24.636 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 113.267 million cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 8,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 1.978 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 8,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 1.978 million barrels (2021 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.85 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
57.1% (2023 est.)
Remittances
1.27% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.36% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.61% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
1.36% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.61% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Bridgetown
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Bridgetown
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Assembly
number of seats: 30 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 1/19/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Barbados Labour Party (BLP) (30)
percentage of women in chamber: 26.7%
expected date of next election: January 2027
number of seats: 30 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 1/19/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Barbados Labour Party (BLP) (30)
percentage of women in chamber: 26.7%
expected date of next election: January 2027
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate
number of seats: 21 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 2/4/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 33.3%
expected date of next election: February 2027
number of seats: 21 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 2/4/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 33.3%
expected date of next election: February 2027
Labor force
145,000 (2023 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 24.9% (2023 est.)
male: 28.9% (2023 est.)
female: 20.3% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
male: 28.9% (2023 est.)
female: 20.3% (2023 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 41.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 40.3 years
female: 42.5 years
male: 40.3 years
female: 42.5 years
Maternal mortality ratio
39 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$1.606 billion (2023 est.)
$1.52 billion (2022 est.)
$1.673 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$1.52 billion (2022 est.)
$1.673 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
133.2% of GDP (2016 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Total fertility rate
1.7 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
7.95% (2023 est.)
8.49% (2022 est.)
9.42% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
8.49% (2022 est.)
9.42% (2021 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Population
total: 304,139 (2024 est.)
male: 146,587
female: 157,552
male: 146,587
female: 157,552
Carbon dioxide emissions
1.348 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 2 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 1.284 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 64,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 2 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 1.284 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 64,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Area
total : 430 sq km
land: 430 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 430 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Taxes and other revenues
24.91% (of GDP) (2016 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$5.428 billion (2023 est.)
$5.214 billion (2022 est.)
$4.425 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$5.214 billion (2022 est.)
$4.425 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Airports
1 (2025)
Infant mortality rate
total: 9.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 11.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.1 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 11.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 323,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 115 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 115 (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
9.79% (2023 est.)
4.1% (2019 est.)
3.67% (2018 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
4.1% (2019 est.)
3.67% (2018 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$296.396 million (2017 est.)
-$452.39 million (2016 est.)
-$98.732 million (2015 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$452.39 million (2016 est.)
-$98.732 million (2015 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$19,200 (2023 est.)
$18,500 (2022 est.)
$15,700 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$18,500 (2022 est.)
$15,700 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 106,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 37 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 37 (2022 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 8.5% (2020 est.)
male: 15% (2020 est.)
female: 1.9% (2020 est.)
male: 15% (2020 est.)
female: 1.9% (2020 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.1% (2016)
Energy consumption per capita
68.293 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Death rate
8.1 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
10.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 320,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 1.025 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 64.586 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 1.025 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 64.586 million kWh (2023 est.)
Merchant marine
total: 272 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 90, general cargo 149, oil tanker 5, other 28
by type: bulk carrier 90, general cargo 149, oil tanker 5, other 28
Imports
$2.12 billion (2021 est.)
$2.213 billion (2017 est.)
$2.238 billion (2016 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$2.213 billion (2017 est.)
$2.238 billion (2016 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$2.228 billion (2017 est.)
$2.41 billion (2016 est.)
$2.358 billion (2015 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$2.41 billion (2016 est.)
$2.358 billion (2015 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Heliports
1 (2025)
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 121,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 9.94 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.75 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.75 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 79 years (2024 est.)
male: 76.3 years
female: 81.8 years
male: 76.3 years
female: 81.8 years
Real GDP growth rate
4.09% (2023 est.)
17.83% (2022 est.)
-1.18% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
17.83% (2022 est.)
-1.18% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
-1.34% (2023 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 1.9% (2023 est.)
industry: 13.2% (2023 est.)
services: 75.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
industry: 13.2% (2023 est.)
services: 75.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Revenue from forest resources
0.01% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal
0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Education expenditures
6.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Population growth rate
0.23% (2024 est.)