41 Incredible Barbados Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
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Barbados is a small island located on the southeastern side of the Caribbean Sea.
Today, we are going to go through some interesting fun facts regarding Barbados, such as the Barbados flag, Barbados language, Barbados map, Barbados people, Barbados currency, and Barbados population. This island nation is shaped like a triangle.
This island spans from its northwest part to the southeast part spread over 20 mi (32.19 km). The capital city of this island happens to be Bridgetown. Barbados has pure drinking water on the island. The island approximately covers 169.50 sq mi (439 sq km) of area.
This town is deemed one of the main seaports. The island is grouped with the Lesser Antilles Archipelago, but it is not a part of it. The geological formation of this island is mountainous, and there are not many trees or wildlife either.
Barbados’ culture is more influenced by the British than by the Caribbean islands. Continue reading to learn many more facts about Barbados!
If you enjoyed reading our Barbados facts, you must also check out facts about Russia and facts about Cuba.
Where is Barbados located?
This island country is usually paired with the West Indies in the Caribbean region, which belongs to America. The official languages of this island country are English and Bajan Creole.
92.4% of the population are native blacks, 2.7% are white, 3.1% are multiracial, and 1.3% are South Asians. Christianity is the most popular religion in the country.
To the west of the country lie Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The sedimentary deposits of this country date back to over 70 million years ago. The deposits are of clay and sand.
The rocks have a chalky deposit as they were covered with coral limestone before they turned into an actual island. There are 300 ft (91.44 m) of coral that covers the island, which is fascinating. The government also has been keen on conserving this coral cover to prevent erosion of the island.
The highest part in Barbados is the Hillaby Mountains, which go up to 1102 ft (335.89 m). These mountains are located in the north-central part of the island. The eastern part of this mountain declines to form uplands that are sharp. It belongs to the Scotland District.
The flag of Barbados is blue and yellow in color with a trident head in the center. Barbados has the third oldest parliament.
Barbados got its original name from the bearded fig trees. These trees were found in abundance initially on this island. The Atlantic Ocean surrounds the entire island of Barbados.
What is Barbados famous for?
There are multiple things that the island of Barbados is well known for. They are unique in their own way, both geographically and culturally. The beaches in Barbados are white sand beaches.
Did you know Tiger Woods married his girlfriend in Barbados increasing the popularity of the island considerably?
The drinking water in Barbados is very pure, and this island was the first of the Caribbean Islands to have piped water. The telecommunication system in Barbados is top-notch, unlike most islands in general. The culture is extremely diverse as well. All the utilities that this country provides are available island-wide.
The tourists who come to Barbados indulge themselves in activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, sailing, tennis, waterskiing, and many more.
Barbados is deemed the birthplace of rum. Mount Gay Rum is the most famous rum on the entire island. The Mount Gay distilleries manufacture these specialties. This country was once known by the name 'Los Barbados'.
The flying fish is also popular in Barbados. The national dish of the land comes from this flying fish, and it has the name 'cou cou' and 'flying fish'. It is famous all across Barbados.
The Crop Over festival is one of the biggest celebrations that take place in Barbados. It is almost like a harvest festival to celebrate the last harvest of sugar canes. The conventional sugar is alternated with the local cane sugar in Barbados.
Chattel houses are popular in Barbados. They are small movable wooden houses. These houses were in a movable state during the old times due to the plantations.
The homeowners do not necessarily own the land on which the house stands. Green monkeys are also famous for sightseeing in Barbados. It is believed that these monkeys came from west Africa about 350 years ago.
Horse racing is a popular sport in the country. Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the most famous cricketing legends, was also born in Barbados. He played for the West Indies cricket team.
One of the last 18 Concorde planes can be seen at Barbados’ Airport. This site can be viewed at Grantley Adams International Airport. This is still a sight for all to see.
Cattlewash beach is famous for the healing properties that people believe it has.
Holetown was the first settlement that came up in Barbados. It was actually called Jamestown, which comes from the name of King James 1 of England.
Cricket is the national sport of Barbados and is played in the Kensington Oval stadium by international players.
What languages are spoken in Barbados?
The languages spoken in Barbados are mainly English and Bajan as well. British English is the dialect that is followed. Otherwise, the Bajan dialect is taken on.
Various West African languages are also spoken by the people of Barbados. Due to the vast cultural mix of this country, multiple languages are spoken.
French and Spanish are two languages that are taught to most people in Barbados. The literacy rate of this island country is remarkable.
What drink is Barbados known for?
Barbados is the home of rum, so this country is famous for its rum. Barbados is also called the 'culinary capital of the Caribbean'.
A Mauby drink is made from mauby syrup, which is mixed with water and topped with ice. A slice of orange adds a twist to the drink, making it a sumptuous drink on a warm day. Coconut water is also available on all days. Apart from these, golden apple juice and Banks beer are also well known in Barbados.
Barbadians call their home island 'Bim' or other nicknames linked with Barbados, such as 'Bimshire', informally. One of the most interesting Barbados facts is that it has mixed descent.
Long ago, it was a part of the British monarchy. It was a British colony. But now this independent Caribbean Island has over 1,500 rum shops and distilleries, including Foursquare Distilleries and St. Nicholas Abbey, a plantation home, museum, and rum distillery.
Whether you currently have a favorite rum mix or not, there's a good chance you'll find one better in Barbados. Barbados is the Caribbean Island that has it all, with stunning pearlescent white beaches and lovely azure waters.
A busy nightlife, the heartiest comfort food, and a to-die-for retail scene await you beyond the laid-back lifestyle and the island's surreal haze. You will also get fine-quality sugar cane in Barbados.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Barbados facts, then why not take a look at England facts, or Florida facts.
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Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy
Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy
With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.
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