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Barbados

Barbados

Continent

North America

Best States to Visit

  • St.Lucy
  • St.Peter
  • St.Andrew
  • St.James
  • St.Joseph

Best Cities to Visit

  • Bridgetown
  • Holetown
  • Oistins
  • Speightstown
  • Bathsheba

Size

431 KM2

Population

287,000

GDP

$4,365,500,000

Spending Budget

$400 - $1,300

Famous For

  • Tropical beaches
  • Pirate history
  • Rum

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • February
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

History

Inhabited by Kalinago people since the 13th century, and prior to that by other Amerindians, Barbados was invaded by Spanish navigators in the late 15th century and claimed for the Spanish Crown. It first appeared on a Spanish map in 1511. The Portuguese Empire claimed the island between 1532 and 1536, but later abandoned it in 1620 with their only remnants being an introduction of wild boars for a good supply of meat whenever the island was visited. An English ship, the Olive Blossom, arrived in Barbados on 14 May 1625; its men took possession of the island in the name of King James I. In 1627, the first permanent settlers arrived from England, and Barbados became an English and later British colony. During this period, the colony operated on a plantation economy, relying on the labour of enslaved Africans who worked on the island's plantations. The slave trade to the island continued until it was outlawed by the Slave Trade Act 1807, with final emancipation of the enslaved population in Barbados occurring over a period of five years following the Slavery Abolition Act 1833.

Present Day

On 30 November 1966, Barbados became an independent state and Commonwealth realm with Elizabeth II as its queen, though the country is planning to remove her as its head of state and become a republic by 30 November 2021. The population of 287,010 is predominantly of African descent. Despite being classified as an Atlantic island, Barbados is considered to be part of the Caribbean and is ranked as one of its leading tourist destinations.

Future

IICA Barbados is approved by the Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) Council as a Training Centre to deliver N/CVQs in 11 courses for the Agri-Food Sector. These are: Crop Production (Levels 1&2), Livestock Rearing, Aquaculture Grow Out Operations, Rabbit Rearing; Tree Crop Farming; Butchery; Agro-Processing (Levels 1, 2 &3) and Amenity Horticulture. Since 2012, IICA Barbados has implemented a Youth Farm Summer Programme for secondary school students, strongly supported by the Government of Barbados through the TVET Council under the Ministries of Labour and Education. Over the years, the Youth Farm Programme has been funded by: IICA, TVET Council, Ministry of Education; New Zealand High Commission to Barbados; WUSC PROPEL of Canada; UN Food & Agriculture Organization. Support for internships, job attachments and awards has also been provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, private farmers and local businesses.
Must Visit Places ------------

Carlisle Bay

One of the most picturesque destinations in Barbados is Carlisle Bay on the edge of Bridgetown. Beautiful blond beaches and long stretches of crystal-clear turquoise waters make this one of the most inviting areas to dip your toes in the sea or set up a beach chair.

Downtown Bridgetown

Bridgetown, the nation's capital, is home to a wealth of attractions, but it's also simply a beautiful place to wander around, shop, or grab a meal. The downtown is easy to navigate, and most of the sights are in close proximity and can be visited on foot.

Bathsheba Bay

Set along the rugged Atlantic coast, Bathsheba Bay offers a dramatic glimpse into the erosive power of the ocean. The beach here, popular with surfers but not a great place for swimming, is dotted with huge rock formations created by the remains of ancient coral reefs undercut by the relentless waves.

Animal Flower Cave

At the northern tip of Barbados, the Animal Flower Cave is one of the top places to visit, not just for the cave, but for the dramatic views from the lookout above. From February to April, you also have a chance of seeing humpback whales from the cliff-side above the cave. Be sure to take a cave tour; they only take 15 to 20 minutes and are led by a guide.

St. Nicholas Abbey

The Jacobean great house at St. Nicholas Abbey was built in 1658, and the tales that have ensued over the years around the abbey are as intriguing as the plantation itself. Despite the name, the abbey was a plantation and never had any religious association.

Crane Beach

Crane Beach is a beautiful soft-sand beach tucked in a cove on the Atlantic coast, surrounded by high natural walls. The white sand, tinged with a hint of pink, looks out over blue and turquoise waters, while offshore waves break on the reef. The beach was once a boat landing where cargo was unloaded and lifted by a crane set atop the cliff.

Wildlife Reserve

The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a great place to see and enjoy some of Barbados' most notable creatures, including the island's famous green monkeys. You can often see the monkeys interacting with other wildlife at the reserve, entertaining themselves by pestering tortoises and other inhabitants.

Oistins

If you're wondering what to do in Barbados at night, Oistins' Friday Fish Fry is the answer. Every Friday night, you can try locally caught fish fresh off the grill. Dozens of vendors set up here and offer a full range of fish and side dishes. Locals and tourists come to enjoy the food and atmosphere. Picnic tables or plastic tables under tents serve as makeshift restaurants. In front, along the ocean-side, vendors sell jewelry and trinkets.

Farley Hill National Park

Like an undiscovered Mayan ruin in the jungle, the remains of the great house on Farley Hill are overgrown with trees and vines, creating a scene perhaps more dramatic than when the hall was in its full glory. The house is believed to have been built in 1818 and occupied for many years before falling into a state of decay by the 1940s. It was restored in the mid-1950s to be used as a filming site, but the materials used were inflammable and the great hall was destroyed in a fire.

St. Lawrence Gap

St. Lawrence Gap, about 20 minutes from Bridgetown on the south coast, is a colorful 1.3-kilometer section of street known for its restaurants and shops. Most of the activity here happens in the late afternoon and into the night. As the evening goes on, the area becomes more and more lively.