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Government
Suffrage: Universal at 18.
The economy of Barbados has traditionally relied on the growing of
sugarcane and the production and export of refined sugar,
molasses, and rum. Sugarcane is grown principally on large estates
rather than on small farms; the harvest in 1997 totaled 570,900
metric tons. Efforts have been made by the government to reduce
the dependency on sugarcane products. The island is well served by roads, of which some 1475 km (some 915 mi) are paved. An international airport is located at Seawell in the southeast. The artificial deepwater harbor of Bridgetown was opened in 1961. In 1972 a central bank was established and a new unit of currency adopted, the Barbados dollar (2 Barbados dollars equal U.S.$1; 1996). The population of Barbados (1998 estimate) was 258,756. The average population density of 602 persons per sq km (1559 per sq mi) was notably high considering the predominantly rural agricultural character of the island. The annual growth rate of the population during the 1970s and 1980s was kept below 1 percent by out-migration. In 1997 the country was growing at only 0.12 percent annually. The capital, largest city, and only seaport is Bridgetown, with a population (1990) of 6720. English is the official language. More than 50 percent of the people are Anglicans; other important faiths include various Protestant sects and Roman Catholicism. Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 16. In the 1991-1992 school year 26,662 pupils were enrolled in primary schools. A campus of the University of the West Indies was established at Bridgetown in 1963. The culture of Barbados combines English institutions, which evolved through more than three centuries of English rule, with a folk culture of African origin. The music and dances of Barbados reflect more purely the African heritage. The island has a museum and public library in Bridgetown and 2 daily newspapers. |
Windsurfing is one of the most popular sports in Barbados and it is easy to see why! Barbados is surrounded by surfable waves, specially on the East Coast (Bathsheba) and south coast (Silver Sands). The best time to surf in Barbados is between December and March although waves are available all year around. You simply arrive, check the coast pack your board and follow the surf.
Completive surfing in Barbados is organized by the Barbados surfing Association which numbers over 70 members and every 2 years sends a team of 20 competitors to the world championships. With its natural unspoiled beauty, consistent high waves, warm tropical waters and friendly locals, Barbados is truly a surfer's paradise. One friendly tip - sun block is necessity of life. A healthy heart, lungs and strong, toned, flexible muscles achieved through strength training and aerobics is the key to looking, feeling and being your best. At West One we custom tailor programme which improve your co-ordination, flexibility and stamina: irrespective of your present age or conditioning. West One brings new meaning to the promise of advanced equipment and greater results through instruction from one of our personal trainers. A Luxurious beach front villa. Your yacht, moored steps away from your door. The whole of the Caribbean sea, and an entire tropical island as your playground. For yachting enthusiasts, or those simply seeking a holiday home in a unique environment, this is the ultimate reward, if not a glimpse of Paradise itself.
Experiance the best of Barbados
with Kensal Sporting
is set in 70 acres of majestic rural Barbados. This sporting
club with its friendly country club atmosphere offers the visitor
a unique day out Come up and experience the hospitality and
excitement of Kendal sporting. |
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Enjoy an exciting sail down the coast of beautiful Barbados, with
the warm tropical sun and the calm azure Caribbean Sea slipping
by, taking you to anchor in an idyllic bay.
Monday through Sunday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. This popular cruise is ideal for viewing the coast line and soaking in the sun, we offer a Continental Breakfast and an open pit B-B-Que Lunch with a choice of chicken and fish with corn on the cob, a variety of side dishes, salads and garlic bread. Lunch is also served with a glass of wine. Two snorkel stops are offered, one on our lunch stop which is done on a reef (snorkel gear provided), a delicious Buffet Lunch is served shortly after our first snorkel period. On our return home our second snorkel stop is done over the Berwin Wreck which is situated in the Carlisle Bay. Our delicious homemade coconut and banana bread is served between our snorkel stops along with coffee or tea. Refreshments are served throughout the day. The Ultimate Catamaran Experience Attractions
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