Barbados
(bahr-BAI-duhs), island state (
166 sq mi/430 sq km; 1990 est.
pop. 260,000), in the West Indies; Bridgetown; 13°10'N
59°33'W. The isl., E of St. Vincent, in the Windward Isls., is low
and rises gradually toward its highest point at Mt. Hillaby
(1,104 ft/340 m). Although there is ample
rainfall from June to Dec., there are no rivers, and water must be
pumped from subterranean caverns. The porous soil and moderate warmth
are excellent for the cultivation of sugarcane, which was historically
the isl.'s main occupation. The healthful and equable climate makes it
a very popular tourist resort (tourism is the country's largest
industry). Mfg. and banking are growing sectors of the economy.
Although it was probably originally inhabited by Arawaks, it was
uninhabited when Eng. expeditionaries 1st settled there in 1627 (1605,
according to local tradition). Barbados remained a Br. colony until
independence was granted in 1966. During the 19th cent. it was the
administrative hq. of the Windward Isls., but in 1885 it became a
separate colony. It was a member of the short-lived Federation of the
West Indies (1958-1962). The isl. has a parliamentary form of govt. It
is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of Amer.
States, the Caribbean Community, and the UN.
Capital city or county seat is shown by the symbol
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Bridgetown; 13°10'N
59°33'W. The isl., E of St. Vincent, in the Windward Isls., is low
and rises gradually toward its highest point at Mt. Hillaby
(1,104 ft/340 m). Although there is ample
rainfall from June to Dec., there are no rivers, and water must be
pumped from subterranean caverns. The porous soil and moderate warmth
are excellent for the cultivation of sugarcane, which was historically
the isl.'s main occupation. The healthful and equable climate makes it
a very popular tourist resort (tourism is the country's largest
industry). Mfg. and banking are growing sectors of the economy.
Although it was probably originally inhabited by Arawaks, it was
uninhabited when Eng. expeditionaries 1st settled there in 1627 (1605,
according to local tradition). Barbados remained a Br. colony until
independence was granted in 1966. During the 19th cent. it was the
administrative hq. of the Windward Isls., but in 1885 it became a
separate colony. It was a member of the short-lived Federation of the
West Indies (1958-1962). The isl. has a parliamentary form of govt. It
is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of Amer.
States, the Caribbean Community, and the UN.
