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AREA: |
430 sq km (166 sq miles). |
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CAPITAL: |
Bridgetown. |
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POPULATION: |
264,400 (official estimate 1995). |
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LANGUAGE: |
The official language is English. Local Bajan dialect is also spoken. |
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GEOGRAPHY: |
The easternmost island of the Caribbean, Barbados is 21 miles (34km) long and 14 miles (22km) wide.. To the west, beaches are made of fine white sand and there are natural coral reefs. Along the east coast there is a lively surf as the sea pounds the more rocky Atlantic shoreline. Barbados is predominantly flat with only a few gently rolling hills to the north. The coral structure of the island acts as a natural filter and the waters of Barbados are amongst the purest in the world. |
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GOVERNMENT: |
Became an independent nation in 1966 but retains the British monarch as its official head of state, represented by the Governor-General. Head of Government: Owen S Arthur (Barbados Labour Party) since 1994 |
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RELIGION: |
Mainly Christian, with an Anglican majority, Roman Catholic minority, plus small Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities. |
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TIME: |
TIME: GMT - 4 (- 5 in the summer). |
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CLIMATE: |
Average temperature is 80°F (27°C) and the warm sunshine is moderated by a steady North East Trade wind. Rain comes in quick showers and more frequently during 'rainy' season from June through November. |
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ELECTRICITY: |
110 Volts A.C. and 50 cycles. Two pronged U.S style. |
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CURRENCY: |
Barbados Dollar. US$1 = BDS $1.98, fixed rate. |
