A Beautiful

Climate

Barbados is nestled just north of the equator in what is known as the tropics. Therefore, this little island paradise has a climate blessed with a beautiful weather combination – bright sunshine and cool breezes virtually all year round.

The climate in Barbados is considered to be moderately tropical, and you’ll find temperatures reasonably constant, typically range between 80-86 degrees Fahrenheit (27-30 degrees Celsius) and 70-76% humidity for most of the year.

The moderately high daytime temperatures are balanced by refreshing, cooler nights thanks to Tradewinds coming in off the Atlantic Ocean, just to the north/north-east of the island. There are slightly lower temperatures at higher points of the island and these areas also typically tend to feel more breezy than the other geographically lower regions.

Source: Totally Barbados

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Culture

The customs, social interactions, achievements and arts associated with Barbados have all served well in the development of what is so often echoed in the air as “Dat is we culture”. Whether it be through culinary arts, dance, music, sports, its people, its religion or even the very limes at the rum shop, they all reflect the picture of culture. Amidst the many cultural influences that are a part of the island, you cannot forget the importance of both the African and English influences in helping to shape the island of Barbados.

Barbados is an island that embraces its culture and such evidence can be consistently seen in the many festivals the island puts on. The calendars on the island of Barbados are crammed when it comes to cultural activities. So much so that one needs to really sit and decide which activity to take in first so that key ones aren’t missed.

Amidst Barbados’ culture, the people on the island pride themselves on being very welcoming. Having an opinion on just about everything (whether right or wrong) they are usually quick to give their ‘two cents worth’ in any given situation.

The laid back culture found in Barbados is one that speaks volumes about the very nature of the islanders. Despite this, they still possess a serious side and are able to get down to business should the need arise.

Source: Barbados Pocket Guide

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History

It’s believed that the first indigenous population of Barbados consisted of Amerindians who arrived from Venezuela. These were followed by the Arawak Indians who were, in turn, displaced in the 13th century by the Carib Indians. In the 1500s, the Spanish and Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive but they did not stay long. Nor did they have much of a lasting impact on the island, other than to give it its name. Los Barbados means “the bearded ones” in Portuguese—long considered a reference to the indigenous bearded fig trees found here. By the time the first British settled the island in 1627, it was largely uninhabited. The mainly flat land and the favourable climate proved perfect for sugar cane plantations, which thrived on black and Celtic slave labor. Sugar, rum, and molasses became the island’s main economy. In 1834, Barbados abolished the slave trade, becoming the first country to do so.

In 1966, Barbados won independence from the United Kingdom and became an independent country. In the 1990s, tourism surpassed sugar as the primary economy. Today, Barbados is a parliamentary democracy with just under 300,000 residents in eleven parishes and one city—the capital, Bridgetown.

Source: Smithsonian Magazine

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Economy