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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:
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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:
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Mainly
Christian, with an Anglican majority, Roman Catholic minority, plus
small Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities. |
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TIME:
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TIME: GMT - 4 (- 5 in the summer). |
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CLIMATE:
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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. |