The people of Barbados have a history of long ingrained Christian principles, a sound and free educational system with a literacy rate of 97%.

The United Nations Human Development Index (2011) ranked Barbados in the highest bracket "Very High Human Development", well above the regional average for the Caribbean and Latin America.

Visitors highlight the friendliness of Barbadians as the island's greatest and most pleasing asset. This is reflected in the highest repeat visitor factor in the region of 39%. 

Barbados has the third oldest parliament in the world, with uninterrupted parliamentary governance since 1639.

The British established a colony in Barbados in 1627 and began growing cotton and tobacco. The sugar industry didn’t begin in Barbados until the 1640s.

Unlike the other Caribbean islands, Barbados has never been invaded by a foreign power since the British took rule in 1627.

Barbados has the third oldest Westminster-style parliaments in the Western Hemisphere. It has been in existence for 369 years.

English is the official language of Barbados although most people speak a dialect called Bajan that can differ from parish to parish.

Is the birthplace of Rihanna, who moved from Barbados to the United States at the age of sixteen to pursue her music career. 

Was chosen by Tiger Woods as the location for his wedding in 2004. 

The name 'Barbados' is derived from the Bearded Fig Trees once found in abundance on the island. 

Has always flown only the British Flag, until achieving its independence in 1966. 

Has never been successfully invaded by a foreign power. 

Is completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. 

Barbados has had 8 Prime Ministers since becoming independent in 1966.

The Barbados flag design was chosen from an open competition with thousands of entries, Grantley Prescod’s design was chosen as the flag of Barbados.

The people of Barbados are officially called Barbadian but more commonly known as Bajans (BAY-juns)

Barbados’ flag is full of symbolism. The ultramarine blue on the flag represents the ocean and sky, and the gold-yellow panel represents the sandy beaches of the island. The broken trident represents the country breaking free from its status as a colony.