Population: 279,254 (July 2005 est.)

Capital: Bridgetown

Languages: English

Religions: Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, other 12%

Government: parliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth

Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to October)

Terrain: relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region

Geography: easternmost Caribbean island

Ethnic groups: black 90%, white 4%, Asian and mixed 6%

Economy: Historically, the Barbadian economy had been dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities, but production in recent years has diversified into light industry and tourism. Offshore finance and information services are important foreign exchange earners. The government continues its efforts to reduce unemployment, to encourage direct foreign investment, and to privatize remaining state-owned enterprises. The economy contracted in 2002-03 mainly due to a decline in tourism. Growth was positive in 2005, as economic conditions in the US and Europe moderately improved.

GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $17,300 (2005 est.)

GDP real growth: 2.5% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate: 10.7% (2003 est.)

Internet country code: .bb

Dial code: +246