An island in the Atlantic about 300 mi (483 km) north of Venezuela, Barbados is only 21 mi long (34 km) and 14 mi across (23 km) at its widest point. It is circled by fine beaches and narrow coastal plains. The highest point is Mount Hillaby (1,105 ft; 337 m) in the north-central area..
Climate and Weather
The balmy, tropical climate is cooled by constant sea breezes but is still sunnier and drier than the other islands. The dry season is from December to June; during the so-called wet season (July to November), some brief rain showers are likely. Average sunshine hours per day are eight to 10 from November to March and eight to nine from April to October. Tropical storms and hurricanes may occur between June and November.
Population
Barbados has a population of about 279,000 and a population growth rate of 0.33% (Mid-2005 estimates). Close to 90 percent of all Barbadians (also known colloquially as Bajan) are of African descent ("Afro-Bajans"), mostly descendants of the slave labourers on the sugar plantations. The remainder of the population includes groups of Europeans ("Anglo-Bajans" / "Euro-Bajans") mainly from the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Chinese locally known as Bajan-Chiney, Bajan Hindus from India and Muslims from Bangladesh and Pakistan, and an influential "Arab-Bajans" group mainly of Christian Syrians and Lebanese descent. On the island are many people of Creole descent, a mixture of Afro-Caribbean and European descent (Primarily British, Irish and Portuguese).
Other groups in Barbados include people from the United Kingdom (Barbadian Britons), United States and Canada. Barbadians who return after years of residence in the U.S. are called "Bajan Yankees"; this term is considered derogatory by some.
Transportation
Buses run on a regular schedule throughout the well-marked system of paved roads. Transport buses are blue, while private mini-buses are yellow. Taxis are available everywhere. Vehicles can be rented with or without a driver with price ranges of $300 Bds. for a week's rental on a 4-passenger minimoke to $600.00 Bds. ($300 U.S.) for a 6-passenger automatic vehicle. You can also easily rent a motor scooter or a bicycle.
Top Attractions
1. Andromeda Botanical Gardens.
2. Bath.
3. Bathsheba.
4. Orchid World.
5. Harrisons Cave.
6. Welchman Hall Gully.
7. St. Nicholas Abbey.
8. Farley Hill.
9. Wild Life Reserve.
Best Travel Time
High season in Barbados runs from autumn through until Easter, and during this period, particularly over Christmas and other school holidays, hotels run very high occupancy levels, and need to be booked well in advance. Prices are at their lowest during the summer, although again, availability can be a problem, due to the school holidays, and you should book well in advance if you want a family holiday at one of the smaller hotels.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• Cutters (large flying fish sandwiches, often served with coucou (seasoned cornmeal topped with spiced tomatoes, onion and peppers)).
• Conkies (cornmeal blended with coconut, pumpkin, raisins, sweet potato and spices steamed in a banana leaf).
• Rice'n'peas (made from a local bean and usually flavored with coconut).
• Sea eggs (devilled sea urchin roe).
• Other specialties include crane chubb, grilled pigtail, conch fritters, plantains and breadfruit.
National drinks:
• All types of rum-based cocktails, rum punch, planters punch and pina coladas.
• Famous rums include Cockspur’s Five Star and Mount Gay, the oldest rum blend on the island.
• The local beer is Banks.
• Falernum (rum, sugar, lime and almond essence).
• Mauby (non-alcoholic, made from the boiled, strained and sweetened bark of a local tree), tastes like an extremely potent sarsaparilla.
Local Products/Shopping
Barbados has been a trading center ever since the English arrived in 1627. As a result, the island enjoys long-standing links with the world's major business houses meaning Barbadian retailers have expert knowledge of their merchandise. Shoppers are treated to superb service and high quality goods sold at competitive prices; Barbados is established as the tax-free haven of the Eastern Caribbean. Shopping is a delight and visitors are able to take home plenty of purchases duty-free on production of their passport and air ticket. (Alcohol and tobacco are sent to the airport or port for collection on departure.) Many items can be bought for up to 30% to 50% lower than European and North American prices although prices for some goods can tend to be on the high side. The superior quality of the jewelry, clothing and ceramics often makes the expense worthwhile. Special purchases include rum, straw goods, coral and shell jewelry, prints (batik) and woodcraft. Most shopping is concentrated along the south and west coasts, particularly in Bridgetown, but craft houses and charming local shops are scattered all over the island.
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Top Attractions 
Best Travel Time