|
|
Barbados is garlanded white sand beaches that are rich with sea life and a wealth of archaeological sites. It awakens your senses with a delightful tropical break, far from the madding crowd of your urban hometown. Whether you are interested in diving, trekking, bird-watching, cultural shows of native tribes, river expeditions or simply want to let your hair down by the tranquil beaches, Barbados never disappoints you. This beautiful island nation fluctuates from the hustle of commercialisation to the serenity of a country life. From remote rural villages of aboriginal tribes to the jet-setting lifestyle in the capital city of Bridgetown, the Barbados experience is something you will cherish for a long time. The jagged limestone structures, prosaic hills and lush tropical rainforests of this land serve as the testimony of nature’s blessings.
Barbados dwells between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean on its west and east side respectively. It is part of the eastern islands of the Lesser Antilles and the nations of Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent, the Grenadines and Venezuela are the off-the-shore neighbours of the country. Holetown, in the parish of Saint James and Speightstown, in the parish of Saint Peter are prominent urban settings of the country apart from the capital of Bridgetown. The island Spread over an area of 430 sq km (166 square miles), the topography of Barbados is mainly flat land with little bit of highlands in the central part of the country. The Mount Hillaby at the height of 336 m (1,100 feet) is the highest point in the country. Otherwise, coral and limestone dispositions by the shores and sprawling marshes and mangrove swamps dominate the geographical features of Barbados. Supported by tropical weather conditions, the inland plains of the country are spattered with sugarcane estates and wide pastures.
Crane Beach
|
Barbados was previously known as Ichirouganaim, a term given by the Arawak tribes who arrived in the country from South America around 800 CE. They were preceded by the Saladoid-Barrancoid group of settlers and followed by the Caribs in the 13th century. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to set foot on the island and named it Barbados Pedro in 1536. The British were the first to establish a colony here in early seventeenth century. Tobacco and cotton cultivation and sugar plantation flourished in the region and slaves were brought in from Africa. It became a separate colony in 1885 and achieved independence on November 30, 1966. Since then, Barbados is designated as a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth. The monarch of Britain is the chief of state Barbados and represented by a Governor General in the country. The prime minister is the head of government and leads the executive with help of the cabinet. The bicameral Parliament consists of a 21-member Senate and 30-member strong House of Assembly. The Senators are appointed by the governor general and the Assembly members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms.
The economy of Barbados relies heavily on sugarcane cultivation and other agricultural activities. Tourism is other foreign exchange earner for the country and the government of Barbados has taken up strategies of privatisation for further development.
St. Nicholas Abbey
|
|
|
