The Caribbean - Barbados
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Barbados, situated just east of the Caribbean Sea, is an independent island nation
in the western Atlantic Ocean.
At roughly 13° North of the equator and 59° West of the prime meridian, the country
lies in the southern Caribbean region, where it is considered a part of the Lesser
Antilles island-chain. Its closest island neighbours are Saint Vincent & the
Grenadines and Saint Lucia to the west. To the south lies Trinidad and Tobago—with
which Barbados now shares a fixed official maritime boundary—and also the South
American mainland. Barbados's total land area is about 430 square kilometres (166
square miles), and is primarily low-lying, with some higher regions in the country's
interior. The highest point in Barbados is Mount Hillaby in St Thomas.
The geological composition of Barbados is thought to be of non-volcanic origin and
is predominantly composed of limestone-coral formed by subduction of the South American
plate colliding with the Caribbean plate. The island's climate is tropical, with
constant trade winds off the Atlantic Ocean serving to keep temperatures mild. Some
more undeveloped areas of the country contain tropical woodland and scrubland.
Other parts of the interior which contribute to the agriculture industry are dotted
with large sugarcane estates and wide, gently sloping pastures, with views down
to the coast.Of all the islands in the eastern Caribbean, Barbados stands apart
as the one that remained British throughout its colonial history, instead of being
passed from one European master to another. Some towns have charming English seaside
resort names: Hastings, Brighton or Dover, while administratively the country is
organised into parishes, reflecting the overwhelming Anglican influence.
In the past it was often referred to as Little England, and not always as a compliment.
Since independence in 1966 the country has been trying to shake off that white middle
class suburban image and has moved closer in cultural terms to North America while
also pursuing its African roots from the days of the slave trade. Trafalgar Square
has been renamed in honour of National Heroes and the statue of Lord Nelson, a supporter
of slavery, has been turned round so that he no longer looks down Broad Street.
But some old habits die hard. You can still go to a polo match and be offered tea
and cucumber sandwiches, or watch Sunday cricket on the village green.
A Test Match at the Kensington Oval, though, is a different kettle of flying fish
and an example of how an English sport has been turned into pure Afro-Caribbean
pageantry, with an exuberant audience adding drums, whistles, masks and costumes.
Some of this information has been provided by
Wikipedia.
Region Information - Antigua
| Bahamas |
Barbados |
Grand Bahama | St Lucia
| Tobago |
Turks and Caicos Islands