Caribbean
Country Profiles
Barbados
Barbados, which the easternmost Caribbean island, is one of the most densely
populated countries in the Caribbean.
Barbados is only 267 square kilometres in area, quite flat with the highest
hills in the east of the island. The countries climate is tropical, with a
rainy season that last from June to October. It has been fortunate to escape
the ravages of hurricanes that have affected other territories.
Barbados is an independent sovereign state within the British Commonwealth
with a parliamentary democracy. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state and
Prime Minister Owen Arthur is the head of the government. Election will be
held again before May 2008. The capital is Bridgetown and the country is divided
into 11 parishes.
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People
|
|
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Human Development Index Ranking (out of 173)
|
31
|
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Population (millions)
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0.3
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Population growth rate (%)
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0.3
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Adult literacy rate (% age 15 and above)
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98.0
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Health
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|
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Life expectancy
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76.8
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Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births)
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12
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People living with HIV/AIDS (% adults 15-49)
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1.2
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Population using improved water sources (%)
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100
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Population using adequate sanitation facilities
(%)
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100
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Economy
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|
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GDP (US$ billions)
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2.6
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Population living below national poverty line (%)
|
---
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Source: United Nation Human Development Reports,
Human Development Indicators 2002
--- indicates information not available
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