Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Barbados
CapitalBridgetown
Population282,623
GDP$8.0bn
Area439 km²
RegionLatin America & Caribbean
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Barbados was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. Enslaved Africans worked the sugar plantations established on the island, which initially dominated the Caribbean sugar industry. By 1720, Barbados was no longer a dominant force within the sugar industry, having been surpassed by the Leeward Islands and Jamaica. Slavery was abolished in 1834. The Barbadian economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance. Barbados became a republic in 2021, with the former Governor-General Sandra MASON elected as the first president.
Reference: 2021, 1966Geography
Location
Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area
total: 430 sq km
land: 430 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 430 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
97 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; rainy season (June to October)
Terrain
relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region
Elevation
highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Natural resources
petroleum, fish, natural gas
Land use
agricultural land: 23.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.7% (2023 est.)
other: 62.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.7% (2023 est.)
other: 62.1% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
50 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Population distribution
most densely populated country in the eastern Caribbean; approximately one third of the population lives in urban areas
Natural hazards
infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides
Geography - note
easternmost Caribbean island
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)
adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)
adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)
Ethnic groups
African descent 92.4%, mixed 3.1%, White 2.7%, East Indian 1.3%, other 0.2%, unspecified 0.3% (2010 est.)
Reference: 2010Languages
English (official), Bajan (English-based creole language, widely spoken in informal settings)
Religions
Protestant 66.4% (includes Anglican 23.9%, other Pentecostal 19.5%, Adventist 5.9%, Methodist 4.2%, Wesleyan 3.4%, Nazarene 3.2%, Church of God 2.4%, Baptist 1.8%, Moravian 1.2%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 3.8%, other Christian 5.4% (includes Jehovah's Witness 2.0%, other 3.4%), Rastafarian 1%, other 1.5%, none 20.6%, unspecified 1.2% (2010 est.)
Reference: 2010Age structure
0-14 years: 16.6% (male 25,273/female 25,284)
15-64 years: 67% (male 100,328/female 103,536)
65 years and over: 16.3% (2024 est.) (male 20,986/female 28,732)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 67% (male 100,328/female 103,536)
65 years and over: 16.3% (2024 est.) (male 20,986/female 28,732)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 49.2 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 24.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.1 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 24.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 24.4 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 4.1 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 41.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 40.3 years
female: 42.5 years
Reference: 2024male: 40.3 years
female: 42.5 years
Population growth rate
0.23% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
10.7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
8.1 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
most densely populated country in the eastern Caribbean; approximately one third of the population lives in urban areas
Major urban areas - population
89,000 BRIDGETOWN (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex ratio
at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
35 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.85 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: total: total: 98.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1.5% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022unimproved: total: total: 1.5% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.1% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.96 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
5.7 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.1% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 9.94 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.75 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 3.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.75 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 6.2% (2025 est.)
male: 11.4% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
male: 11.4% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
57.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 13 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Sandra Mason | — | 2021-11-30 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Mia Mottley | — | 2018-05-25 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Barbados
etymology: the name is the plural of the Spanish word barbado and means "the bearded ones," which could refer either to the beard-like leaves of the island's fig trees or to the beards of Carib inhabitants
conventional short form: Barbados
etymology: the name is the plural of the Spanish word barbado and means "the bearded ones," which could refer either to the beard-like leaves of the island's fig trees or to the beards of Carib inhabitants
Capital
name: Bridgetown
geographic coordinates: 13 06 N, 59 37 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: originally named Indian Bridge in 1628 for a bridge built beside Carlisle Bay, then called St. Michael's Town until the 19th century; now named after a bridge built over the Constitution River that flows through the center of the city
geographic coordinates: 13 06 N, 59 37 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: originally named Indian Bridge in 1628 for a bridge built beside Carlisle Bay, then called St. Michael's Town until the 19th century; now named after a bridge built over the Constitution River that flows through the center of the city
Administrative divisions
11 parishes and 1 city*; Bridgetown*, Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas
Legal system
English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts
Constitution
history: adopted 22 November 1966, effective 30 November 1966; Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2021 establishes Barbados as a republic and revokes the earlier Order in Council
amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as citizenship, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the organization and authorities of the branches of government requires two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses of Parliament; passage of other amendments only requires a majority vote of both houses
Reference: 2021, 1966amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as citizenship, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the organization and authorities of the branches of government requires two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses of Parliament; passage of other amendments only requires a majority vote of both houses
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Jeffrey Davidson BOSTIC (since 30 November 2025)
head of government: Prime Minister Mia MOTTLEY (since 25 May 2018)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
election/appointment process: president elected by an electoral college of both Houses of Parliament for a 4-year renewable term; following legislative elections, the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party or leader of the majority coalition as prime minister; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
most recent election date: 7 October 2025
election results: Jeffrey Davidson BOSTIC elected as the country's second president
expected date of next election: NA
Reference: 2025, 2018head of government: Prime Minister Mia MOTTLEY (since 25 May 2018)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
election/appointment process: president elected by an electoral college of both Houses of Parliament for a 4-year renewable term; following legislative elections, the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party or leader of the majority coalition as prime minister; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
most recent election date: 7 October 2025
election results: Jeffrey Davidson BOSTIC elected as the country's second president
expected date of next election: NA
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parlement de Barbade (Parliament of Barbados)
legislative structure: bicameral
note: note: tradition dictates that the next election is held within 5 years of the last election, but constitutionally it is 5 years from the first seating of Parliament plus a 90-day grace period
legislative structure: bicameral
note: note: tradition dictates that the next election is held within 5 years of the last election, but constitutionally it is 5 years from the first seating of Parliament plus a 90-day grace period
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Assembly
number of seats: 30 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 1/19/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Barbados Labour Party (BLP) (30)
percentage of women in chamber: 26.7%
expected date of next election: January 2027
Reference: 2027, 2022number of seats: 30 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 1/19/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Barbados Labour Party (BLP) (30)
percentage of women in chamber: 26.7%
expected date of next election: January 2027
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Senate
number of seats: 21 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 2/4/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 33.3%
expected date of next election: February 2027
Reference: 2027, 2022number of seats: 21 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 2/4/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 33.3%
expected date of next election: February 2027
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the High Court with 8 justices) and the Court of Appeal (consists of the High Court chief justice and president of the court and 4 justices; Caribbean Court of Justice is the final court of appeal
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister and opposition leader of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, a 5-member independent body consisting of the Supreme Court chief justice, the commission head, and presidential appointees recommended by the prime minister; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 65
subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister and opposition leader of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, a 5-member independent body consisting of the Supreme Court chief justice, the commission head, and presidential appointees recommended by the prime minister; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 65
subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts
Political parties
Alliance Party for Progress or APP
Barbados Labor Party or BLP
Democratic Labor Party or DLP
Barbados Labor Party or BLP
Democratic Labor Party or DLP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Victor Anthony FERNANDES (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-9200
FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467
email address and website: washington@foreign.gov.bb
https://www.foreign.gov.bb/embassies-high-commissions-and-permanent-missions/
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Reference: 2024chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-9200
FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467
email address and website: washington@foreign.gov.bb
https://www.foreign.gov.bb/embassies-high-commissions-and-permanent-missions/
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Karin B. SULLIVAN (since January 2025); note - also accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
embassy: Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, W.I.
mailing address: 3120 Bridgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3120
telephone: (246) 227-4000
FAX: (246) 431-0179
email address and website: bridgetownpublicaffairs@state.gov
https://bb.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, W.I.
mailing address: 3120 Bridgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3120
telephone: (246) 227-4000
FAX: (246) 431-0179
email address and website: bridgetownpublicaffairs@state.gov
https://bb.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
30 November 1966 (from the UK)
Reference: 1966National holiday
Independence Day, 30 November (1966)
Reference: 1966Flag
description: three equal vertical bands of ultramarine blue (left side), gold, and ultramarine blue with a black trident head centered on the gold band
meaning: blue stands for the sea and sky, and gold for the beaches; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past
meaning: blue stands for the sea and sky, and gold for the beaches; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past
National symbol(s)
Neptune's trident, pelican, red bird of paradise flower (also known as "Pride of Barbados")
National color(s)
blue, yellow, black
National anthem(s)
title: "The National Anthem of Barbados"
lyrics/music: Irving BURGIE/C. Van Roland EDWARDS
history: adopted 1966
Reference: 1966lyrics/music: Irving BURGIE/C. Van Roland EDWARDS
history: adopted 1966
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbados official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Barbados | — | — | — |
Economy
Economic overview
high-income Eastern Caribbean economy; high standard of living among regional peers; key tourism, construction, and financial sectors driving recent GDP growth; declining but still very high public debt leading to IMF support programs; susceptible to natural disasters and reliance on import partners
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $5.634 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $5.428 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $5.214 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $5.428 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $5.214 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $19,900 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $19,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $18,500 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $19,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $18,500 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 1.9% (2023 est.)
industry: 13.2% (2023 est.)
services: 75.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2023industry: 13.2% (2023 est.)
services: 75.4% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 75.6% (2022 est.)
government consumption: 11.8% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 16.5% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.2% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 34.3% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -42.2% (2022 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2022government consumption: 11.8% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 16.5% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.2% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 34.3% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -42.2% (2022 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, chicken, vegetables, milk, eggs, sweet potatoes, pork, coconuts, tropical fruits, pulses (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export
Industrial production growth rate
-1.3% (2023 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2023note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
147,200 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 23.7% (2024 est.)
male: 27.5% (2024 est.)
female: 19.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 27.5% (2024 est.)
female: 19.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2016: 34.1 (2016 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2016note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.5% (2016 est.)
highest 10%: 25.8% (2016 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2016highest 10%: 25.8% (2016 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 1.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 1.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 1.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $1.269 billion (2015 est.)
expenditures: $1.664 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2015expenditures: $1.664 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 133.2% of GDP (2016 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2016note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
24.9% (of GDP) (2016 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2016note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2017: -$296.396 million (2017 est.)
Current account balance 2016: -$452.39 million (2016 est.)
Current account balance 2015: -$98.732 million (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2017, 2016, 2015Current account balance 2016: -$452.39 million (2016 est.)
Current account balance 2015: -$98.732 million (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2017: $2.228 billion (2017 est.)
Exports 2016: $2.41 billion (2016 est.)
Exports 2015: $2.358 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2017, 2016, 2015Exports 2016: $2.41 billion (2016 est.)
Exports 2015: $2.358 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 22%, Jamaica 17%, Trinidad & Tobago 8%, Canada 6%, Guyana 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
liquor, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, margarine, baked goods (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2021: $2.12 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2017: $2.213 billion (2017 est.)
Imports 2016: $2.238 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2021, 2017, 2016Imports 2017: $2.213 billion (2017 est.)
Imports 2016: $2.238 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 32%, Trinidad & Tobago 19%, Netherlands 6%, UK 6%, Guyana 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, cars, plastic products, ships (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $1.606 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $1.52 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $1.673 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $1.52 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $1.673 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Barbadian dollars (BBD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 2 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 2 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 2 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2 (2020 est.)
note: note: the Barbadian dollar is pegged to the US dollar
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 2 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 2 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 2 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2 (2020 est.)
note: note: the Barbadian dollar is pegged to the US dollar
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2017: -$296.396 million (2017 est.)
Current account balance 2016: -$452.39 million (2016 est.)
Current account balance 2015: -$98.732 million (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2017, 2016, 2015Current account balance 2016: -$452.39 million (2016 est.)
Current account balance 2015: -$98.732 million (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2017: $2.228 billion (2017 est.)
Exports 2016: $2.41 billion (2016 est.)
Exports 2015: $2.358 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2017, 2016, 2015Exports 2016: $2.41 billion (2016 est.)
Exports 2015: $2.358 billion (2015 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 22%, Jamaica 17%, Trinidad & Tobago 8%, Canada 6%, Guyana 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
liquor, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, margarine, baked goods (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2021: $2.12 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2017: $2.213 billion (2017 est.)
Imports 2016: $2.238 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2021, 2017, 2016Imports 2017: $2.213 billion (2017 est.)
Imports 2016: $2.238 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 32%, Trinidad & Tobago 19%, Netherlands 6%, UK 6%, Guyana 5% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, crude petroleum, cars, plastic products, ships (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 320,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 1.025 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 64.586 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 1.025 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 64.586 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 91.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 7.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 7.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
exports: 4 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 57 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023imports: 57 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 8,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 1.978 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 8,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 1.978 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 7.957 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 32.593 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 24.636 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 113.267 million cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 32.593 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 24.636 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 113.267 million cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 68.293 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 121,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
35 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 8.1% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
2.96 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Hospital bed density
5.7 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
23.1% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 6.2% (2025 est.)
male: 11.4% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
male: 11.4% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the High Court with 8 justices) and the Court of Appeal (consists of the High Court chief justice and president of the court and 4 justices; Caribbean Court of Justice is the final court of appeal
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister and opposition leader of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, a 5-member independent body consisting of the Supreme Court chief justice, the commission head, and presidential appointees recommended by the prime minister; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 65
subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister and opposition leader of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, a 5-member independent body consisting of the Supreme Court chief justice, the commission head, and presidential appointees recommended by the prime minister; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 65
subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Barbados Defense Force (BDF): The Barbados Regiment, The Barbados Coast Guard (2025)
note: note 1: the Barbados Police Service (TBPS) is the national police force; it is modeled after London's Metropolitan Police Service and divided into three territorial divisions
note 2: the Barbados Cadet Corps is a national youth organization affiliated with the BDF; membership is open to all school children in Barbados between the ages of 11 and 18
note: note 1: the Barbados Police Service (TBPS) is the national police force; it is modeled after London's Metropolitan Police Service and divided into three territorial divisions
note 2: the Barbados Cadet Corps is a national youth organization affiliated with the BDF; membership is open to all school children in Barbados between the ages of 11 and 18
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.9% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 0.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.9% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 600 active BDF personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the BDF's major equipment inventory is comprised mostly of donated items from China, the Netherlands, and the US (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
voluntary service only (men and women); 17 years, 9 months to 17 years, 11 months with letter of consent from a parent or guardian, or be in the age range of 18-25 years (18-30 for the Reserves) at the start of recruit training; citizens of Barbados by descent or naturalization (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
formed in 1979, the Barbados Defense Force (BDF) is responsible for protecting national security, but it may also be called up to maintain internal public order in times of crisis, emergency, or other specific needs, such as special joint patrols with the police; it also provides humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations both domestically and regionally; other duties include assisting with national development, such as through the training of the country's youth with the units of the Barbados Cadet Corps
Barbados has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security; the RSS is headquartered in Barbados (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1982, 1979Barbados has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security; the RSS is headquartered in Barbados (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Victor Anthony FERNANDES (since 18 September 2024)
chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-9200
FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467
email address and website: washington@foreign.gov.bb
https://www.foreign.gov.bb/embassies-high-commissions-and-permanent-missions/
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Reference: 2024chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 939-9200
FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467
email address and website: washington@foreign.gov.bb
https://www.foreign.gov.bb/embassies-high-commissions-and-permanent-missions/
consulate(s) general: Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Karin B. SULLIVAN (since January 2025); note - also accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
embassy: Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, W.I.
mailing address: 3120 Bridgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3120
telephone: (246) 227-4000
FAX: (246) 431-0179
email address and website: bridgetownpublicaffairs@state.gov
https://bb.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, W.I.
mailing address: 3120 Bridgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3120
telephone: (246) 227-4000
FAX: (246) 431-0179
email address and website: bridgetownpublicaffairs@state.gov
https://bb.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1966-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1966-12-09 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 13 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Barbados did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period and was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/barbados/
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
8P
Airports
1 (2025)
Heliports
1 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 272 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 90, general cargo 149, oil tanker 5, other 28
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 90, general cargo 149, oil tanker 5, other 28
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Bridgetown
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Bridgetown
Environment
Environmental issues
pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid-waste disposal
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; rainy season (June to October)
Land use
agricultural land: 23.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.7% (2023 est.)
other: 62.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 16.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 4.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 14.7% (2023 est.)
other: 62.1% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 31.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 1.348 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 2 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 1.284 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 64,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 2 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 1.284 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 64,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
9.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 174,800 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.6% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.6% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 20 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 6.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 54.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 6.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 54.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
80 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 121,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
government-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) operates the lone terrestrial TV station; CBC also has a multi-channel cable TV subscription service; roughly a dozen CBC-operated radio stations operate alongside privately owned radio stations (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.bb
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 279,598 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 280,171 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 280,711 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 281,207 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 281,698 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 282,147 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 282,318 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 282,336 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 282,467 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 282,623 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $5,679,029,450 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $5,847,381,600 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $6,001,101,550 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $6,166,710,800 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $5,403,246,950 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $5,948,900,600 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $6,886,644,900 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $7,223,248,150 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $7,597,571,450 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $8,016,550,000 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 34,869 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 35,187 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 20,659 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 20,592 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 20,249 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 20,961 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 20,844 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 20,504 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 19,564 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 19,558 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -65 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -65 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -65 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -65 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -28 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -80 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -80 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -70 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -87 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 282,623 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 282,725 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 303,431 | 2023 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 35,187 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 12.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 19,558 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -87 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 577 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 722 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.911 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 2.064 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 2.371 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 2.034 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 2.397 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.319 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.971 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 2022. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No / Yes Foreign Domestic Partnerships recognized for immigration purposes "Welcome Stamp" | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $8,016,550,000 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $28,365 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 2.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 0.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 6.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 76.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.7 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 59.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 70.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 99.3% | 1970 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 104.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 3.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 5.5% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 5.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 9.1 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 14.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 114.6 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 37.5 per 100 | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 1,172 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 13.0935° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -59.6105° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 13.1700° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -59.5525° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC−04:00, America/Barbados | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | unitary state, parliamentary republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:12