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Barbados |
Barbados IntroductionBarbados is a diverse island with a beautiful, calm west coast known for fantastic beaches and an east coast known for it's natural beauty. Villa guests in Barbados will have no problem locating Caribbean watersports, Barbados golf, tennis, Barbados shopping, Barbados restaurants and night life. All of our Caribbean Luxury Collections' rentals in Barbados are staffed with cook/maid service.Capital Bridgetown Language English Politics Barbados is an independent state within the British Commonwealth. Population 264,000 - The inhabitants of Barbados are called Bajans. Barbados has one of the highest population per square mile in the Caribbean. Its population is well educated with an adult literacy rate of 99%. The People Most of the population are descended from African slaves that were brought to Barbados during the 17th century. In recent years, there is a growing national pride as the Bajans recognize the value of their own cultural roots. Industry The Barbados economy is primarily based on tourism. Major exports include clothing, electronic components, building cement and rum. Money The Barbados dollar ($Bds.) is the official currency. The exchange rate is about $2.00 Bds. to U.S.$1.00. It is better to exchange currency at commercial banks because they give a better rate, and you can save money by not using foreign currency for purchases. Credit Cards such as American Express, Bank Americard, Barclaycard, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, EnRoute, Eurocard, MasterCard, and Visa are widely accepted. There are cash machines at several banks in Bridgetown that accept credit cards. Most establishments also accept traveler's checks. The government has imposed a 15% value-added tax on car rentals, tours and restaurants. Sunrise Because of its position relative to the equator, the sun rises at approximately 5:30 a.m. and sets at approximately 6:00 p.m. year round. Electricity 110 Volts AC/50 Cycles TIME - Atlantic Standard Time (one hour earlier than Eastern Standard Time). Water The water around the island is filtered through the coral rock, with very little chemical treatment, so it is safe and enjoyable to drink. Religions Anglican, Baptist, Christian Science, Jewish, Methodist, Moravian and Roman Catholic are represented. Check at your resort or in the newspaper for times of services. Communications and Media Telephone (direct-dial to most places in the world), television and newspaper. The area code for Barbados is 246. Postal Service General Post Office in Cheapside, Bridgetown, express service to New York and London guaranteed to be delivered within 48 hours, parcel post service, registered mail service. District Post Offices are in every parish, and red pillar postal boxes which can usually be found set in walls throughout the island are also available. Library Central Public Library on Coleridge Street, next to the Law Courts, Bridgetown. Other branches can be found in the parishes of Christ Church, St. George, St. James, St. Peter, St. Philip and St. Thomas. A refundable deposit of $20.00 Bds. is required to check a book out of the library." |
