30 Fun Facts About Barbados

Barbados, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, has a lot more to offer than just sun and sand. From unique local customs to quirky tidbits about its wildlife and heritage, here are 30 fun facts about Barbados that might surprise you about this Caribbean gem!

1. Barbados is the Easternmost Caribbean Island
   Located farthest east in the Caribbean, Barbados sits out in the Atlantic, giving it some of the clearest waters and distinct geography.
2. The Birthplace of Rum
   Barbados is often regarded as the birthplace of rum, with Mount Gay Distillery established in 1703, making it one of the oldest rum distilleries in the world.
3. Only “Flying Fish” Island in the Caribbean
   Known as the “Land of the Flying Fish,” Barbados’s waters are home to this unique species, a staple in the island’s cuisine.
4. Rihanna’s Home Island
   Pop sensation Rihanna is one of Barbados’s most famous citizens. There’s even a street named “Rihanna Drive” in her honor in Bridgetown, the island’s capital.
5. One of the Smallest Countries in the World
   Barbados covers just 430 square kilometers (166 square miles), making it one of the smallest independent nations on Earth.
6. Barbadians are Known as “Bajans”
   Locals refer to themselves as “Bajans” (pronounced BAY-juns), derived from a local dialect word for “Barbadian.”
7. One of the Most Literate Countries Globally
   Barbados boasts an impressive literacy rate of nearly 100%, thanks to a strong emphasis on education.
8. Historic Bridgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
   The historic capital, Bridgetown, and its Garrison are designated UNESCO sites due to their rich colonial history and well-preserved architecture.
9. Barbados Has a Unique Crop Over Festival
   Crop Over, celebrated annually, is a harvest festival dating back to the 18th century, with roots in the sugar cane harvest season.
10. Green Monkeys are Native to Barbados
    Green monkeys were brought to the island from West Africa and now roam freely in Barbados’s forests and even residential areas.
11. National Dish: Cou-Cou and Flying Fish
    Cou-Cou (a cornmeal and okra dish) paired with Flying Fish is Barbados’s national dish and a must-try for visitors.
12. Famous for Its Underground Cave System
    Harrison’s Cave, with its crystal-clear streams, stalactites, and stalagmites, is one of the island’s top attractions.
13. It’s Home to a 17th-Century Plantation House
    St. Nicholas Abbey, dating back to 1658, is one of only three Jacobean-style mansions in the Western Hemisphere.
14. Pride and Industry: The Motto of Barbados
    “Pride and Industry” is the island’s national motto, embodying the values held dear by Bajans.
15. Barbados Was Originally Called “Los Barbados”
    The Portuguese first named the island “Los Barbados” (the bearded ones), inspired by the fig trees with long, hanging roots.
16. The Island is Made Mostly of Coral
    Barbados is one of the few Caribbean islands made of coral rather than volcanic rock, resulting in its white sandy beaches.
17. Barbados Has Its Own Parliament
    Established in 1639, Barbados’s Parliament is the third oldest in the world and the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
18. It’s a Republic as of 2021
    In November 2021, Barbados removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, officially becoming a republic.
19. The Sweet Potato is Indigenous to Barbados
    Barbados is one of the original places where the sweet potato was cultivated.
20. It’s a Hot Spot for Crop Circles (in the Sea)
    The reefs around Barbados occasionally form circular patterns, known locally as “crop circles,” due to currents and sea life activities.
21. Barbados has Year-Round Sun and Warm Weather
    With temperatures averaging between 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) all year, Barbados is a true tropical paradise.
22. Fish Markets are Big Cultural Hubs
    Oistins Fish Fry, held every Friday, is one of the most popular local events, where locals and tourists come together for food, music, and dancing.
23. The Oldest Jewish Synagogue in the Americas
    The Nidhe Israel Synagogue, built in 1654 in Bridgetown, is the oldest Jewish synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
24. The Coconut and Monkey Puzzle Trees
    Barbados is home to rare monkey puzzle trees and over 25 species of palm trees, including coconut and royal palms.
25. British Influence is Still Visible
    From driving on the left side of the road to enjoying cricket as the national sport, British influence runs deep in Barbados’s culture.
26. Home of the Barbados Blackbelly Sheep
    This hardy breed of sheep, originally from Africa, is unique to Barbados and adapted to the island’s environment.
27. It Has Never Snowed in Barbados
    Barbados’s tropical climate means the island has never experienced snow or frost, even in the coolest months.
28. One of the Highest Standards of Living in the Caribbean
    Barbados has a relatively high standard of living, with robust healthcare, education, and infrastructure compared to other Caribbean islands.
29. Local Currency Pegged to the US Dollar
    The Barbadian Dollar (BBD) has a fixed exchange rate with the US Dollar, making it easy for tourists to shop and dine without worrying about fluctuating exchange rates.
30. The Island’s Pride in Sea Turtles
    Barbados is a nesting ground for hawksbill sea turtles and local conservation efforts work hard to protect these endangered creatures.