Barbados

Name: The name Barbados is either the Portuguese word Barbados or the Spanish equivalent los Barbados, both meaning “the bearded ones”. It is unclear whether “bearded” refers to the long, hanging roots of the bearded fig-tree (Ficus citrifolia), indigenous to the island; or to the allegedly bearded Caribs once inhabiting the island; or, more fancifully, to a visual impression of a beard formed by the sea foam that sprays over the outlying reefs

Date of Membership in CCLEC: (1989 – Miami)

Motto: “Pride and Industry”

Status: Independent (30th November 1966)

Area: 439 km2 (169 miles2)

GDP: 2011 estimate – $4.663 billion

Population: 2010 est. : 277,821

Capital City: Bridgetown

Official Language: English

Currency: Bajan Dollar (BBD)