Barbados Country Report

Barbados is a small island nation with a strong developing economy and a significant tourism sector. Located in the Lesser Antilles region of the West Indies, Barbados is part of the broad Caribbean archipelago of islands which stretches from Trinidad to Puerto Rico. Its nearest neighbors are St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia, with Trinidad and Tobago and South America lying 250-300 miles (400-500km) south. The stable and independent Barbadian government operates under a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy. During three centuries of British colonial rule, Barbados developed a strong agricultural sector based on sugarcane cultivation, which remains a mainstay of its economy. In the 1980s, though, the Barbados economy diversified into the tourism sector, which has overtaken sugarcane exports as the country's main source of revenue.

More recently, the business-friendly government has promoted Barbados as an offshore finance and information technology center as it has worked to encourage greater foreign investment. Barbados has grown economically to be one the wealthiest Caribbean island nations, although there remains a stark divide between the wealthy and poor. Among the wealthy, Barbados has one of the highest standards of living in the developing world; however, among the poor, standards of living remain very low. Nonetheless, the island boasts of a relatively modern economy and infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for foreign investors, tourists, and business travelers. The main threats to foreign travelers are from petty and opportunistic theft in addition to environmental and medical issues.

Crime tends to peak during the tourist season from December to April. The most common forms of crime are petty theft and home burglary. Violent crime is rare. Civil unrest occasionally occurs in Barbados. Common triggers for protests in recent years have included unpopular government policies, labor-related grievances, and environmental concerns. Protests are typically peaceful.

There are no safety concerns over air travel.

A good road network covers the entire island. Poor local driving habits and street lighting make self-driving at night significantly more hazardous than during the daytime.

The ports are considered efficient by international standards.

Utilities are generally good.

Most cyberattacks are unsophisticated.

Barbados has a subtropical climate that is warm throughout most of the year. Mild earthquakes are occasionally felt on the island. Hurricanes are rare as the country lies outside the hurricane belt. Flash floods can occur during Barbados' rainy season, which typically runs from June to November. The effects of climate change, particularly the rise in sea levels, are an ongoing concern.

Travelers' diarrhea is the most common ailment among travelers to Barbados. Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses (though not malaria) are a problem in Barbados. Good medical care is available in Barbados. Pharmacies are plentiful and well-stocked, especially in major urban centers.

The government and political situation are stable. Barbados is considered one of the least corrupt nations in the Caribbean. The police are generally courteous and very responsive to the needs of foreign travelers.