Barbados is located east of Saint Vincent and the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, east of the Atlantic Ocean and west of the Caribbean Sea. Only 21 miles long, 14 miles wide and 166 square miles in area, it it is the easternmost island in the West Indies.

Once relying on sugarcane as the main source of income, today's economy depends a great deal on tourism. The generally flat island has many natural features that attract visitors: primarily its clear blue waters, relaxing climate and beautiful white sand beaches. These charming attributes come second, however, to the people of Barbados: Much to the delight of visitors, a very visible West Indies culture is vividly displayed through festivals, crafts, music and plays.

Known for friendly inhabitants, the 270,000 residents are proud to be ranked as third for quality of life in the United Nations Developing Index in 1996.

Bridgetown, the capital city and home to 133,000 people, is a popular cruise ship port of call.