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Lesser-known Facts about Barbados

Bindu swetha
Barbados, an inland country in the Lesser Antilles (formerly known as Caribbees), has more on offer than its mesmerizing beauty. Join us as we unfold the lesser-known facts of this beautiful place.

Did You Know?

The Bathsheba beach in Barbados is named after the wife of King David whose name was the same. She supposedly took bath in milk, and the surfy white waters of the beach is said to resemble her in appearance and health.
Though there are many places on earth that have great scenic beauty, when it comes to some mind-blowing beaches, there are only a couple of places that can overtake Barbados. This island in the West Indies has coral shore beaches and white sand on its beaches.
This place is a heaven for snorkeling and scuba-diving lovers, thanks to its coral reefs. Apart from its beauty, the place also has a booming literacy rate of above 98%! Shocking, isn't it? Given here is consolidated list of little-known facts about this place, which will leave you surprised.
  • Location: Caribbean Islands
  • Capital : Bridgetown
  • National Dish : Cou-cou and Flying Fish
  • National Bird : Pelecanus occidentalis
  • National Flower : Caesalpinia pulcherrima
  • National Animal : Coryphaena hippurus
  • National Anthem : In Plenty and In Time of Need

Fun Facts About Barbados
  • The Parliament Buildings, located in Bridgetown, consist of two buildings built in neo-Gothic architectural style and are currently designated as UNESCO-protected properties.
  • Rihanna was born here, and later on, she moved to the US at the age of sixteen to pursue her music career.
  • Barbados is where Tiger Woods was married in 2004.
  • Barbados has one of the highest number of people over the age of 100.
  • Bottom Bay beach is located in the southern coast of Barbados. The beach is semi-enclosed by high coral cliffs.
  • South Carolina, in the US, was first inhabited by Barbadians.
  • During 1841-1845, Barbados was known as the healthiest place to live, as it recorded only 1 death per 66 people.
  • The first slaves in Barbados were whites, the people who were deemed enemies of the crown.
  • Rockley Beach is also known as Accra Beach. Many water sports activities like windsurfing, Hobie Cat rides, snorkeling, etc., are available on the beach.
  • It is known as the "the land of the flying fish", and today, this fish is a part country's national dish.
  • Mount Gay Barbados Rum is over 300 years old, making it the oldest existing rum brand.
  • Sir Garfield St. Auburn Sobers began his life in the parish of St. Michael, one of the 11 parishes of Barbados.
  • Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), the country's national flower is boiled and given to soothe restless young children.
  • Crane Beach is located on the southeastern coast. It is the best beach for swimming or wading in the shore.
  • The island gets its name from the "bearded fig trees" that were found in abundance in the island, earlier.
  • It has always flown only the British flag until it achieved its independence.
  • The country is completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
  • It is just 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, i.e., just 431 km² in surface area!
  • It is a natural harbor that is located in the southwest region. The marine park on the bay is a famous spot for scuba diving.
  • Here, it is considered to be good luck to see a mongoose cross your path.
  • It is located towards the east coast of Barbados and is famous for surfing. The beach has many strangely shaped rocks.
  • Bridgetown's Trafalgar Square is older than the statue of the same name in London.
  • Barbados is the only foreign nation that George Washington ever visited.
  • It has the third oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth.
  • It is the first island in the Caribbean to get piped water.
  • The legal drinking age here is 18 years; however, children between the ages 10 and 17 may drink in the company of an adult.
After reading these facts, surely you would be already booking tickets to visit this place. There are many beautiful spots in Barbados that you can explore. So, Bon Voyage guys!