Barbados is a flat coral island at the junction of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the easternmost island in the Caribbean Sea. Barbados is geologically unique in that it is actually two land masses that have merged together over the years. In distant times it was pushed out of the sea by volcanic activity.
Barbados has a population of more than 270,000 and an area of more than 430 square kilometers, with english/bayan dialects as the main language. 95% of the island's population is Christian, and the majority are of African descent. Before the 16th century, the island was inhabited only by Indians.
The Spaniards came to Barbados during the Age of Discovery. The wild fig tree vines here have many beards that resemble men's beards, and the Spaniards call this place Barbados (Barba means beard in Spanish).
More than 300 years ago, the Dutch brought sugar cane to Barbados, and the sun and tropical warm oceanic climate are suitable for sugarcane growth. In the 17th century, the British came to Barbados to open up plantations, and in 1666 Barbados became a member of the Commonwealth.
Once a mainstay industry of sugar cane, sugar and rum, the main industries are now offshore finance and entrepot trade, where many multinational companies have set up branches. The service sector accounts for more than 30% of GDP, with a per capita GDP of about RMB120,000, ranking first among Caribbean countries.
In terms of local standards of living, achievement and education, Barbados is the "United States" of the Caribbean. Barbados is a high-welfare country with free medical care and education, and even foreign children here can study for free until university. The literacy rate in Barbados is 99.7 per cent! This makes Barbados the fourth most educated country on earth.
Based on an American education, medical universities in Barbados follow the U.S. medical curriculum, and students have many opportunities to make clinical exchanges in Caribbean countries as well as the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Compared to other countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, etc., the cost of living in Barbados is very affordable. With a comfortable climate, modern housing and developed infrastructure, life in Barbados is affordable and good.
There are no volcanoes or mountains on the island, but there are undulating hills and deep ridges and ravines; there are no hurricanes, and the climate is pleasant. In the coral core area, there are plenty of caves and underground lakes that provide quality drinking water.
Living in Barbados means seeing blue skies and white clouds, bright suns and silver moons almost every day, or driving through white beaches (at least before the sargassum threat) and blue-green seas every day.
The West Coast is known for its relaxing, beautiful, clear, calm beaches, and most people live on the west coast of the island. The reef surrounds the coast and is a good diving spot.
But on the East Coast it's a different story. The Atlantic Ocean pounds on the east coast, and strong and persistent letter winds blow lively waves that lapped at the rocky shores. The waves are rough and the currents are too strong to swim in. It is recommended to rent a car and drive along the east coast, stopping as much as possible along the way, many beaches are empty and there are countless good photo opportunities. You can watch the sunrise at Bottom Bay!
Go to Crane Beach and try cliff diving. In addition to being a great place to surf, Xianhe Beach is also perfect for cliff diving. When you arrive, walk all the way to the end of the beach to see cliffs, man-made stairs leading to the jumping point, in any case, before you jump, make sure the tide is high enough... Otherwise at your own risk!
Barbados is more than just a beach! This island also has beautiful greenery. There are several places to see the jungle part of the island, and the Weltchman Hull Creek Valley is a great place to walk along lush trails and see wildlife (such as monkeys).
Living in Barbados means that the circle of friends known to the people you go to school, work, live with or meet in your life is basically fixed, and it is a society of acquaintances. Living in Barbados means having your family around. On average, children don't leave home by age 18. In fact, they may stay in the "home" for the rest of their lives!
Living in Barbados means you don't have to check the weather forecast every day, as there will always be weather around 26 degrees Celsius, and simple warm weather is enough to wear summer clothes. You can decide on the spot to go anywhere and arrive in half an hour. Even if it rains, after the clouds pass, the rain stops. Barbados is very safe compared to many neighbouring islands.
There are dancing parties every Thursday in the area, and you'll see a lot of grandmas attending, with some in their 80s looking like they're in their 50s. In the south of the island there is the famous Oysteins Market (open only on weekends) which is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Super crowded on Friday nights. You can sit back and enjoy the local fried fish, the live reggae music is relaxing, and I'm sure you'll dance involuntarily when you hear Bob Marley's Cheer Up. There were a lot of people drinking, and a lot of people were in a daze.
Barbados is famous for rum, and there are several places where rum can be seen making. St. Nicholas Abbey is by far the most beautiful place, and this hidden gem looks like an old Victorian mansion.
But the rum is aged for 5 to 18 years. If you like to drink, you might as well come to Barbados for a tasting of rum bars.