Barbados

The population of Barbados is approximately 282.7K (2024).

The capital of Barbados is Bridgetown.

Barbados's GDP per capita is $27.9K (2024).

Life expectancy in Barbados is 76.33 years (2024).

Barbados covers 430 km² (166 sq mi).

Barbados is very densely populated, with 658 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.

Barbados's population is roughly stable, changing by less than 0.1% per year.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Barbados falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $27.9K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Barbados's intentional homicide rate is 7.4 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.

The official language of Barbados is English.

Barbados uses the Barbadian dollar ($) as its sole official currency.

Barbados is an island nation and shares no land borders.

The best months to visit Barbados are January, February, March, April, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show the population of Barbados is approximately 283,000 people. This represents a global population rank of 178 out of 215 countries and a subregional rank of 8 within the Caribbean. The nation maintains a steady annual population growth rate of approximately 0.05% with a population density of 658 people per km² (1,704 people per sq mi).

The latest projections indicate a GDP per capita of 27,879 USD for Barbados. This figure places the island nation 58 globally and 13 among countries in the Americas. This economic strength is largely supported by a robust tourism sector and international financial services, contributing to a total nominal GDP of approximately 7.5 billion USD.

Recent health data shows that life expectancy at birth in Barbados is approximately 76.3 years. This longevity ranks the country 94 globally out of 215 monitored nations. High life expectancy is supported by a comprehensive public healthcare system and a strong focus on social services that prioritize the well-being of the aging population.

Barbados boasts an exceptional adult literacy rate of approximately 99.3%, which ranks 25 globally according to the latest available data. This high level of education is a result of long-term government investment in universal primary and secondary schooling. The country's education system is modeled after the British system, reflecting its historical ties to the United Kingdom.

The latest figures report an unemployment rate of approximately 6.5% for Barbados. This performance ranks the nation 69 globally for the lowest unemployment rates. While the labor market remains relatively stable, the economy relies heavily on service industries, meaning employment levels are often influenced by seasonal trends in the international tourism and hospitality sectors.

Current data indicates that approximately 70.4% of the population in Barbados are internet users. This level of connectivity ranks the country 132 globally. The government continues to expand digital infrastructure and promote e-commerce to diversify the economy and improve access to public services across the island, which covers a total area of 430 km² (166 sq mi).

The estimated 2026 population of Barbados is 282,729 people. Recent data shows a stable trend with a very low annual growth rate of 0.05 percent. This figure is projected from the latest official 2024 data, which recorded 282,467 residents. The nation remains one of the more populous small island states in the Caribbean.

According to the latest ranking, Barbados is 178th out of 215 countries and territories worldwide. In the Americas, it ranks 30th out of 46 countries. Within the Caribbean subregion, it is the 8th most populous nation, placing it behind larger neighbors like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago but ahead of many smaller islands.

The population density in Barbados is 657.5 people per km² (1,703 per sq mi) according to current estimates. This makes it the 13th most densely populated country in the world and the 3rd most dense in the Americas. This high concentration of residents is a defining characteristic of the island's geographic and social landscape.

The population of Barbados is currently seeing very low growth, with a rate of 0.05 percent per year. This near-stagnation is due to a low fertility rate and balanced migration. Recent estimates suggest the population increases by approximately zero people net per day when rounding daily births, deaths, and migration changes.

The latest fertility rate in Barbados is 1.7 children per woman. This is below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain a stable population without migration. This low rate is consistent with trends in other high-income Caribbean nations where improved education and healthcare have led to smaller family sizes and an aging population.

Approximately 59.5% of the Barbadian population lives in urban areas. Most of this urban concentration is centered in and around the capital city of Bridgetown and the surrounding parishes. Despite this, the island's small total area of 430 km² (166 sq mi) means that rural and urban distinctions are often less pronounced.