Barbados is located at latitude 13 degrees North and Longitude 59 West and is the most easterly of the Caribbean chain of islands that stretches from Florida on the North American mainland to the Guianas on the South American continent. The island is just 21 miles long and 14 miles wide at its widest point and is made up of soft coral lime stone which is responsible for the gently rolling landscape.  The terrain rises in steps from the west coast, reaching its highest point of 1100 feet at Mount Hillaby in the eastern parish of St. Andrew. The island is fringed coral reefs which is responsible for the white sand beaches that are present along the coast line.

The capital city, Bridgetown, and the three other regional towns are located along the west coast or Caribbean side of the island, while the Atlantic coast on the east side is less densely populated. The Barbadian population is predominately of African origin, while people of European, Indian and other ethnic groups are represented among the 273,000 persons live on the island of 166 square miles. 

Barbados enjoys a pleasant and stable climate with daytime temperatures ranging between 31 and 23 degrees Centigrade. There is a dry season from February to March and a definite wet season between July and November. Although the island lies in a hurricane belt it has not suffered a direct hit since 1955. Natural resources include oil, natural gas and fish.