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Barbados is the most easterly of all the Caribbean islands, located at 13 degrees North, 59.37 degrees West.
Comparatively speaking, this 166sq.mile island – 21 miles long and 14 miles wide – is relatively flat, the highest point being Mount Hillaby, which is 1,116 ft above sea level. It is divided into 11 parishes. The sea on the West Coast (Caribbean Sea) and on the East Coast is rough (Atlantic Ocean). The south Coast has small waves and the South-East Coast has larger waves, but is still safe for swimming.
Barbados is made up largely of thick layers of limestone, sand clay, which are covered by a coral cap: coral reefs surrounding the island contribute to its white, sandy beaches. The coral and limestone are extremely permeable, and allow rain water to filter through which is collected in catchment areas and then pumped to the taps by the various pumping stations around the island. This unique filtering system provides Barbados with the purest drinking water in the world.
The official language of Barbados is English, but the Bajan dialect is widely spoken.
The name Barbados comes from the island’s Portuguese christening of Los Barbados, named after the bearded fig tree, which grew abundantly on the island at the time of its discovery in the 16th century. This tree is unusual in that it sends aerial roots from its branches, thus giving the impression of being bearded.
Barbados has a British past. Her ties with the Mother Country began in 1625 when Captain John Powell claimed the island for James I of England and they did not totally end with Independence on November 30, 1966. A great deal of the island’s charm comes from that complex relationship.
In Barbados we celebrate many festivals all throughout the year. These festivals include The Jazz Festival, Holetown Festival, Oistins Fish Festival, The Holders Season,The Congaline Music Festival, Barbados Gospelfest Festival, Crop Over and The National Independence Festival of Creative Arts.
http://www.Barbados.org
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