Interesting Facts About Barbados - Fun Facts About Barbados

Barbados is an island country that belongs to the Lesser Antilles. The country is located in the western area of the North Atlantic Ocean and is approximately 100 kilometers east of the Caribbean Sea. The country first came under the rule of the Portuguese, but later in 1625 was passed on to the English who back then converted it into one of their many colonies. In 1966, Barbados took over from the British, when they became an independent country. However, the country still has Queen Elizabeth II as its Head of State. Barbados now is one of the most popular and most preferred tourist destinations of the Caribbean. It is also the most developed island country in the Caribbean. This scenic island also enjoys the distinction of being the third most developed country in the Western hemisphere, after the United States of America and Canada of course. Here’s presenting a few handpicked fun and interesting facts about the warm and friendly country of Barbados.

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Interesting & Fun Facts About Barbados

Barbados was first called Los Barbados, which means ‘the bearded ones’. The country owes its previous name to its fig trees and their long hanging, aerial roots. This prompted Pedro Campos, the Portuguese explorer to name the country Los Barbados, because the trees from afar looked like they had beards.
Bridgetown is the Capital of Barbados.
The Barbados National flower is called the ‘Pride of Barbados’ (Caesalpinia pulcherrima). The flowers are yellow, orange, or red and can be found all over the island.
In Barbados, it is considered good luck if a mongoose crosses your path. The chances of a mongoose running into you are also high, because mongooses in Barbados are definitely not a rare sight.
Barbados is known as ‘the land of the flying fish’ because of the abundance of flying fish in its waters. ‘Flying fishes are a national emblem of sorts and also make for a culinary treat.
Barbados has around 500,000 people gracing its shores every year.
Barbados boasts of being the only island in the Caribbean that enjoys the luxury of having daily flights to Canada, England, and the United States of America.
The Barbadians are extremely fond of pork, and are familiar with preparing a dozen mouth-watering dishes that revolve around pork. It is also a matter of interest that all the pork consumed on the island is sourced locally.
The oldest church in Barbados is the St. James Parish Church and it’s located in the parish of St. James.
Barbados lays claim to the distinction of having the third oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth.
The leaves of ‘the Pride of Barbados’ are given to crying babies. The leaf is supposed to help make a baby stop crying. It is dipped in breast milk and then given to the crying child.
The highest point in Barbados is located at a height of 1,100 feet above sea level.
Barbados’ first aircraft was actually shipped to Bridgetown, assembled, and then flown out from the Garrison Savannah.
“Pride and Industry” is the Motto of Barbados.
As far as alcohol goes, Barbados has given its citizens a considerable amount of freedom. The legal age for drinking alcohol in the country is 18 years; however, children between 10-17 years are permitted to consume alcohol when accompanied by a parent.
Barbados is located in the Eastern most part of the Caribbean and is also considered to form part of the Lesser Antilles.
When in Barbados, you don’t pay a taxi-driver based on the reading of a meter. Fares are predetermined and you actually have to ask a taxi-driver how much you’re supposed to pay before you get in.
Barbados is the only country in the Caribbean region, which enjoys the distinction of being a full time fertility unit.

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