People and Society of Barbados

Nationality

Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)

Ethnic Groups

Black 90%, white 4%, Asian and mixed 6%

Population

281,995

Population in Major Urban Areas

BRIDGETOWN (capital) 122,000

The main medical facility in Barbados is Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Medical care is good for the region, but medical transport can take hours to respond and ambulance attendants are prohibited from applying lifesaving techniques during transport. Minor problems requiring a visit to the emergency room can involve a wait of several hours; private clinics and physicians offer speedier service. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Barbados stands among the highest in the Caribbean region, reflecting the island nation's relatively strong public health infrastructure, accessible medical care, and overall quality of life. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy at birth in Barbados is approximately 79 years, with women typically living longer than men — around 81 years for females compared to roughly 77 years for males. This figure places Barbados well above the global average and compares favorably with many other small island developing states. The country's achievements in longevity are closely tied to its well-established healthcare system, which includes the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as the primary public hospital, along with a network of polyclinics spread across the island that provide free or subsidized care to residents. Several factors contribute to the relatively high life expectancy. Barbados has made sustained investments in primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, and disease prevention programs. The island has seen significant reductions in infant and child mortality over the decades, which positively affects overall life expectancy figures. Additionally, access to clean water, sanitation, and a generally stable socioeconomic environment support longer, healthier lives for the population. Chronic non-communicable diseases, however, remain a notable public health challenge. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease are prevalent among the Barbadian population and are leading causes of morbidity and premature death. The government and health authorities have implemented national programs targeting lifestyle-related risk factors including obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet in response to these pressures. Barbados has consistently ranked among the more developed nations in the Caribbean, and its Human Development Index score reflects a society with strong educational attainment, economic stability, and health outcomes. While the island faces ongoing pressures from an aging population and the growing burden of chronic illness, its life expectancy figures remain a point of national pride and a testament to decades of sustained public health progress.

Infant Mortality Rate

Barbados maintains one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the Caribbean and Latin American region, reflecting the island's strong public health infrastructure, accessible healthcare system, and relatively high standard of living. The infant mortality rate in Barbados stands at approximately 11 to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure that compares favorably not only with its regional neighbors but also with many developed nations worldwide. This achievement is largely the result of decades of investment in maternal and child health services. Barbados operates a universal healthcare system that provides residents with access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and postnatal support at little to no direct cost. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the island's primary public medical facility, along with a network of polyclinics distributed across the island's parishes, ensures that expectant mothers receive consistent monitoring and care throughout pregnancy and delivery. Key factors contributing to the low infant mortality rate include high rates of antenatal care attendance, well-trained medical personnel, and strong immunization coverage. The island achieves near-universal vaccination rates for common childhood diseases such as measles, polio, and diphtheria, which significantly reduces infant deaths from preventable illnesses. Breastfeeding promotion campaigns and nutritional guidance programs further support infant health outcomes during the critical early months of life. Barbados has shown a sustained downward trend in infant mortality over the past several decades, mirroring improvements in overall life expectancy and maternal health indicators. The government continues to monitor and refine health policies through collaboration with international organizations, targeting further reductions in neonatal mortality — deaths occurring within the first 28 days of life — which represent the most persistent challenge even in well-resourced health systems. While the overall outlook for infant survival in Barbados is positive, health authorities remain attentive to disparities related to socioeconomic status and continue to expand community-level health education to sustain and improve upon current outcomes.

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over has ever attended school

• Protestant67.0%
• none17.0%
• other12.0%
• Roman Catholic4.0%

English

• English

Crime Information

Crime in Barbados is characterized primarily by petty theft and street crime. Incidents of violent crime, including rape, do occur. Visitors should be especially vigilant on the beaches at night. In 2012 several female tourists were reportedly sexually assaulted in separate attacks while walking alone in the Holetown area on the West Coast of Barbados. As always, visitors to and residents in Barbados should always be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution, especially when walking alone and even during the day. If walking alone, avoid secluded areas. Always secure valuables in a hotel safe, and always lock and secure a hotel room and rental home doors and windows. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, but if you purchase them you may be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Barbados, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Barbados, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Persons violating Barbados laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Barbados are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.