14 Fun Facts About Barbados (Yes, there is one about Rihanna)

I’ve been to Barbados, a 166-square-mile island in the Atlantic Ocean. The island has sandy beaches on its west and south coasts, just like many Caribbean islands. What sets Barbados apart is that it’s the birthplace of global music icon Rihanna.

Here are some key facts about Rihanna. I mean Barbados. Sorry, I love her so much. Okay, key facts about Barbados:

In this article, I’ll share 14 fun facts about Barbados, showing what makes this island different from the rest of the Caribbean.

>>Other than Rihanna’s lyrics, check out these other teen travel resources before departing for Barbados.

1. Barbados’ name originates from ancient fig trees

Portuguese explorers in the 16th century named the island “Os Barbados,” meaning “the bearded ones” after seeing the island’s unique fig trees. The Ficus citrifolia trees feature long, beard-like aerial roots hanging from their branches.

These bearded fig trees still grow across Barbados today, though historians debate whether the Portuguese named the island for these trees or for similar aerial roots on other native species. A minority of scholars suggest the name might reference bearded indigenous inhabitants, though most evidence points to the distinctive fig trees.

Travel to Portugal this summer

2. British colonialism lasted 339 years in Barbados

The British first settled on the island in 1627. The first settlement was originally named Jamestown after King James, but was later renamed Holetown, a name derived from the stream where ships would clean their holds.

The Parliament of Barbados was established in 1639 and is the third-oldest continuous parliament in the Commonwealth, after Great Britain’s Parliament and Bermuda’s legislature (established in 1620). The Parliament Buildings are located in Bridgetown, the nation’s capital.

Barbados remained a British colony for over 300 years until gaining independence on November 30, 1966.

Barbados ditched Queen Elizabeth and became a republic in 2021, with President Sandra Mason as head of state

From 55 years between 1966 to 2021, Barbados was an independent constitutional monarchy within the British Commonwealth realm.

After Barbados became a republic, the nation removed the royal logos and aggressively ditched their colonial past. The tourism bureau invested in marketing to attract guests from West Africa and other Carribbean Islands.

Barbados was the first Caribbean Island to have piped water. (Photo by @photoarchives)

3. Barbados was the 6th Caribbean Island to gain independence, but the first Caribbean Island to have piped water

Barbados became the first Caribbean Island to have piped water in 1861, introduced by the Barbados Water Works Company. The introduction of piped water in Barbados transformed society. Before, residents relied on wells and rainwater collection.

The water supply comes from underground aquifers, filtered through the island’s coral limestone bedrock foundation, which naturally purifies the water.

Barbados is the birthplace of rum.

4. Barbados is the birthplace of rum

Barbados birthed the world’s first refined rum at Mount Gay Distillery, established in 1703. While other Caribbean islands produced crude spirits from sugarcane, Barbadian distillers pioneered the modern rum-making process using copper pot stills and oak barrel aging.

The Mount Gay estate was a sugar plantation before Sir John Gay Alleyne transformed it into a sophisticated distillery. Today, the 280-acre estate in St. Lucy Parish continues producing rum using the same limestone-filtered spring water and locally grown sugarcane.

Mount Gay Distillery

• Address: Mount Gay, St. Lucy, Barbados
• Hours:
  • Monday – Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Friday – Sunday: 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: Closed
• Details: Mount Gay Distillery is the oldest continuously operating rum distillery in the world, dating back to 1703. This historic site offers guided tours that take you through the rum-making process, from molasses to the final product. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the distillery’s grounds, learn about the traditional methods of rum production, and sample some of Mount Gay’s finest rums.
• Note: Book tours in advance, especially during peak season (December-April).

5. Barbados’ national symbol is the Flying Fish, and it’s on the Barbados dollar coin

Flying fish, the national symbol of Barbados, can glide up to 50 meters above the water. One example of this is Barbados’ national dish, Cou-Cou and Flying Fish which combines steamed flying fish with cornmeal and okra.

The flying fish is so important that it is on the reverse of the Barbados dollar.

Take a look at the iconic Flying Fish dollar coin below

6. Barbados has 60 beaches along its coastline

Barbados has 60 beaches along its coastline. The beaches are white sand on the west coast, covered with luxury hotels and resorts.

The east coast beaches are more rugged. The South Coast of Barbados is famous for its beach life.

7. Barbados is surrounded by coral reefs

Barbados is surrounded by coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean and is home to several tropical fish, including the parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish.

A coral reef in Barbados

8. Barbados is home to the oldest Jewish synagogue in the Western Hemisphere

Barbados most notable historical site is the Nidhe Israel Synagogue. The synagogue is located in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The synagogue dates back to the 17th century. This makes it the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.

Nidhe Israel Synagogue

• Address: Synagogue Lane, Bridgetown, Barbados
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Tours available)

9. The Pride of Barbados is the country’s national flower

The national flower of Barbados is called the Pride of Barbados. The flower is famed for its bright red, yellow, and orange blooms.

Pride of Barbados (Barbados national flower)

10. The island’s economy long relied on sugar and rum

Sugar and rum play a large part in the island’s history and economy. Sugar was once the backbone of Barbados’ economy with thriving plantations from the 16th century.

Rum still plays an important role in the island’s economic output. See Mount Gay Rum, mentioned in fun fact about Barbados #4.

As a bit of trivia, the first drink James Bond orders in Casino Royale is a Mount Gay Rum with soda.

11. Barbados’ flag represents the country’s independence

The Barbadian flag has three vertical bands: two ultramarine and one gold. The ultramarine bands represent the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, while the gold band signifies the sand of Barbados’ beaches.

A black broken trident stands in the center of the flag, symbolizing the island’s connection to the sea and a country breaking free from British colonial rule. The three points on the trident symbolize the principles of democracy: government of, for, and by the people.

The flag was adopted in 1966 when Barbados became an independent nation.

12. Barbados’ Crop Over Festival attracts visitors from around the world

Crop Over Festival is held every year between June and August, attracting a global audience. This celebration marks the end of the sugar cane harvest and features a variety of day and night parties, parades, and craft markets.

• Address: Hincks Street Bridgetown, Saint Michael Barbados.
• 2025 Dates: July 30th – August 5th.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the festival dates, times, and locations, please contact us at Rustic Pathways.

13. Harrison’s Cave is the most popular landmark in Barbados

Harrison’s Cave is one of the most famous and visited landmarks on the island. Located in the central uplands, its system has stalactites and stalagmites that attract awed guests.

Harrison Cave

• Address: Allen View, Welchman Hall Barbados.
• Hours: Daily 9AM – 4:30PM.
• What to Bring:
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellant
  • Cash or credit card for gifts, photos, souvenirs and snacks.
  • Must show valid picture ID for check in

14. Green monkeys and nesting turtles have become common sights in Barbados

The green monkey and nesting turtles have become a common sight in Barbados. The green monkey is originally from West Africa but was introduced to Barbados in the 17th century.

Over time, the species gained a foothold on the island.

The little cuties are now a common sight in the island’s forests and plantations.

Green baby monkey eating fruit

In addition to the green monkeys, you can spot nesting turtles on the island, particularly green turtles, loggerheads, hawksbills and leatherbacks.

References:

Barbados.org

Socaislands.com

UNESCO