Geographical location of Barbados

## Location and Coordinates Barbados, a stunning island nation, is located in the eastern Caribbean region, specifically in the Lesser Antilles. As the easternmost island in the Caribbean, it lies at approximately **13.1939° N latitude** and **59.5432° W longitude**. This strategic location places Barbados outside the principal hurricane belt, offering it relatively stable weather compared to other Caribbean islands. ### Proximity to Other Landmasses - About 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of the Windward Islands chain - 168 kilometers (104 miles) east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 400 kilometers (250 miles) northeast of Trinidad and Tobago - 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) southeast of Miami, Florida, USA | Location | Approximate Distance | |----------|---------------------| | Venezuela | 434 km (270 miles) | | Trinidad | 373 km (232 miles) | | Miami, USA | 3,150 km (1,960 miles) | ## Physical Geography Barbados covers approximately 430 square kilometers (166 square miles), shaped like a pear or leg of mutton. The island's dimensions are: - Length: 34 kilometers (21 miles) - Width: 23 kilometers (14 miles) at its widest point The island's diverse landscape includes: - **Coastal Plains**: The 97-kilometer (60-mile) coastline features calm, sandy beaches on the west coast and rugged cliffs on the east coast - **Central Highlands**: Rolling hills and elevated terrain, with **Mount Hillaby** as the highest point at 340 meters (1,120 feet) ### Notable Beaches * Carlisle Bay: Popular for swimming and snorkeling * Payne's Bay: Known for calm and clear waters * Crane Beach: Picturesque beach with pink sand * Bathsheba Beach: Popular surfing spot ## Climate Barbados enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: 1. **Dry Season** (December to May): Less rainfall and cooler temperatures 2. **Wet Season** (June to November): Increased rainfall and humidity The average temperature ranges from **24°C (75°F)** to **30°C (86°F)**. The island's position influences its climate through: - Consistent trade winds from the northeast - Protection from most hurricanes due to its easterly position ## Natural Features and Resources Barbados is renowned for its natural beauty, including: - **Coral Reefs**: Surrounding the island, offering excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities - **Caves and Gullies**: Including **Harrison's Cave** and **Welchman Hall Gully** - **Botanical Gardens**: Such as the **Andromeda Botanic Gardens** Additional natural resources include: * Freshwater springs * Fertile soil suitable for agriculture ## Maritime Significance > The first port of call for many European vessels during the Age of Sail > A crucial navigation point for ships entering the Caribbean For more information, visit: - [Official Tourism Website](https://www.visitbarbados.org/) - [Geographical Data on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Barbados) - [Barbados Geographical Survey](https://www.gov.bb/Departments/land-surveys) - [University of the West Indies](http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/)

Geographical location of Barbados

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