Where is Barbados Located? A Guide to the Caribbean Island's Geography

## Introduction to Barbados Barbados is a stunning island nation located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, it holds a unique geographical position in the Caribbean. ## Geographical Location Barbados is situated in the Lesser Antilles, lying approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea. The island is positioned at approximately **13.1939° N latitude** and **59.5432° W longitude**, making it the easternmost island in the Caribbean. ### Neighboring Islands - **Saint Lucia**: Located to the northwest, approximately 120 miles away - **Saint Vincent and the Grenadines**: Situated to the west, about 100 miles from Barbados - **Trinidad and Tobago**: Found to the southwest, roughly 250 miles away ## Physical Characteristics ### Size and Shape * Total area: 432 square kilometers (167 square miles) * Length: 34 kilometers (21 miles) * Width: 23 kilometers (14 miles) ### Terrain The island's terrain features: 1. Mount Hillaby - highest point at 336 meters (1,102 feet) 2. Central highlands with a series of ridges 3. Gentle slopes leading to coastal areas 4. Coral limestone composition, contributing to fertile soil ## Coastal Features ### Western Coast ("Platinum Coast") - Calm, crystal-clear waters - White sandy beaches - Protected bays perfect for swimming - Popular tourist destinations like [Holetown](https://corporate.visitbarbados.org/holetown) ### Eastern Coast - Rugged cliffs - Stronger waves ideal for surfing - Natural attractions like [Bathsheba Beach](https://corporate.visitbarbados.org/bathsheba) - Less developed landscape ## Climate Barbados experiences a tropical climate with two main seasons: ### Dry Season (December to May) * Average temperatures: 24-29°C (75-84°F) * Lower rainfall * Peak tourist season ### Wet Season (June to November) * Average temperatures: 25-31°C (77-88°F) * Higher rainfall * More humid conditions The island lies outside the principal hurricane belt, making it less susceptible to hurricanes compared to other Caribbean islands. ## Geological Formation > The accumulation of coral reefs over millions of years resulted in a foundation of limestone rock up to 90 meters thick in some areas. ## Administrative Divisions The island is divided into 11 parishes: 1. Christ Church 2. Saint Andrew 3. Saint George 4. Saint James 5. Saint John 6. Saint Joseph 7. Saint Lucy 8. Saint Michael 9. Saint Peter 10. Saint Philip 11. Saint Thomas ### Major Cities and Towns The capital city, [Bridgetown](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1376/), is located in: * Saint Michael Parish * The southwestern coast * A UNESCO World Heritage site Other significant towns include Speightstown, Oistins, Holetown, and Bathsheba. ## Environmental Considerations The island faces several geographical challenges: * Limited freshwater resources * Coastal erosion * Climate change impacts * Urban development pressure --- For more information on Barbados, you can visit: - [Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.](https://corporate.visitbarbados.org/) - [CIA World Factbook](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/barbados/) - [Barbados Meteorological Service](https://www.barbadosweather.org/) - [Caribbean Tourism Organization](https://www.onecaribbean.org/)

Where is Barbados Located? A Guide to the Caribbean Island's Geography

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