Formed from coral limestone, pushed up from the sea, Barbados is flatter and drier than many of its neighbours, with rolling hills and sugar cane fields rather than dramatic peaks and rainforest. Ringed by sugar sand beaches and nodding coconut palms, tourism thrives, and tends to be concentrated along the south and exclusive west coasts, leaving the quieter but equally beautiful north and east coasts to the surfers and locals. There are few rivers, except in the northeast, where they have cut deep valleys into the land. Rainwater running though the limestone elsewhere has formed dramatic caves.

There's a population of 265 000 people, making Barbados one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Extremes between rich and poor are less marked than elsewhere in the Caribbean, creating a more relaxed and easy-going social structure. Tourism brings in over half the island's foreign income, and employs over 10 000 people, so holidaymakers are made very welcome! The UK is Barbados's biggest market, accounting for 36% of the tourists.

The climate is tropical, with rain and high winds possible between June and November. Hoteliers are well prepared for the occasional hurricane. Temperatures hover between 25ºC and 32ºC all year round, and you can count on around 8 or 9 hours sunshine a day.

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