Independent state since November 30, 1966. Furthest east of the Caribbean islands, the island lies alone in the Atlantic almost completely surrounded by coral reefs. Its highest point is Mt. Hillaby, 1,115 ft. (336 meters). The climate is tropical.

Light manufacturing, tourism and the offshore financial and information services industries have become the mainstay of the economy. The collapse of the world economy in 2008 and resulting slowdown in tourist arrivals have had a negative impact on the real estate sector and construction industry.

Barbados is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. The laws are based on the English common law, underpinned by written statutes and regulations. An independent Judiciary functions in the Supreme Court consisting of the High Court and Court of Appeal; the court of final jurisdiction is the Caribbean Court of Justice.