Three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident).
11 parishes: Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, and Saint Thomas. The city of Bridgetown may be given parish status.
Population:
280,946 (July 2007 est.)
Languages:
English
Geographic coordinates:
13° 10' N, 59° 32' W
Area total:
431 sq. km
Land area:
431 sq. km
Water area:
0 sq. km
Total land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
97 km
Elevation extremes:
Atlantic Ocean 0 m - Mount Hillaby 336 m
Internet country code:
.bb
Currency:
Barbadian dollar (BBD)
Name - conventional long form:
none
Name - conventional short form:
Barbados
Independence:
30 November 1966 (from UK)
Constitution:
30 November 1966
Government type:
parliamentary democracy, independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth