The document provides background information on Barbados. It begins by explaining that Barbados was originally named by Spanish and Portuguese sailors due to the many bearded fig trees on the island. While known to Europeans since the 16th century, it was permanently settled by the English in 1627. Barbados gained independence from Britain in 1966 and joined the Commonwealth. It provides facts about Barbados' government, population, capital, languages, and other details. The document also shares images and poems about Barbados' landscapes, people, and culture.

1. This name (the bearded ones) comes from either Spanish
or Portuguese, so given seemingly because of the many
bearded fig trees that were found on the island at the time of
its discovery. Sailors from both Spain and Portugal knew of
the island since the sixteenth century (1511), but neither
country settled the island. The original inhabitants, called
the island Ichirouganaim and still is so known to their
descendants in modern days.

2. BARBADOS – The Bearded Fig Trees
show more of this name

3. Was permanently settled by the English in 1627.
From that time onwards, this island remained
English, then British, until the year the country
gained its independence in November of 1966.
The new nation joined the Commonwealth at
that time.

4. BARBADOS’ National Symbols
Flag: The Broken Trident Coat-of-arms

5. The Pride of Barbados Flying Fish
 Barbados was once known as the
Land of Flying Fish. These fish
are now less abundant in its
waters because of over-fishing.

6. Essential Facts
 Government: Parliamentary democracy and
Constitutional monarchy
 Head of State: Governor–general
 Population: 300,000 (2005)

7. Essential Facts
 Nationality: Barbadian; (informal) Bajan
 Motto: “Pride and Industry”
 Capital: Bridgetown
 Languages: English, Hindi/Bhojpuri, Bajan dialect
 Location: Eastern Caribbean – most easterly island
 Area: 430 square kilometres (166 sq miles)
 Currency: Barbados dollar
 National Sport: Cricket

8. Essential Facts
 National Festival: Crop Over Festival
 National Holiday: Independence Day, 30th November
 Ethnic groups: Afro-Barbadian, Indo-
Barbadian, Asian, Multiracial, European
 Religion: Christian Protestant, Christian Roman
Catholic, Muslim, Hindu

9. Takes of Barbados’ landscapes, sea-scapes
and its people – east and west coastlines

10. Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes, its
people – Independence Square, Bridgetown

11. Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes, its
people – Christian and Muslim worship sites

12. Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes, its
people

13. Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes, its
people – inland

14. Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes, its
people – now its own homeland experience

15. Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes,
its people

16. Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes and
its people

17. Takes of Barbados’ land-and-sea-scapes and
its people

18. A little humour – by a British poet
 Said the Shark to the Flying Fish over the phone
“Will you join me tonight? I am dining alone.
Let me order a nice little dinner for two.
And come as you are in your shimmering blue."
Said the Flying Fish, "fancy remembering me,
and the dress that I wore to the porpoise's tea".
"How could I forget" said the Shark in his guile.
"I'll expect you at eight", and rang off with a smile.
She has powdered her nose,
she has put on her things,
she is off with one flap of her luminous wings.
Oh little one, lovely,
light hearted and vain,
the moon will not shine on your beauty again.
 E V Rieu