Population and Demographics

The country's official language is English, the local dialect of which is referred to as Bajan, is spoken by most. While religiously most Barbadians are Protestant Christians (67%), chiefly of the Anglican Church, there are other Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Hindu and Muslim minorities. Barbados is currently a chief destination for emigrants from the South American nation of Guyana.

Barbados has a population of about 281,000 and a growth rate of 0.37%. Close to 90 percent of all Barbadians (known colloquially as Bajan) are of African descent (Afro-Bajans), mostly descendants of the slave labourers on the sugar plantations. The remainder of the population includes groups of Europeans (Anglo-Bajans/Euro-Bajans) mainly from Britain and Ireland; Chinese (locally known as Bajan-Chiney); Bajan Hindus from India; Muslims from Bangladesh and Pakistan; and an influential Arab-Bajans group mainly of Syrian and Lebanese descent.

Euro-Bajans

Euro-Bajans have settled in Barbados since the 1500s, originating from the England, Ireland, Scotland and Portugal. More commonly are known to be White Bajans, although some carry Afro-Caribbean traces. Euro-Bajans introduced folk music, such as Irish music and Highland music while naming most of Barbados's regions, the name of the island originated from (Los Barbados). Other examples are 'Scotland', a mountainous region; and 'Trafalgar Square' in Bridgetown, now renamed to National Heroes Square.

Arab-Bajans

Lebanese and Syrians are the Middle Eastern community on the island and make up for 89% of the Muslim population in Barbados alone. During the Arab Israeli Wars, many Syrians and Lebanese headed for the West Indies to escape conflict and poverty in the Middle East. Jewish people arrived in Barbados around the same time, thus creating the biggest synagogue in the West Indies.

Indo-Bajans

There is a growing Indo-Bajan diaspora originating from Guyana and India. They introduced Soca-Chutney, Roti and many Indian dishes to Barbados' culture. Mostly from Southern India and Hindu states, these 'Desi' peoples are growing in size but smaller than the communities in Trinidad and Guyana. Hinduism is one of Barbados' growing religions.

Chinese-Bajans

Chinese-Barbadians are a small portion of Barbados' Asian demographics, smaller than the communities of Jamaica and Trinidad. Most arrived in the 1940s during the Second World War, originating mainly from the then British territory of Hong Kong. Many Chinese-Bajans have the surnames Chin, Chynn or Lee, although other surnames prevail in certain areas of the island. Chinese food and culture is becoming part of everyday Bajan culture.

Facts and Figures

• Population: 280,946
• Age Structure:
  • 0-14 years: 19.7% (male 27,659/female 27,573)
  • 15-64 years: 71.4% (male 98,633/female 102,020)
  • 65 years and over: 8.9% (male 9,662/female 15,399)
• Median Age:
  • Total: 35 years
  • Male: 33.8 years
  • Female: 36 years
• Population Growth Rate: 0.369%
• Birth Rate: 12.61 births/1,000 population
• Death Rate: 8.61 deaths/1,000 population
• Net Migration Rate: -0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population
• Sex Ratio:
  • At birth: 1.01 male(s)/female
  • Under 15 years: 1.003 male(s)/female
  • 15-64 years: 0.967 male(s)/female
  • 65 years and over: 0.627 male(s)/female
  • Total population: 0.938 male(s)/female
• Infant Mortality Rate:
  • Total: 11.55 deaths/1,000 live births
  • Male: 12.88 deaths/1,000 live births
  • Female: 10.19 deaths/1,000 live births
• Life Expectancy at Birth:
  • Total population: 73 years
  • Male: 71.02 years
  • Female: 75.01 years
• Total Fertility Rate: 1.65 children born/woman
• HIV/AIDS:
  • Adult prevalence rate: 1.5%;
  • People living with HIV/AIDS: 2,500
• Ethnic Groups:
  • Black 90%
  • White 4%
  • Asian and mixed 6%
• Religions:
  • Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%)
  • Roman Catholic 4%
  • None 17%
  • Other 12%
• Languages:
  • English
• Literacy:
  Definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school
  • Total population: 99.7%
  • Male: 99.7%
  • Female: 99.7%