Barbados
Barbados
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Situated in Caribbean, Barbados has a population of approximately 267.8k—a modestly sized nation in population terms. Despite covering only 430 km², the territory records a density of 623 people per km². Its capital is Bridgetown, and English is the official language, while the Barbadian dollar serves as the national currency.
Population
267,800
Area
430 km²
Density
623/km²
World Rank
#186
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (11.2 per thousand) and death rate (10.6 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The population skews older, with 16.6% aged 65 or above and 17.2% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Bridgetown
- Region
- Americas
- Subregion
- Caribbean
- Continent
- North America
- Languages
- English
- Currencies
- Barbadian dollar ($)
- Calling Code
- +1246
- Top-Level Domain
- .bb
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-04:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 267,800
- Land Area
- 430 km²
- Population Density
- 623 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +2,357 people
- Daily Growth
- +6 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- 13.17°, -59.53°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $26.5k, Barbados sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 6.5%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 34.1 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
76.2 years
GDP per Capita
$26,545
Birth Rate
11.2 per 1,000
Death Rate
10.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
59.5%
Fertility Rate
1.71 births/woman
Infant Mortality
9.3 per 1,000
Unemployment
6.5%
Literacy Rate
99.3%
Internet Users
80.0%
Under 15
17.2%
Over 65
16.6%
Health Spending
5.4% GDP
Gini Index
34.1
Age Distribution
0-14 years
46K
15-64 years
177K
65+ years
44K
Urbanization
About 59.5% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Bridgetown serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 87.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
159,448
59.5%
108,352
40.5%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 76.2 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 9.3 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. Near-universal literacy (99.3%) provides a strong foundation for workforce development and civic participation.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Barbados is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.7 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Barbados participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 267,800 |
| 2030 | 277,288 |
| 2035 | 289,485 |
| 2040 | 302,083 |
| 2045 | 315,105 |
| 2050 | 328,580 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Barbados?
The population of Barbados is approximately 267,800 as of 2026, making it #186 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Barbados?
The capital of Barbados is Bridgetown.
What languages are spoken in Barbados?
The main languages spoken in Barbados are English.
How big is Barbados?
Barbados covers an area of 430 km² with a population density of 623 people per km².
Is Barbados growing or shrinking?
Barbados is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 2,357 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Barbados?
The average life expectancy in Barbados is 76.2 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Barbados?
The GDP per capita of Barbados is $26,545.