Location. Barbados, "Gem of the Caribbean Sea", is the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands. It is located approximately 459.8 km (285.7 miles) Northeast of Venezuela. By air it is about 4 ½ hours from New York, 5 hours from Toronto and 8 hours from London. The island's geographic location makes it very convenient for persons also doing business in North America.

Government & Political Environment. Barbados has been a model of political stability in the Caribbean, operating on a system of long established democratic principles. A member of the British Commonwealth, Barbados' constitution is based on the British style of parliamentary democracy, with elections held every five years.

Business Environment. Barbados has a vibrant and steadily growing economy and was recently ranked as one of the world's leading developing nations (UN's Human Development Index report measuring education levels, life expectancy and per capita income). Tourism, International Business and Financial Services are its key economic drivers. Barbaods is a member of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Barbados - key sectors:
Offshore Finance, Information Services and Tourism