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Population Review

Rank #17 by World Population

🇧🇧Barbados

Barbados has a population of 282,336, ranking #17 in the world. The capital is Bridgetown. Located in Latin America & Caribbean .

World Bank: High income

282,336

Population

#17

World Rank

76.2

Life Expectancy

$25,584

GDP Per Capita

Barbados, #17 by world population


Barbados Population History (1960-2024)

The country of Barbados had a population of 230,893 in 1960 and 282,467 in 2024, a 22.3% growth over 64 years. The peak was 282,467 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.32%.

2024 · 282K19602024
Barbados population, 1960–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

282,467

Population (2024)

230,893

Population (1960)

282,467

Peak (2024)

0.32%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
1960230,893
1961233,148
1962235,224
1963237,557
1964239,958
1965242,417
1966244,996
1967247,091
1968248,540
1969249,444
1970249,387
1971249,168
1972249,658
1973250,322
1974250,777
1975251,175
1976251,442
1977251,626
1978251,551
1979251,269
1980251,524
1981252,270
1982253,095
1983253,992
1984254,920
1985255,820
1986256,618
1987257,279
1988257,763
1989258,109
1990258,582
1991259,373
1992260,267
1993261,027
1994261,620
1995262,039
1996262,284
1997262,392
1998262,436
1999262,517
2000262,063
2001262,425
2002264,148
2003265,776
2004267,298
2005268,706
2006270,002
2007271,288
2008272,714
2009274,123
2010275,243
2011276,139
2012276,938
2013277,665
2014278,348
2015278,990
2016279,598
2017280,171
2018280,711
2019281,207
2020281,698
2021282,147
2022282,318
2023282,336
2024282,467

Demographics

Population282,336
Population Growth Rate0.01%
Urban Population59.4%
Fertility Rate1.71 births/woman
Life Expectancy76.2 years
Infant Mortality Rate9.4 per 1,000
Literacy Rate-

Economy & Trade

$25,584

GDP Per Capita

6.5%

Unemployment Rate

High income

Income Level

Health & Education

5.4%

Health Expenditure (% GDP)

2.96

Physicians per 1,000

3.8%

Education Expenditure (% GDP)

9.4

Infant Mortality (per 1,000)

Development & Connectivity

100.0%

Electricity Access

69.1%

Internet Users

112

Mobile Subs per 100

656.6

People per km2

-80

Net Migration

Environment

14.7%

Forest Area


Barbados Climate

Barbados has an average annual temperature of 26.8°C (80°F) and receives about 1529 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is February. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

26.8°C

Avg Temp

1529

Precip (mm/yr)

Aug

Hottest Month

Feb

Coldest Month

20°30°246mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Barbados — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January26° / 78°91 mm
February26° / 78°75 mm
March26° / 79°67 mm
April26° / 80°54 mm
May27° / 81°71 mm
June27° / 81°133 mm
July27° / 81°140 mm
August28° / 82°162 mm
September28° / 82°158 mm
October27° / 81°178 mm
November27° / 80°246 mm
December26° / 79°154 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit Barbados

The most comfortable months to visit Barbados are typically April, March and February, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 30°C high). The coldest is February (near 23°C low). November is usually the wettest month.

AprilMarchFebruary

Where to stay near Bridgetown

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Other Countries in Latin America & Caribbean

Compare Barbados

Barbados in global context

Barbados is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.

World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Barbados has a population of 282,336, ranking #17 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 0.01%.

Life expectancy in Barbados is 76.2 years. The infant mortality rate is 9.4 per 1,000 live births.

Barbados's GDP per capita is $25,584. It is classified as a high income country by the World Bank.

59.4% of Barbados's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 656.6 people per square kilometer.

Literacy data for Barbados is available from the World Bank.

The most comfortable months to visit Barbados are typically April, March and February, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.

Barbados has an average annual temperature of 26.8°C and about 1529 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically August and the coldest is February.

International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.

Barbados is a country in Latin America & Caribbean with a population of 282,336. Population growth is modest, around 0.0% a year.

Economically, Barbados is high-income — GDP per capita is roughly $25,584. Life expectancy is 76.2 years, with a fertility rate of 1.7 births per woman, and 59.4% of the population lives in urban areas.

Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.