============================== BARBADOS ============================== Barbados is the most easterly island of the West Indies. Most of the island is low- lying. The climate is tropical, but the cooling effect of the northeast trade winds prevents the temperatures rising above 30C. There are only two seasons, the dry and the wet, when rainfall is very heavy. Although the industry is now declining, sugar is still the principal export. Tourism has now taken over as the main industry, and it employs 40% of the islands labour force. Area (Sq. Km.): 430 Population: 260,000 Capital: Bridgetown Language: English Religion: Protestant 67% Roman Catholic 4% Government Type: Idependent sovereign state within the Commonwealth Currency: Barbados dollar Embassy: 1 Great Russell Street London WC1B 3JY 0171-631-4975 «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Foreign Office Advice: Like many holiday resorts there has been an increase in robbery and theft. Much of it opportunist. Visitors should take sensible precautions at all times, for example, not leaving cars unattended, do not wear jewellery when visiting secluded areas, or visit deserted beaches at night. Seek and heed local advice about areas which might be considered dangerous, especially when planning travel in open vehicles to more remote parts of the Island. For more information ring: Foreign Office Travel Unit 0171-270-4129