Bar·ba·dos [ baar báydōss, baar báydəss ]island nation of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean off northeastern South America. Settled by the English in the 17th century, it has been an independent state within the British Commonwealth since 1966. Languages: English. Currency: Barbados dollar. Capital: Bridgetown. Population: 284,589 (2009 estimate).
Area: 430 sq km (166 sq mi)
