Biggest Cities In Barbados

Barbados is an island nation located in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, just west of the Caribbean Sea. It covers an area of 166 square miles and has a population size of 280,121. The population density of Barbados is 1,704 people per square mile. The racial demographics of these individuals are as follows: Black (92.4%), multiracial (3.1%), White (2.7%), and South Asian (1.3%). The majority of this country’s residents live in urban areas. This article takes a look at the most populated cities in Barbados.

The Biggest Cities In Barbados

Bridgetown

Bridgetown is the most populated city and the capital of Barbados. It has a population of 98,511. The entire metropolitan area, however, has approximately 110,000 residents which is nearly half of the country’s population size. European settlement began here in 1628 when British colonizers established this city. Although uninhabited at the time, settlers discovered signs of previous development. At the site of present-day Bridgetown, for example, Europeans discovered a bridge which is believed to have been built by Arawak indigenous peoples. In 1654, these settlers built a new bridge over the Careenage swamp and named the city The Town of Saint Michael. It was later changed to Bridgetown.

Today, the city is a popular West Indies tourist destination. Tourists can visit the historic area and the garrison which together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, it is the country’s financial and informational hub. Due to its coastal location, Bridgetown also serves as an important port city, particularly for cruise ships.

Speightstown

Speightstown is the second most populated city in Barbados with a population size of 3,634. This town is located along the coast, 12 miles north of Bridgetown. Speightstown was established in 1630 as the most important port city in the country. The most important export at that time was sugar which left here directly for London. This town was also the site of a large slave trade. The rich history of this city is reflected in its architecture, with many historic, colonial buildings still standing. One example of these colonial buildings is Arlington House. Other important examples of historic architecture can be found along Queen Street, Orange Street, and Church Street.

Currently, this town is the second most popular tourist destination in the country. It is also known as an excellent shopping area. Recently, the city developed a luxury marina which draws the business of yacht and other boat owners who want to dock and enter the country here.

Oistins

Oistins is the third most populated city on the island and has a population of 2,285 residents. It is located in the southern region of the country in the Christ Church parish. The parish church for Christ Church can be found here as well as the former Christ Church hospital and the former Barbados Coast Guard Station. Fossil fuel imports are also delivered to this city. Today, the biggest economic activity here is subsistence fishing. Tourists also visit Oistins to take advantage of the quiet beaches, traditional dancing, and local fish fries.

Other urban areas in Barbados can be found in the chart below.

Environmental Threats Prevalent In The Cities Of Barbados

Barbados is one of the most densely populated islands in the world. This combined with an increasing population has posed a significant environmental issue for this country, specifically in terms of sewage and wastewater treatment. The government has worked to improve access to water and sewage services, particularly in the urban areas. This move has reduced some of the contamination of coral reefs surrounding the island. Another sewage treatment plant is planned for the west coast.