FACTS

Location: Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela

Area (only Total) total: 431 sq km

Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to October)

Terrain: relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region

Population: 281,968 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): English

Government type: parliamentary democracy

Capital (Name): Bridgetown

Capital (Time Difference): UTC-4

Independence: 30 November 1966 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 30 November (1966)