Before the coronavirus pandemic emerged, more than a million people visited it each year.
Barbados officially became a republic on Monday night in a ceremony in which the Queen isabel II she stopped being the island’s head of state.
Independent from the United Kingdom since 1966, Barbados – whose capital is Bridgetown – celebrated its transition from monarchy to republic after some four centuries of submission to the British monarchy. Despite everything, the monarch sent his greetings and congratulations to the new republic for its new status.
The Caribbean island known for its paradisiacal beaches, its rum and for being the birthplace of world superstar Rihanna, has a woman as head of state, Sandra Mason, until now governor general of the country, after her election on October 21.
Barbados, with an area of 430 km2, which places it among the smallest countries in the world, has its own currency, the Barbadian dollar (equivalent to 0.49 dollars, at current exchange rates), and is still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations or Commonwealth, as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson noted in a statement.
“We will remain staunch friends and allies, drawing on the enduring affinities and connections between our peoples and the special bond of the Commonwealth,” Johnson wrote.
Elizabeth II also expressed her “great satisfaction” that Barbados continues to be an active participant within the Commonwealth.
Barbados is the economy number 159 by volume of gross domestic product (GDP). Its public debt in 2020 was 6.594 billion dollars, with a debt of 156.76% of GDP, it is among the countries with the most debt relative to GDP in the world. Its per capita debt is $ 22,950 per inhabitant.
This island has about 287,000 inhabitants and a high population density, with 668 inhabitants per km2.
Eminently touristy, before the coronavirus pandemic emerged, more than a million people visited it every year. Today the tiny number of visitors has serious difficulties for its economy.
Unemployment is almost 16%, 9 percentage points more than in previous years, despite the increase in government loans to finance public sector works and create jobs. (I)
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
