Barbados Population Overview
Barbados is an island country located in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, in the Caribbean region of North America. It is the easternmost island of the Caribbean, situated in the Atlantic Ocean, east of the Windward Islands.
According to the UN World Population Prospects, the population of Barbados in 2026 is estimated at 282,581, ranking it among the top 10 most populous countries in the Caribbean.
Barbados Population Facts (2026)
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 282,581 |
| Caribbean Rank | 10 |
| Sovereignty | Independent |
| Land Area | 431 sq. km (166 sq. mi) |
| Population Density | 668 people per sq. km |
| Capital City | Bridgetown |
Source: UN World Population Prospects
Also read about the West Indian population in the United States
Religion in Barbados
Christianity is the largest religion in Barbados, with Protestant denominations accounting for the majority of religious adherents. Christianity has played a central role in Barbadian society since the colonial period, particularly through the Anglican Church.
Among non-religious groups, a growing share of Barbadians identify as having no religious affiliation.
Religious Composition of Barbados
| Religion / Affiliation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Protestant | 63% |
| Roman Catholic | 3.8% |
| Other Christian | 9.2% |
| No Religion | 21% |
| Other Religions | 3% |
Source: National surveys and census-based estimates (compiled from government and academic sources)
Major Protestant Denominations in Barbados
The largest Protestant denominations in Barbados include:
Anglican – 23.9%
Pentecostal – 19.5%
Seventh-day Adventist – 5.9%
Methodist – 4.2%
Wesleyan – 3.4%
Church of God – 2.4%
Church of the Nazarene – 3.2%
Roman Catholic and Other Christian Groups
The Roman Catholic Church accounts for approximately 3.8% of the population. Other Christian groups with notable presence include Jehovah’s Witnesses and Spiritual Baptists.
Non-Religious and Minority Faiths
As of 2019, around 21% of Barbadians reported having no religious affiliation, reflecting changing social attitudes.
Barbados also has small communities practicing Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and the Baháʼí Faith.
Race and Ethnicity in Barbados
Barbados is a multi-ethnic nation, home to people of diverse racial, ethnic, and national backgrounds. The population is predominantly of African descent, reflecting the island’s historical links to West Africa and the transatlantic slave trade.
Close to 90% of Barbadians, commonly known as “Bajans,” identify as Afro-Caribbean or of mixed African descent, making this by far the largest ethnic group in the country.
Racial Composition of Barbados
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| African descent (Afro-Bajans) | ~90% |
| White | ~5% |
| Indo-Barbadian | ~1% |
| Chinese-Barbadian | ~1% |
| Other ethnicities | ~2% |
Source: Barbados population estimates (2010)
Afro-Bajans
Afro-Bajans form the overwhelming majority of the population. Most trace their ancestry to West Africa, and Afro-Barbadian culture strongly influences the island’s language, music, cuisine, and national identity.
White Barbadians
The White population, accounting for about 5%, is mainly descended from British settlers, along with smaller numbers from Ireland, Germany, and Italy. Other European ancestries include French, Austrian, Spanish, and Russian origins.
Asian and Middle Eastern Communities
Indo-Barbadians, both Hindu and Muslim, make up around 1% of the population. Chinese-Barbadians also account for about 1%, forming part of the island’s wider Asian community.
Smaller groups include people of Lebanese and Syrian heritage, along with other West Asian backgrounds.
Parishes of Barbados by Area and Population
Barbados is divided into 11 parishes, which serve as the country’s main administrative regions. These parishes vary widely in size and population, with St. Michael being the most populous and St. Andrew the least populated, based on the 2010 census data.
| Parish Name | Area | Population (2010 Census) |
|---|---|---|
| St. Michael | 39 km² (15 sq mi) | 88,529 |
| Christ Church | 57 km² (22 sq mi) | 54,336 |
| St. Philip | 60 km² (23 sq mi) | 30,662 |
| St. James | 31 km² (12 sq mi) | 28,498 |
| St. George | 44 km² (17 sq mi) | 19,767 |
| St. Thomas | 34 km² (13 sq mi) | 14,249 |
| St. Peter | 34 km² (13 sq mi) | 11,300 |
| St. Lucy | 36 km² (14 sq mi) | 9,758 |
| St. John | 34 km² (13 sq mi) | 8,963 |
| St. Joseph | 26 km² (10 sq mi) | 6,620 |
| St. Andrew | 36 km² (14 sq mi) | 5,139 |
Barbados Population FAQs
What is the population of Barbados in 2026?
According to the UN World Population Prospects, the population of Barbados in 2026 is estimated at 282,581.
Where is Barbados located?
Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean, and it is the easternmost island in the Caribbean region.
What is the capital city of Barbados?
The capital and largest city of Barbados is Bridgetown, located in St. Michael Parish.
Is Barbados an independent country?
Yes, Barbados is a fully independent nation, having gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966.
What is the population density of Barbados?
Barbados has a high population density of approximately 668 people per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely populated Caribbean countries.
What is the largest religion in Barbados?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Barbados, with Protestant denominations accounting for the largest share of the population.
What ethnic groups live in Barbados?
Barbados is a multi-ethnic society, with about 90% of the population of African descent, followed by European, Indo-Barbadian, Chinese-Barbadian, and other ethnic groups.
How many parishes are there in Barbados?
Barbados is divided into 11 parishes, which serve as its main geographic and administrative divisions.
Which parish is the most populated in Barbados?
St. Michael Parish is the most populated parish and includes the capital city, Bridgetown.
What currency is used in Barbados?
The official currency of Barbados is the Barbadian dollar (BBD).
What language is spoken in Barbados?
English is the official language of Barbados, while Bajan Creole is widely spoken in everyday life.
Are Barbadians living in the United States?
Yes, there is a significant Barbadian (Bajan) diaspora in the United States, particularly in New York, Florida, and Massachusetts.
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