Barbados+-+Ioana+Mihis

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Barbados situated just east of the [|Caribbean Sea], is an independent [|island nation] in the western [|Atlantic Ocean]. At roughly 13° North and 59° West, the country lies in the southern [|Caribbean] region, where it is a part of the [|Lesser Antilles] island-chain. Its closest island neighbours are [|St. Vincent] and [|St. Lucia] to the west. To the south lies [|Trinidad and Tobago]—with which Barbados now shares a fixed official maritime boundary—and the [|South American] mainland, Barbados's total land area is about 430 square kilometres (166 square miles), and is primarily low-lying, with some higher regions in the island's interior. The organic composition of Barbados is thought to be of non-volcanic origin and is predominantly composed of [|limestone]-[|coral] formed by subduction of the South American plate colliding with the Caribbean plate. The island's climate is [|tropical], with constant [|trade winds] off the Atlantic Ocean serving to keep temperatures mild. Some more undeveloped areas of the country contain tropical woodland and scrubland. Other parts of the interior which contribute to the agriculture industry are dotted with large [|sugarcane] estates and wide, gently sloping [|pastures], with many good views down to the coast. Barbados has one of the highest [|standards of living] and [|literacy rates] worldwide. Barbados's [|human development index] ranking is consistently among the top 50 in the world. For example, in 2006, it was ranked 31st in the world, and third in the [|Americas], behind [|Canada] and the [|United States].

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The island is well developed, and there are internationally-known hotels offering world-class accommodation. Time-shares are available, and many of the smaller local hotels and private villas which dot the island have space available if booked in advance. The southern and western coasts of Barbados are popular, with the calm light blue Atlantic Ocean and their fine white and pinkish sandy beaches. Along the island's east coast the [|Atlantic Ocean] side are tumbling waves which are perfect for light [|surfing], but a little bit risky due to under-tow currents. The 'Soup Bowl' near to Bathsheba is a very popular spot with surfers all year round. [|Shopping] districts are popular in Barbados, with ample duty-free shopping. There is also a festive night-life in mainly tourist areas such as the [|Saint Lawrence Gap]. Other attractions include wildlife reserves, jewellery stores, [|scuba diving], helicopter rides, [|golf], [|festivals] (the largest being the annual crop over festival July/Aug), sightseeing, cave exploration, exotic [|drinks] and fine [|clothes] [|shopping]. media type="custom" key="540021"