Barbados has a population of around 285,000 — a lot of people for a 430-square-kilometre island. The majority of Barbadians (around 92%) are of African descent, the descendants of enslaved people brought to work the sugar plantations. There are smaller communities of mixed heritage, white Barbadians (some with roots going back to the 17th century), and South Asian Barbadians.
The people call themselves Bajans — the word evolved from "Barbadian" over the 19th century and is used both as a noun and an adjective. Bajans are widely known for being friendly and forthcoming, and have a well-earned reputation for being proud of their island. Don't be surprised if a conversation turns into a spirited defence of Bajan rum, Bajan cricket, or Bajan cooking.
English is the official language, used in schools, government, and business. In everyday life, most Bajans speak Bajan Creole, a dialect shaped by West African languages and English that can take a little time to tune into. Most locals will switch registers easily depending on who they're talking to.
The island is predominantly Christian, with Anglicanism the largest denomination, a legacy of British colonial rule. There are also significant Methodist, Pentecostal, and Roman Catholic communities.
Literacy is nearly universal, and Barbados consistently ranks among the most developed countries in the Caribbean by UN human development indices. Education is compulsory and free through secondary school. Barbados became a republic in November 2021, removing the British monarch as head of state — a moment of considerable national pride.