Barbados is an independent island nation located in the western Atlantic Ocean, just to the east of the Caribbean Sea, found at approximately 13° north of the Equator and 59° west of the Prime Meridian. Located relatively close to South America, Barbados is around 434.5 kilometers (270 miles) northeast of the South American nation of Venezuela.
The closest island neighbours to Barbados are Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines both located to the West, along with Barbados these islands are all considered a part of the Caribbean region's Lesser Antilles.
Barbados possesses a land area of around 430 square kilometres, (166 sq. mi), 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. The island's atmosphere is sub-tropical with constant trade winds off the Atlantic Ocean and some undeveloped areas contain marshes and mangrove swamps. Other parts of the island's interior contributing the island's agricultural sector are dotted with large sugarcane estates and wide gently sloping pastures with many good views down to the sea.
Barbados has one of the highest standards of living and literacy rates in the developing world and, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Barbados is currently the No. 4 most developed of all developing countries in the world. The island is also a major tourist destination.
