Barbados role model for Brazil improvement

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• published: 23 Mar 2013
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Barbados has an estimated population of 284,000 people, with around 80,000 living in or around Bridgetown, the largest city and the country's capital. In 1966, Barbados became an independent state and Commonwealth realm, retaining Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State. Barbados is one of the Caribbean's leading tourist destinations and is one of the most developed islands in the region, despite it actually being classed as an Atlantic Island. In 2011 Barbados ranked 2nd in the Americas (16th globally) on Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index, behind Canada. Barbados is an original Member (1995) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and participates actively in its work. As of December 2007, Barbados is linked by an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Commission. The European Union is presently assisting Barbados with a €10 million program of modernization of the country's International Business and Financial Services Sector. Barbados maintains the third largest stock exchange in the Caribbean region. At present, officials at the stock exchange are investigating the possibility of augmenting the local exchange with an International Securities Market (ISM) venture. Barbados is the 51st richest country in the world in terms of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita, has a well-developed mixed economy, and a moderately high standard of living. According to the World Bank, Barbados is classified as being in its 66 top high income economies of the world. Political, economic and social stability have given it one of the highest standards of living in the developing world. It is a centre for financial services and has offshore reserves of oil and natural gas. A shortage of jobs has prompted many Barbadians - more often known as Bajans - to find work abroad. The money that they send home is an important source of income. Most Barbadians are the descendants of African slaves who were brought to the island from the 17th century to work the sugar cane plantations. Recently Barbados has seen tourism overtake the export of sugar as its main revenue earner, plus the ocean front real estate values have set world records, plus one of the most exclusive and prestigious resorts in the world, called; "Sandy Lane" see: http://www.sandylane.com/ Known for its beaches and cricket - its national sport - the former British colony has a dual heritage: English - evident in its stone-built Anglican churches and Saturday race meetings - and African, reflected in its music and dance. See: Top 10 Beaches of Barbados - http://www.barbadospropertylist.com/10-best-beaches-in-barbados/