BarbadosGEOGRAPHYBarbados is the easternmost island of the Caribbean, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, north-east of Venezuela (13 10 N, 59 32 W). It is considered a "Coral Island" due to its vast coral beaches surrounding the perimeter of the island. Overall, Barbados is 430 square kilometers, of which 97 kilometers is coastline. The circumference is approximately 55 miles and has a pear shape. In terms of length and width, Barbados is 21 miles and 13 miles respectively. In comparative terms, Barbados is 2.5 times larger than Washington DC. Geologically, Barbados is actually made up of 2 large masses of coral accumulated on sedimentary rocks, which formed the island over thousands of years. The terrain is relatively flat, but rises gently towards the central plateau region of the island. Along the coast the altitude is minimal (zero metres). Mount Hillaby is the highest peak in Barbados at 336 meters above sea level (1,147 feet). The climate in Barbados is tropical. It is often sunny and there are around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Trade winds constantly sweep across the island, keeping the temperature quite comfortable. Temperatures are very stable throughout the year. In January, the average high temperature is 83°F and the low is 70°F. In July, the average high temperature is 86°F, while the low is 24°F. Despite constant winds, hurricanes rarely hit Barbados. Occasional landslides are the only natural disasters that plague the island. The west coast of Barbados is often referred to as the "Platinum Coast". It is renowned for the clear, warm waters that gently lap the white and golden sand of the beach and the imposing coral reefs. The...... middle of paper ......p Above a hub of Barbadian culture. The Toronto sun. P. T6King, John. (2003, August 8). Melody: A festival to fight for, guys. Retrieved April 13, 2004, from [www.barbadian.com].Norton, Graham, (February 2002). Barbados: British Empire in Miniature. History today. 52 (2), 52. Retrieved March 2, 2004, from the Expanded Academic Database. Parliament of Barbados. (April 30, 2004). Retrieved March 30, 2004, from www.parliamentbarbados.gov.bbThe Abbreviated History of Barbados. Retrieved March 2, 2004, from http://www.barbados.org/history1.htmU.S. Department of State. (August 2002). Base notes: Barbados. Retrieved March 2, 2004, from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/26507.htmWorld Fact Book, (December 18, 2003). Barbados. Retrieved April 13, 2004, from [http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/bb.html].