Barbados, an independent state within the British Commonwealth is located in the Windward Islands of the West Indies east of St. Vincent. The coral island has an area of 166 sq. mi. (431 sq. km.) and a population of 269,000. Capital: Bridgetown. The economy is based on sugar and tourism. Sugar, petroleum products, molasses and rum are exported. ,Barbados was named by the Portuguese who achieved the first landing on the island in 1563. British sailors landed at the site of present-day Holetown in 1964. Barbados was under uninterrupted Nov. 30, 1966. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Elizabeth II is Head of State, as Queen of Barbados.,, ,Barbados was included in the issues of British Caribbean Territories ? Eastern Group and later the East Caribbean Currency Authority until 1973.,, Rulers:,,, ,British to 1966,, Monetary System: ,,, ,1 Dollar = 100 Cents 1950-,, ,1 British West Indies Dollar = 4 Shillings ? 2 Pence,, ,5 British West Indies Dollar = 1 Pound ? 10Pence,,