Political stability and strong governance, reflecting mature political, legal and economic institutions; Monetary stability supported by a long-standing, fixed-exchange-rate regime; and Strong human development indicators, reflecting high per capita income and good education and health systems. Limited fiscal flexibility, due to a relatively high general government debt level and resulting high interest debt burden; and A small, open economy with few growth prospects outside the tourism sector and high current account deficits, which leaves Barbados vulnerable to negative external factors. The ratings on Barbados balance still-high external pressures and limited fiscal flexibility with political stability and strong governance within both the public and private sectors. The government has played a central role in shifting the economic focus from manufacturing and
