Barbados is divided into 11 parishes, which constitute the country's sole level of administrative subdivision. These parishes serve primarily as geographical and statistical units rather than functioning local governments with independent administrative powers. Historically, parishes were established during the colonial period and originally centered around Anglican church districts. Today, they are used for purposes such as land registration, postal addressing, census data collection, and general geographic reference. Unlike parishes in some other countries, Barbadian parishes do not have their own elected councils or significant governmental authority. Instead, national government ministries and agencies deliver most public services directly to residents across parish boundaries. The parishes remain important for organizational and identification purposes, helping to structure how services and resources are distributed throughout the island nation.