Barium is classified as a metal. It is an alkaline earth metal, which is found in group 2 of the periodic table. Barium has properties typical of metals, such as high electrical conductivity and malleability.
The characteristics of barium include its shiny, silvery appearance and its ability to conduct heat and electricity effectively. Barium is usually found in nature in the form of barium compounds, which are often used in various applications, including medicinal imaging and as a pigment in paints.
In summary, barium is a metal, not a nonmetal, and it exhibits typical metallic behaviors and properties.