Overview of The Bahamas

Profile

The Bahamas is an archipelagic nation of coral reef origin stretching in an arc from off Florida to north of Cuba, with crystal blue seas and white sand beaches known worldwide as a tourism-driven country. As a Commonwealth realm member with a constitutional monarchy under the monarch as head of state, English is the official language. The economy is anchored by tourism and international financial services, with a mild climate, stable politics, and 1 USD = 1 BSD currency peg attracting foreign capital. Each island retains unique culture and pristine nature, with Junkanoo Carnival and regattas coloring celebrations. Actively engaged in marine conservation, it houses the world's first marine national park "Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park."

Official name: Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Common name: The Bahamas
Numeric code: 044
Alpha-3 code: BHS
Alpha-2 code: BS
Population: Approximately 410,000 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 29 people/km²
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Protestant Christianity (Baptist, Anglican, Methodist, etc.)
National anthem: March On, Bahamaland
Calling code: +1-242
Internet TLD: .bs

History

Gained independence from Britain in 1973, but from the 17th century as British territory bustling with pirates and smuggling, modernizing rapidly with resort development after World War II.

After Columbus's landing in 1492, native Lucayan people disappeared due to disease and enslavement. British settlers and pirates established bases in the 17th century, but in 1718 Royal Governor Woodes Rogers established governance. After American independence, Loyalists and slaves flowed in. After 1834 slavery abolition, survived on cotton and sponge industry, with rum smuggling booming during Prohibition. After World War II, self-governance expanded and black majority political participation increased, gaining autonomy in 1964 and achieving complete independence on July 10, 1973. Since then, under a two-party system, developed with tourism and finance as pillars, facing challenges of hurricanes and tax haven issues.

Geography & climate

Characterized by flat islands of wave-eroded limestone plateaus and shallow coral reef waters with world-class transparency. Scattered with blue holes of various sizes, tidal flats, and mangrove wetlands.

Tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) with strong oceanic influence, warm year-round.

Area: North America (Caribbean) / 13878 km²
Capital: Nassau
Largest city: Nassau
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Aragonite, Salt, Fishery resources (conch, lobster), Coral reefs as tourism resource, Solar energy, Wind power, Limestone, White sand, Mangrove forests, Blue hole freshwater zones

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy, parliamentary system (Commonwealth realm)

Economy

Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD)

GDP (nominal): Approximately 12.8 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): Approximately 17.6 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: Bahamas Time (Eastern Time)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

African Bahamians, European, Mixed, Asian, Latin

Life expectancy

Approximately 74.0 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 96%

National sports

Sailing, Track and field, Basketball, Baseball, Cricket