Bahamas

Country Profile: The Bahamas

Official Name: Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Capital: Nassau

Geography:

The Bahamas is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located east of Florida (United States), north of Cuba and the Caribbean, and west of the British Overseas Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Area: Approximately 13,878 square kilometers (approximately 5,358 square miles).

Population: Approximately 395,000 people (as of 2023 estimate).

Language: The official language is English.

Climate:

The Bahamas has a tropical savannah climate, with relatively warm temperatures all year round and a wet season during the summer months.

Economy:

The Bahamas is one of the wealthiest Caribbean countries with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone provides an estimated 45% of the nation’s GDP.

Government:

The Bahamas is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, recognizing Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch.

Education:

Education in The Bahamas is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 and is free to all children in government schools. The literacy rate is high, and the country has several institutions for higher learning.

Culture:

The culture of The Bahamas has been influenced by its island setting as well as its diverse historical influences from the indigenous Taino people, British colonial period, African heritage from the slave trade, and American proximity and influence.

Noteworthy Facts:

The Bahamas became an independent Commonwealth realm in 1973, after gaining independence from the United Kingdom. The Bahamas are renowned for their vibrant marine life, including a large variety of shark species.

This is a general overview of The Bahamas. There’s much more to learn about this country, from its unique history to its vibrant cultural traditions.