The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands and cays located in the Atlantic Ocean between Florida and Hispaniola. The total area covered by the Bahamas is around 100,000 square miles. The Bahamas have a population of 310,000, concentrated on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. Andros Island is the largest island of the Bahamas and has the world’s third-largest barrier reef.
The Bahamas has a framework of a parliamentary representative democracy monarchy and follows a multi-party democratic system like Great Britain’s. Although Queen Elizabeth II is the nominal head of the state of the Bahamas, however, a cabinet headed by a prime minister governs the country. Geographically, the Bahamas is divided into 31 districts to provide a system of local government everywhere in the Islands, except for New Providence, where the central government handles the affairs directly.
The island nation’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. According to industry analysts, tourism provides around 60% of the gross domestic product (GDP) for the country and employs around half the Bahamian work force. The second-most important segment of the Bahamian economy is the financial services sector, which contributes around 15% of the GDP. Although there is no large-scale agriculture undertaken in the Bahamas, the agriculture and fishing industries account for 5% of the GDP.
Around 85% of Bahamian natives are black, and around 12% of the population is white. Although the official language of Bahamas is English, a small number of immigrants also speak Creole, Spanish and Portuguese. Christianity is the main religion, with Baptists forming the largest denomination (about one third), followed by the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches. The Bahamians have a hybrid African/European culture, and a rhythmic form of music called junkanoo.
The Bahamas is indeed a group of beautiful islands, and also a great place for undertaking a vacation.
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Bahamas Vacations
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The Islands of the Bahamas have some major destination or tourist spots, which offer a traveler a unique vacation experience. The island offers varied types of vacations, like romantic, adventure, eco-tourism or underwater exploration. Tourists can enjoy experiences ranging from swimming with the dolphins in...
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An Introduction to Bahamas Vacations
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A Bahamas vacation is something that most travelers will never forget. The 700 islands of the Bahamas make up a 100,000-square-mile archipelago, extending over 500 miles. Including uninhabited cays and large rocks, it has a total estimated land area of 5,382 miles. The two main...
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Bahamas Sailing Vacations
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The Bahamas are a great escape if one wants a week of peace and tranquil. Just off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas and the Abacos beckon people with their crystal blue waters even as people fly over them in their flights. They are not...
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Bahamas Fishing Vacations
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Being a tropical tourist destination, the Bahamas are an ideal place for all those who are fishing enthusiasts. Its crystal clear ocean waters and beautiful sandy beaches and cliffs offer fishing enthusiasts a wide variety of places to choose from. There is a list of...
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Bahamas Vacation Guide
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The 700 islands of the Bahamas extend over 500 miles of crystal clear water with miles of beautiful pink and white beaches. The coral reefs, blue holes, walls, and caves of the Bahamas are great diving locations and are becoming increasingly popular amongst tourists from...
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Bahamas Weather
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The climate of the Bahamas varies from subtropical to tropical, and the islands are usually warm and sunny throughout the year. The weather in the island nation, particularly in the winter, is greatly influenced by the waters of the Gulf Stream, a powerful, warm and...
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Bahamas Golf Vacations
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is an independent nation in the West Indies. The most commonly used language is English. An archipelago of 700 islands and cays (which are small islands) make up the Bahamas. Geographically speaking, the Bahamas is located in the Atlantic Ocean,...
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Bahamas Cruises
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A Bahamas cruise vacation is a perfect way to experience the islands from the comfort of a fun, activity-filled cruise ship. A cruise vacation is a perfect means to get a good tan, feel the sand between your toes, watch hundreds of unique species of...
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How to Plan a Cheap Vacation in the Bahamas
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A trip to the Bahamas does not have to also mean a trip to a loan officer. The beautiful islands offer vacations for every budget. Even those with little to spare can make their way to the white and pink beaches by finding a cheap...
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Bahamas Cruise Vacations
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Bahamas cruise vacations are popular with first-time cruisers, families traveling during school holidays or for anyone who wants to simply relax. A three or a four night cruise to the Bahamas is the perfect choice for a quick, enjoyable and affordable vacation. For cruisers from...