The Bahamas is a country located in the Atlantic Ocean, consisting of more than 700 islands, with the capital city being Nassau on the island of New Providence. The official language is English, and the country has a population of around 393,000 people.

The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. The country has a developing economy, with a mix of industries including tourism, banking, and fishing. The Bahamas is known for its exports of seafood and rum, and its banking sector is an important contributor to the economy.

The Bahamas is a parliamentary democracy, with a Prime Minister serving as the head of government and a Governor-General serving as the representative of the British monarch, who is the head of state. The country is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations, among other international organizations.

The Bahamas has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its history as a former British colony and its location at the crossroads of the Americas. The country has a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including Junkanoo, a colorful parade that takes place on Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day.

The Bahamas is known for its stunning natural beauty, with a variety of ecosystems including coral reefs, mangroves, and wetlands. The country has several national parks and protected areas, such as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, which is home to a variety of marine life.

Despite its many strengths, the Bahamas faces challenges such as climate change, which threatens the country's fragile ecosystems and tourism industry. The country has taken steps to address these issues, including implementing policies to reduce carbon emissions and increase renewable energy use. Additionally, the Bahamas has struggled with high levels of crime, particularly on the island of New Providence, and has implemented measures to improve public safety.

National holiday
Independence Day, 10 July (1973)

Telephone Code
242

Local Emergency Phone
911

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Currency (Code)
Bahamian dollars (BSD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages
English, Creole

Major Religions
Protestant 69.9%, Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13%

Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Left

Tourist Destinations
Atlantis Paradise Island; Nassau (includes National Art Gallery, Fort Charlotte); Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park; Harbour Island; Castaway Cay; Grand Bahama; Andros Island; Treasure Cay; Elbow Cay

Major Sports
Cricket, American football, soccer, rugby

Cultural Practices
It is common for strangers to wish each other "good morning/ afternoon."

Tipping Guidelines
Service staff and hotel workers expect to be tipped. The usual tip for service from a taxi driver or waiter is 15% and $1-$2 a bag for porters. Most travelers leave $1-$3 per day for their hotel maid, usually every morning since the maid may have a day off.

Souvenirs
Conch/seashell jewelry, straw goods, precious-gem jewelry, crystal, leather goods, alcohol, imported luxury items

Traditional Cuisine
Crack Conch (sea snail) with rice and peas

Geography
Area
total: 13,880 sq km
land: 10,010 sq km
water: 3,870 sq km

Climate
tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Natural resources
salt, aragonite, timber, arable land

People and Society
Population
358,508 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
African descent 90.6%, White 4.7%, mixed 2.1%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2010 est.)

Languages
English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)

Religions
Protestant 69.9% (includes Baptist 34.9%, Anglican 13.7%, Pentecostal 8.9% Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, Methodist 3.6%, Church of God 1.9%, Brethren 1.6%, other Protestant .9%), Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13% (includes Jehovah's Witness 1.1%), other 0.6%, none 1.9%, unspecified 2.6% (2010 est.)

Population growth rate
0.8% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm

Capital
name: Nassau

Economy
Economic overview
high-income tourism and financial services economy; strong US bilateral relations; US supplies the vast majority of imports; struggling to recover from Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19 disruptions; recently introduced special economic recovery zones

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$12.323 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$30,200 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
sugar cane, grapefruit, vegetables, bananas, tomatoes, poultry, tropical fruit, oranges, coconuts, mangoes/guavas

Industries
tourism, banking, oil bunkering, maritime industries, transshipment and logistics, salt, aragonite, pharmaceuticals

Exports
$3.202 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Singapore 16%, US 16%, Poland 13%, Germany 12%, Ecuador 10% (2020)

Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, raw aluminum, nitrogen compounds, styrene polymers (2020)

Imports
$4.924 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
US 47%, Germany 11%, South Korea 8%, China 5%, Poland 4% (2020)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, crude petroleum, cars, aircraft (2020)