The Bahamas

The Bahamas - stunning white beaches, tropical climes and glistening clear waters of the sea - whatever you are looking for in a paradise you will find it here, yet for less money than you ever thought. Own your slice of paradise today!

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an archipelago made up of seven hundred islands and two thousand cays. This North American country is located in the Atlantic Ocean, North of Cuba, Southeast of Florida and northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Geography:

The island closest to the United States is known as the gateway to the Bahamas and called Bimini. Other notable islands include the largest island in the Bahamas, Andros Island, Cat Island, Long Island, San Salvador Island (reported to be the landing point of Christopher Columbus), Crooked Island, and New Providence which boasts the capital city of Bahamas, Nassau.

All the islands are low and flat and boast a subtropical to tropical climate, moderated significantly by the waters of the Gulf Stream. Unfortunately this proves to be dangerous in the Summer and Autumn when hurricanes pass near or through the islands.

Government:

The Bahamas is made up of districts, all of which have a local government except for New Providence which is regulated directly by the central government.

Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State and she is represented by a Bahamian governor-general. The Head of Government is the Prime Minister and is the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Assembly. The Senate and Cabinet are appointed, the latter of which as executive power. Legislative power is exercised by the two chambers of parliament.

The country is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and an independent nation. Although the Bahamas is not located withi the Caribbean it is still a member of the Caribbean Community.

Did You Know?

• Though the origin of the name "Bahamas" remains unclear it is thought to derive from the Spanish baja mar which means "shallow seas".
• Regattas are important social events for many family settlements on the islands. They usually encompass one or more days of sailing by old-fashioned work boats and an onshore festival.
• Many settlements also celebrate festivals associated with the traditional crop/food of that area.
• There are many more places of worship per person in the Bahamas than in many other nations of the world.

© Written by E.J.Clarke.