700 Islands of Turquoise Water
The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands (though only about 30 inhabited) stretching from just off the Florida coast to Cuba. The country is defined by its astonishingly clear turquoise water — the shallow sand banks (the Bahama Banks) filter light in a way that creates the distinctive colour visible from space.
The Bahamas was where Columbus first made landfall in the Americas — 12 October 1492 on San Salvador Island — an event that changed world history. The native Lucayan Taíno population was rapidly exterminated by enslavement and European diseases; the islands were later a British Loyalist refuge during the American Revolution and a pirate haven (Nassau was the base of Blackbeard, Calico Jack, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read in the early 1700s).
The country is a major tourist destination (~8 million visitors/year, mostly from the US, many as cruise passengers) and a significant offshore banking centre — the Bahamas, with no income tax, has long attracted high-net-worth individuals. It was controversially the headquarters of FTX cryptocurrency exchange before its 2022 collapse.
The Exuma Cays include the famous swimming pigs of Pig Beach (tourists boat out to feed and swim with feral pigs); Andros Island has the world’s 3rd-largest barrier reef; and Inagua is home to the Caribbean’s largest flamingo colony.
A Brief History
Lucayan Taíno population, extinguished by Spanish after 1492. British colony from 1717. Independence 1973. Constitutional monarchy under British Crown.
Geography and Climate
The Bahamas covers 13,878 km² across 700+ islands. Low-lying (highest point 63 m). Climate: tropical, hurricane-prone.
Culture, Language and Religion
English is official; Bahamian Creole spoken. Religion: approximately 85% Christian (Protestant majority).
The Economy
The Bahamas has a high-income economy (~$14 billion GDP). Tourism (~50% of GDP directly/indirectly) and offshore financial services dominate. No income tax.
Travel Guide
Entry: Visa-free for most Western nationalities. Year-round destination.
Surprising Facts
- Columbus made his first American landfall on San Salvador Island (Bahamas) on 12 October 1492.
- Nassau was the capital of pirate “Republic of Pirates” 1706-1718 — home base of Blackbeard, Calico Jack, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read.
- The Exumas’ swimming pigs — a viral attraction — are feral pigs that swim out to boats for food.
- Andros Island has the world’s 3rd-largest barrier reef (after Australia and Belize).
- The Bahamas has no income tax — making it a major offshore financial centre.
- FTX cryptocurrency exchange was headquartered in the Bahamas before its 2022 collapse.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.