Tourism is a booming sector in the Bahamas as the archipelago is a popular vacation and travel destination. There are so many wonderful activities that one can enjoy there such as sailing, boating, snorkeling, and of course fishing.
Beach lovers frequent here as beautiful white beaches is one of things that the Bahamas has several of.
Are The Bahamas Part Of USA Territory?
No, the Bahamas is not part of the United States. Bahamas is an independent country and not a part of the US. It is a part of the United Nations, the Caribbean Community as well as the Organization of American States.
Why Bahamas is not part of USA
If you have ever wondered why the Bahamas is not part of USA, you will be very glad you found this page.
Bahamas was recaptured from the Spanish by a loyalist to the British Crown who went by the name Colonel Andrew Deveaux. This occurred in the late 18th century. As the British were loosing the battle with the American colonists, Bahamas was a safe place for loyalists who had to flee punishment in the recently formed United States.
Some years earlier, the U.S had made an attempt to take control of Nassau, the capital of Bahamas. Another attempt was made in 1778 and this time it was led by Capt. John Rathbun. Fort Montagu, which was the fort that was raided by the then “Continental” Navy and Marines is still standing today and is now a tourist site. After the raid in 1778, the U.S did not make anymore attempt on Bahamian soil.
The Spanish took over the islands for a short while before it went back to British rule after it was recaptured by Colonel Andrew Deveaux.
Was the Bahamas A British Colony?
Yes, In 1718 the Bahamas was declared a British colony and stayed so until 1973 when she got her independence.
But although the archipelago became a British colony in 1718, early English refugees from Bermuda were already settling in Cigateo (now known as Eleuthera) from 1648.
Where Is Bahamas Located On The Map?
On the World Map, you can find the Bahamas in the Caribbean Sea and it takes up about 180,000 square meters of ocean space. It is located northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands, east of the Florida Keys and north of Cuba.
What Continent Does The Bahamas Fall Under?
The Bahamas is in the Caribbean region of North America. It is situated off the southeast coast of the US in the continent of North America.
Bahamas Flag
The Bahamas Flag has a black triangle at the hoist, and then there is a horizontal golden band in between two aquamarine bands. It was first hoisted on the 10th of July 1973.
The black triangle stands for the people of the Bahamas and their strength, the golden band represents the sand and resources of their land, and the two aquamarine bands symbolizes the waters that surrounds the islands.
Geography Of The Bahamas
Spanning over an area of 5,358 square miles, the Bahamas comprises of 700 islands and 2,400 cays.
Researchers and scientists believe that when Pangea, a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras separated and resulted in a collision between the North American and Caribbean plates, the basement rocks on which the archipelago rests was formed.
The main islands that the archipelago is comprised of include; Grand Bahama, San Salvador, Berry Islands, Acklins, New Providence, Eleuthera, Rum Cay, Andros, Spanish Wells, Harbour Island, Bimini, Ragged Island, Cat Island, Abaco, Inagua and Exuma.
The highest point in the Bahamas is Mount Alvernia. It stands at 206 feet and can be found on Cat Island.
Population of Bahamas
Bahamas has a population of 393,248 and has a GDP of USD 28,607.90.
The citizens of the Bahamas are referred to as Bahamians. Majority of Bahamians are of Black African descent and come from African groups in, the Kingdom of Congo, Ghana, the Oyo Empire, Mali, Fula Kingdoms, Songhai and the Bight of Biafra.
People can also become Bahamians through the process of acquiring citizenship.
Over half of the people in the Bahamas live on New Providence Island while the rest live on Grand Bahama.
Bahamas Language
Although there is a Bahamian dialect known as Bahamian Creole, English is the official language of the Bahamas.
The areas where the Bahamians of African ancestry resides are where the Bahamian Creole is largely spoken.
The Bahamian Creole has similar features with some other English-based creoles such as that of Trinidad and Tobago, the Virgin Islands, Saint Lucia, Barbados, amongst others.
Bahamas Capital
Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, first established in the 17th century and formerly called Charles Towne. Its present name, Nassau was gotten from a royal family in England but was not used until 1729.
The city boasts of beautiful white sandy beaches, a lovely climate and is a popular travel destination for vacation and holiday seekers. You can get to Nassau by traveling through the air as well as the sea.
There are some notable buildings here such as the government buildings in Parliament Square, the Christ Church Cathedral, Nassau Public Library, etc.
The eastern end of the harbor boasts of a lot of marine gardens. You can have a fun time exploring them on glass-bottomed boat tours. This area also has rich vegetation that comprises of poinsettias, purple bougainvillaea, as well as scarlet poinciana trees.
The west part of the city is home to the Ardastra Gardens and Zoo, where you get to see and admire flamingos. There is also several tropical plant species located here.
We can’t conclude talking about Nassau without mentioning Paradise Island. It is an amazing luxury resort that is joined to the city by two bridges.
Apart from being a wonderful attraction to tourists, Nassau plays a vital role in the export of some commodities such as crude salt, fruits, spiny lobster, rum, vegetables, etc.
What Is The Bahamas Currency?
The Bahamian dollar is the currency of the Bahamas and has been in use in the country since 1966. It is fixed to US dollar in a bid to maintain stability and promote economic development and affiliations.
The Bahamas became the first country to introduce a legal digital currency with the introduction of the Sand Dollar in 2020.
Bahamas Celebrations
One thing that Bahamians love and know how to do, is party. They are experts when it comes to having a fun and good time. If you witness or partake in any of their carnivals or festivals, you will be super glad you did.
This is a major contributing factor to why people flood there for their vacations and holidays. Everyone wants to have a good time and in Bahamas, there is an abundance of good time.
Although the Junkanoo is the major cultural event, there are other festivals and events that are really amazing. They include; International Beer Festival, Bahamas Film Festival, Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival, Emancipation Day, Independence Day, and Discovery Day.
Bahamian Food
As expected, fresh seafood, citrus flavors, spices and tropical fruits are a major part of the Bahamian cuisine. As there are several islands, you can expect variety in the food, which always turns out amazing.
There are a lot of delicious fresh seafood dishes you can enjoy here and be sure to try out Conch. More on their cuisine is the spicy Bahamian Chicken stew, and the Rum cakes here are so spectacular.
Also, there are different settings where you can enjoy your meals. They range from fine dining establishments, to casual eating spots as well as street food spots. Just choose whichever one you are in mood for and go ahead and enjoy the sumptuous and delicious food.
The Bahamas Wildlife
The beautiful Pink flamingos are the national animal of the Bahamas, but the country boasts of a wide range of wildlife and marine life. Examples include; Bottlenose and spotted dolphins, Abaco Parrots, Exuma Pigs, Eleuthera turtles, etc.
You should know that the wildlife have the protection of the law and there are penalties for disturbing wildlife. It is in your best interest that you have a wildlife expert with you when you go exploring the wildlife.
The Bahamas As A Holiday Destination
The Bahamas is a major tourist location and a popular holiday destination. Not many people can resist the beautiful turquoise waters and the stunning white beaches. Combine this with the weather, good food, carnivals and festivals and you will begin to understand why the Bahamas is a top holiday destination. Everyone would love to have a feel of this awesomeness.
Let’s let you in on some facts you probably didn’t know about the Bahamas.
The Bahamas has 700 islands but only 30 are inhabited. The world’s second-deepest blue hole, known as Dean’s Blue Hole which has a drop of 660 feet is located in Long Island.
The Bahamas is also home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world. It goes on for about 190 miles and is one of the most amazing under-ocean spot where you can go exploring.
Also, did you know that the third-largest wine cellar is in the Bahamas? Wine lovers will be thrilled at this fact. This wine cellar is located in Nassau and there you can enjoy some of the finest wine combined with really amazing cheeses. You can even get a world-class gourmet wine luncheon if you so please.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Bahamas
How Many Islands in the Bahamas are Inhabited?
Only 30 out of the 700 islands in the Bahamas are inhabited. The largest of which is Andros. But despite being the largest, it is also the least populated with its own fair share of tourism.
Can Bahamas Residents Gamble?
Gambling is against the laws for Bahamas residents.
Will the Bahamas be Underwater?
Taking the effects of climate change into consideration as well as the low elevation of the islands, there is a chance that the Bahamas could be underwater within the next 80 years. According to some studies, parts of Abaco, Spanish Wells and Nassau could be underwater by 2050.
Why Bahamas is so Expensive?
This is as a result of the fact that is a travel destination frequented by the rich and famous. For this reason the cost of accommodation, food, and other entertainment amenities are quite high.
Also, the Bahamas dollar is fixed to the US dollar and as a lot of goods are imported into the country, customs impose heavy taxes.
How Far is the Bahamas from Florida?
The Bahamas is 300 miles away from Florida. But the eastern coast of Florida is just about 50 miles from the western islands of the Bahamas.
Do you need a passport to go to the Bahamas?
Citizens of the U.S.A have to present a valid U.S. passport if they are to go to the Bahamas. Also required is proof of anticipated departure from the Bahamas.
If you are going to the Bahamas on a cruise, you can make use of another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.
