Open the left menu of Big Bahama. Where is the Bahamas located? Capital of the state, attractions Where to relax in the Bahamas

1) arch. in the Atlantic Ocean, in the West Indies. Local name islands Bahama (English Bahama Islands) ; believe that this is an Indian name, but its etymology has not been established. Cm. also San Salvador.

2) Commonwealth of the Bahamas, state in the West Indies. Named after the islands on which it is located.

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST... Pospelov E.M. 2001.

Bahamas

(Bahamas), Commonwealth of the Bahamas , state in West Indies, (Central America), on the islands of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean. Stretch 1200 km from the northwest. to the SE. from the Florida Peninsula to Cuba and Haiti. Separated from Florida by the Florida Strait, from Cuba - by the Old Bahamas Strait. There are approx. 700 islands, folded in base. coral limestone, and over 2,300 coral reefs and rocks. Pl. 13.9 thousand km²; OK. 298 K people (2001). The largest about. Andros, the most populous New Providence, where the capital is located Nassau ... Since 1783 - a colony of Great Britain, in 1973 independence was proclaimed. Part of the British Commonwealth. The head of state is the Queen of Great Britain, who is represented by the Governor-General. Parliament consists of a Senate and a House of Assembly. 85% of the population are blacks and mulattoes, whose ancestors were taken out by the British from Africa. Officer. English language. Most believers are Protestants. 3/4 of the population lives in cities. The climate is tropical, trade wind, with a rainy period from May to October. Thickets of thorny evergreen shrubs and pine forests predominate; on the coast there are groves of coconut trees. Inhabited by less than 40 islands. O. San Salvador from the group of the Bahamas was the first land discovered by H. Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492 Refining of imported oil (including oil products are exported), cement. and pharm., food. (production of cane sugar, rum, tomato juice, caning of pineapples, lobsters) Pineapples, citrus fruits, bananas, tomatoes, agave (sisal), and sugar are grown. reeds, mangoes, melons, etc. Fish and seafood are well developed (tuna, white marlin, lobsters, sea turtles, oysters). Harvesting valuable tropical timber. International airport near Nassau (communication with Miami). The basis of the economy is foreign tourism (in 1996 - 1.7 million people), which provides more than half of the state. income. Big hotels, beautiful sandy beaches, water parks. Monetary unit. - Bahamian dollar.

Dictionary of modern place names. - Yekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of Acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

Bahamas

an archipelago of numerous low-lying islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The state of the same name is located here. Pl. 13.9 thousand km², extending for 1,500 km from the northwest. in the south-east from the Florida Peninsula to Cuba and Haiti. They are separated from Florida by the Florida Strait, from Cuba - by the Old Bahamas. There are approx. 700 islands, folded in base. coral limestone, and over 2,300 coral reefs and rocks. The largest islands: Andros, Big Abaco, Big Inagua, Big Bahama. The surface of the islands does not rise above 60 m, karst is developed. The climate is tropical, trade wind, with a rainy period from May to October. Average month. temperature is from 21 to 32 ° C, precipitation is 1000–1600 mm per year, hurricanes are not uncommon. There are many salt lakes connected to the sea; there is a lack of fresh water. Thickets of thorny evergreen shrubs and pine forests predominate; on the coast there are groves of coconut trees. Nat. parks: Inagua, Exuma. In fact, only slightly more than 20 islands are inhabited. Samana Island of the Bahamas was the first land discovered by H. Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492

Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M .: Rosman. Edited by prof. A.P. Gorkina. 2006 .

Commonwealth of the Bahamas, an independent state on the archipelago of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean, including approx. 700 islands, of which 40 are inhabited, and approx. 2000 reefs.
The archipelago stretches for about 1,500 km from northwest to southeast between the islands of Grand Bahama and Grand Inagua and is separated from Florida (USA) by the Florida Strait, and from Cuba by the Old Bahamas. The total area of ​​the islands is 13,940 sq. km, including inhabited - approx. 11 400 sq. km. The largest islands are Andros (4.1 thousand sq. Km), Big Abaco (2 thousand sq. Km), Big Inagua, Big Bahama (1.1 thousand sq. Km), New Providence (with the capital of the state - Nassau), Eleuthera, Cat, San Salvador, Long Island, Great Exuma, Crooked Island, Aklins, Mayaguana.
Nature. The islands of the archipelago are areas of a vast flooded limestone plateau protruding above sea level. The thickness of the limestone deposits is approx. 4500 m. In the east, the plateau drops abruptly towards the North American basin of the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago is separated from the Florida Peninsula by the shallow Florida Strait, and from Cuba Island by the Old Bahamas. The waters between the islands are shallow, but the surface of the underwater plateau is cut by deep cracks, to which the fairways are confined. Numerous coral reefs, as well as ferruginous interlayers in limestones, create an unusually colorful picture of the underwater world.
The islands are raised relative to the sea level from a few meters to about 60 m. The highest point of the country - Mount Alvernia (63 m) - is located on Cat Island. The relief of the islands is flat. On the shores facing the ocean, a series of marine terraces can be traced. Numerous salt lagoon lakes and mangrove swamps are confined to the western coast of the islands. In some places along the coast there is a strip of sandy beaches. Karst phenomena and landforms are widespread on the islands. Therefore, there are no rivers in the archipelago, but there are many karst lakes. There are very few sources of fresh water.
The climate is tropical trade wind. Winters, thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, are milder than on the North American mainland. Average temperatures in winter months are 22–24 ° С, in summer months - 29–30 ° С. Average annual precipitation is 1000–1500 mm (in some places in the east - only 750 mm). They fall mainly in May-June and September-October. Tropical hurricanes are common. Since the islands are scattered over a large area, the devastating effect of hurricanes on each island occurs on average once every 12 years.
In some places, limestones that come out onto the surface are devoid of soil cover. In the depressions of the relief in the interior regions, salt marshes and saline soils are common, in the rest of the regions fertile red-brown soils prevail.
The natural vegetation on the drier eastern islands is xerophytic, with a predominance of cacti and aloe. Most of the islands were originally dominated by rainforests. At present, many of them have been brought down, and stunted shrubs are growing in their place. Where forests have survived (on the islands of Andros, Big and Small Abaco, Big Bahama), valuable broad-leaved trees such as red (mahogany), log and iron trees, as well as Caribbean pine are widespread. In deciduous forests, bougainvillea, jasmine, orchids and other plants with beautiful and delicately scented flowers grow in abundance. On some islands, artificial plantings of casuarinas, mahogany and a number of tropical conifers have been created.
The fauna of the Bahamas is poor. There are very few mammals, of which bats are the most numerous. There are many frogs among amphibians, and lizards and snakes among reptiles. In the fauna of the islands, birds are most numerous, including migratory birds from North America (ducks, geese, etc.), which remain for the winter. In the swamps and within the lagoons, there are flamingos (only in the national park on Bolshoi Inagua Island over 50 thousand red flamingos nest), pelicans, spoonbills, herons and other waterfowl. Termites, mosquitoes and other insects are abundant. In the coastal waters, near the reefs, there are many species of fish, including the Atlantic sailboat, barracuda, mackerel, etc. There are sea turtles (on Big Inagua Island, where the green turtle is laid), mollusks and sponges are numerous. The Exuma Keys National Park is protected by marsh and mangrove landscapes and coral reefs.
The range of minerals in the Bahamas is limited to limestone and aragonite (pure calcium carbonate). Its largest field in the world is located offshore the Bahamas.
With its mild warm climate, sandy beaches, clear coastal waters and unlimited spearfishing opportunities, the Bahamas has become an internationally recognized winter resort.
Population and Society. In 2003, 297.48 thousand people lived in the Bahamas, more than half of them in New Providence. 28.8% of the population belongs to the age group under 15 years old, 65.4% - from 15 to 65 years old and 5.8% - over 65 years old. The birth rate is estimated at 18.57 per 1000 population, mortality - 8.68 per 1000, emigration - 2.67 per 1000. Population growth in 2003 was 0.77%, infant mortality - 26.21 per 1000 newborns. In connection with the spread of AIDS in the islands, there is a trend towards an increase in mortality, a decrease in life expectancy and a decrease in the rate of population growth. In 1999, an estimated 6,900 people were infected with AIDS in the Bahamas, and 500 died from the disease.
The main component of the emerging Bahamian nation is African Americans and mulattos, who make up more than 3/4 of the total population. There are diasporas of people from Haiti, Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The proportion of Europeans and North Americans is small. This is mainly a contingent of wealthy senior citizens from the USA, Canada, Great Britain, who settled in the Bahamas after retirement.
The majority of believers are Protestants, including Baptists, Anglicans, Methodists, approx. 19% are Roman Catholics, part of the population adheres to African cults.
The Bahamas has introduced free compulsory education for children aged 5 to 14. The number of educational institutions has grown significantly in recent years, and on the larger islands, most children have the opportunity to attend secondary school. About 20% of school graduates receive vocational training in several vocational schools, teacher training and technical colleges. There are no private higher education institutions in the Bahamas, but since 1964 the government established links with the University of the West Indies in Jamaica and a year later opened its correspondence department in Nassau. Some Bahamians are pursuing higher education at universities in the US, UK and Canada. 98% of the population of the Bahamas is literate.
Health care is at a high level. Local doctors managed to completely defeat most of the tropical diseases. In 1965, the government launched a housing project for the poor and approved a system for the sale of low-cost housing mortgages. State benefits are paid only to the elderly (old age pensions) and the disabled.
State structure. The Commonwealth of the Bahamas achieved limited internal self-government in 1964 and full - in 1969. On July 10, 1973, the independence of the Bahamas was proclaimed as part of the Commonwealth, led by Great Britain. According to the 1973 constitution, the head of state is the Queen of Great Britain, who is represented by the Governor-General.
Legislative power is exercised by a bicameral parliament, consisting of the Senate and the House of Assembly. 16 Senate members are appointed by the Governor General (9 - on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, 4 - the leader of the opposition and 3 - by agreement between the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties). The Senate has the power to delay the adoption of laws (with the exception of those related to finance). The House of Assembly consists of 40 members, elected by universal suffrage. The term of office of both chambers is 5 years, however, early dissolution of parliament is possible. Executive power rests with the government, headed by the prime minister - usually the leader of the party with the majority in parliament. The government is accountable to the House of Assembly.
The judiciary consists of ordinary courts, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
The Bahamas is a member of a number of international organizations: the UN, the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Community, etc.
ECONOMY
The Bahamas is a developing country with an economy heavily dependent on foreign tourism and offshore banking. In 2000, the GDP was $ 4.5 billion, or $ 15,000 per capita. In 1999, tourism accounted for 60% of GDP, other items in the service sector - 30%, industry - 7%, agriculture - 3%. The stable GDP growth (3% in 1998, 6% in 1999 and 4.5% in 2000) is driving an increasing tourist flow and a boom associated with the construction of hotels, residential buildings and resorts. Labor resources are estimated at about 156 thousand people (40% are employed in the tourism business, 50% - in the field of other services, 5% - in industry, 5% - in agriculture). Do not have a permanent job approx. 9% of the economically active population.
Even before World War II, Nassau had become a small tourist destination. In the post-war period, the number of hotels in the city has grown exponentially. Hotels are also built on most of the most populated and some sparsely populated islands. The Bahamas are also famous for their casinos. The country receives over 2 million tourists annually. Many hotels, restaurants and casinos are owned by foreign companies.
Tax breaks and secrecy of deposits make the Bahamas attractive to businessmen and financiers, which is why the islands are one of the leading international financial and business centers. Hundreds of banks, financial institutions and firms in the USA, Canada, Great Britain and other countries have branches in Nassau and Freeport.
Industry. Mining in the Bahamas is carried out by American companies and is limited to the development of an offshore aragonite deposit (used in the production of glass, reinforced concrete and fertilizers) in the western part of the archipelago and the evaporation of salt from seawater on Long Island and Greater Inagua.
In 1955, a private American company leased a plot of 20,000 hectares on the southern coast of the Grand Bahama Island for the construction of a deep-water port, industrial construction, and the creation of the necessary infrastructure. Instead, it was provided with a tax-free regime until 1990 and duty-free import of means of production until 2054. In 1963, the city of Freeport grew here, gradually turning into the largest industrial center of the country with an oil refinery (owned by American companies) working on imported raw materials, and several dozen other industrial enterprises ... Of the large enterprises in Freeport, there is a cement and two pharmaceutical plants, also owned by foreign companies. The second most important industrial city is Nassau, which is home to food, clothing, textile and chemical industries. On the island of Bolshoy Abaco, there is a wood-pulp plant built by an American company, operating on the basis of local Caribbean pine harvests. This semi-finished product is used to make paper at the company's plant in Florida.
Agriculture. Agriculture in the country is limited by the lack of suitable land on the densely populated islands (only 1% of the land is cultivated) and provides about 25% of the country's food needs. Small semi-subsistence farms mainly grow vegetables, while larger ones grow pineapples, bananas, mangoes, sugar cane, citrus fruits, and coconut trees. Poultry farming is well developed. In the coastal waters, there is a small fishery for lobsters, sea sponges and pearls.
Transport. The length of the roads on the islands is approx. 2700 km, more than half of them have a hard surface. Coastal shipping and air traffic are well developed. There are three main seaports in the Bahamas: Nassau, Freeport and Mathieu Town. The main port of Nassau can accommodate large ocean-going vessels and also has a large natural harbor sheltered from wind and waves, and many anchorages for yachts and small boats. An oil port has been built in the vicinity of Freeport to receive supertankers, which is used for the transit of Middle Eastern and African oil and for the shipment of oil products to the United States. In the same port, refueling of ocean vessels, including transit vessels, is carried out. The merchant fleet of the Bahamas has 1,049 vessels (each with a displacement of more than 1,000 gross register tons) with a total displacement of more than 30 million gross register tons. Merchant ships from about 40 countries fly the Bahamas flag.
There are 65 airports in the country. The local airline operates between the islands of the Bahamas and the British islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Nassau International Airport offers flights to Europe, the Caribbean and North and South America. The second international airport is located in Freeport.
Foreign policy. The Bahamas' economy is dependent on foreign investment. Large foreign, mainly American, financial and industrial companies operate on the islands.
The export structure is dominated by industrial products, mainly oil products, medicines and cement. The Bahamas also exports rum, wood pulp, seafood and a small amount of tropical vegetables and fruits. Export earnings are constantly increasing. The main export partners are the USA, Switzerland, Great Britain, Denmark.
The structure of imports is dominated by raw materials, in particular oil (mainly from Saudi Arabia) for its further processing, food, consumer goods, cars, electronics. The main import partners are the USA, Italy, Japan, Denmark.
The Bahamas is a transit point for drug trafficking to the United States and Europe.
Budget and money circulation. Most government revenue comes from customs duties, casino revenues, land sales, postage and utilities. There is no income tax in the country. State budget expenditures include education, social security and public works. The monetary unit is the Bahamian dollar = 100 cents.
HISTORY
The original inhabitants of the Bahamian archipelago were the Indian tribes of the Siboneans. In the first centuries of our era, the Taino tribes, who spoke the languages ​​of the Arawak group, invaded the islands. The Tainos cultivated yams, corn, cassava and cotton. Among them were artisans who spun, weaved and made pottery.
On October 12, 1492, Columbus first set foot on the land of the New World, landing on the island of San Salvador in the Bahamas archipelago, which the local Indians called Guanahani. Taking with him six Indians from this island, Columbus sailed further to the island, which he gave the name Santa Maria de la Concepcion (now - Ram Key), then to Fernandina Island (Long Island). Many Indians - the indigenous inhabitants of the Bahamas - were enslaved by the Spaniards and taken out to work on the plantations and mines of Hispaniola Island (Haiti). As a result, the archipelago became depopulated. From the middle of the 16th century. Spain's enemies, primarily the French, used these islands as a base for attacks on Spanish ships. Thus, over 200 years, the Bahamas has established itself as a pirate haven.
In 1629 the Bahamas were granted by Charles I to one of his ministers, who, however, did not even attempt to establish settlements there. In 1647 a company called Eleutheran Adventurers was formed in London to colonize the Bahamas. Immigrants from England, Bermuda and the British colonies of North and South Carolina in North America originally settled on Eluthera Island, which Oliver Cromwell granted them the right to possess. However, after the Restoration, Charles II transferred this right to the Lords-owners of North and South Carolina, which officially survived until 1787. In 1689, Eleutheran Adventurers founded the Charlestown settlement on New Providence, which was soon renamed Nassau (Nassau) in honor of Prince William of Orange -Nassau. In 1703, Nassau was destroyed by the Spaniards, which significantly strengthened the position of the pirates on the island. In 1718, Captain Woods Rogers was appointed royal governor to restore order in the Bahamas. By the time of his arrival in New Providence, 2,000 pirates were believed to be hiding. In 1720 the Spaniards attacked the island again. To protect the colony, the governor had to agree to an alliance with the pirates. In 1776, the US Navy captured the fortified Fort Montagu, which defended the harbor of Nassau, and held it for several days.
In 1781 the colony was captured by the Spaniards and remained there for more than a year, but already in 1783, according to the Treaty of Versailles, the power of the British was restored and remained until the very proclamation of the independence of the Bahamas. At the end of the War of Independence of the British colonies in North America (1775-1783), ca. 3,000 American loyalists who remained loyal to the British crown, as well as their slaves. In the early stages of settlement in the Bahamas, cotton was grown. For this purpose, slaves from Africa and the former North American colonies were imported into the archipelago. After the abolition of slavery in 1838, the economy of the colony declined and many inhabitants left the islands.
The revival of economic activity in the Bahamas occurred during the American Civil War in 1861-1865, when a fleet was based on the islands, exporting cotton from the southern states of the United States. The colony's income was formed mainly from customs duties on the cotton trade. During the period of "Prohibition" in the United States in 1920-1933, the Bahamas became one of the trans-shipment points for the smuggling of alcoholic beverages into the United States. Customs duties on the import and export of alcohol brought significant income to the colony and were partially invested in the tourism business, which later became the basis of the country's economy. In the 1920s – 1930s, US capital began to penetrate into all spheres of the colony's economy (tourism, banking and business, etc.).
In January 1964, the Bahamas received internal self-government, and on July 10, 1973, it was declared an independent state within the Commonwealth, led by Great Britain. In October 1973, the Bahamas was admitted to the UN. The country's economic prosperity is greatly enhanced by its reputation as a major tourist, banking and financial center. Refining and transportation of oil also brings considerable income.
The first prime minister of the country (after the declaration of independence) was the representative of the Progressive Liberal Party of Linden, Oskar Pindling; he retained office until 19 August 1992, when his party gave way to the Free National Democratic Movement, led by Hubert Ingraham. This party received the majority of votes (34) in the parliamentary elections in 1997, which allowed H. Ingraham to form a one-party government. There are dozens of branch trade unions in the country, the largest trade union associations - the Congress of Trade Unions of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the National Congress of Trade Unions.
Several major newspapers are published in the Bahamas: Nassau Guardian (founded in 1844, circulation 14.1 thousand copies), Nassau Daily Tribune (founded in 1903, 12 thousand copies), Freeport News (founded in 1961, 4 thousand copies). The government weekly Office Gazette is also published. Radio and television broadcasts are operated by the government-owned Broadcasting Corporation Behames.
LITERATURE
Aksenov L., Fetisov A. The distant islands of the West Indies... M., 1984

Encyclopedia Around the World. 2008 .

BAGAMI ISLANDS

COMMONWEALTH OF BAGAMI
An independent state in the West Indies. The country is located on 700 small islands and islets and almost 2.5 thousand coral reefs, which stretch for 1200 km from the southeast coast of Florida to the east coast of Cuba. Only about 40 islands are inhabited. The area is 13,935 km2.
The population (as of 1998) is 279,800 people. Ethnic groups: Blacks - 85%, Whites (British, Canadians, Americans) - 15%. English language. Faith: Baptists 32%, Anglicans 20%, Roman Catholics 19%, Methodists 6%. The capital is Nassau. The largest cities are Nassau (171,542 people), New Providence (171,000 people), Freeport (25,000 people). The state structure is an independent community. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, represented by Governor General O. Turnquest (since 1995). The head of government is Prime Minister Hubert Ingram (since August 21, 1992). The monetary unit is the Bahamian dollar. Life expectancy (for 1998): 69 years - men, 78 years - women. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 21.0. The mortality rate (per 1000 people) is 5.4.
The Bahamas is a member of the UN, World Bank, IMF, WHO, British Commonwealth of Nations and Organization of American States.
The Bahamas is a world famous resort, famous for its beaches, tropical vegetation and the so-called Paradise Island (Paradise Island) in the harbor of Nassau. Among the sights of the capital of the country - the parliament building and the courthouse; The Government House (built in 1801) is the official residence of the Governor-General. Tourists are also attracted by the "sea gardens"; Fort Charlotte (1789); Fort Fincastle (1793); the botanical garden "Adastra Gardens", where many tropical and subtropical plants are represented; Jambi Village is a reconstruction of an 18th century British settlement.

Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .

The Bahamas (Commonwealth of the Bahamas) is a state in the Bahamas archipelago, in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean in the West Indies, southeast of the Florida Peninsula. In total, there are about 700 islands, of which only 30 are inhabited. Area - 13.9 thousand square kilometers, population - 305.6 thousand people (2006). The capital - the city of Nassau (172 thousand) - is located on the island of New Providence. The Queen of Great Britain is nominally the head of state. (cm. United Kingdom) presented by the Governor General. The official language is English.
One of the eastern islands of the archipelago, named by the Spaniards San Salvador, became the first land discovered by the Columbus expedition in 1492 in the New World. The fate of the local Arawak Indians is tragic - the Spaniards took them to Cuba (cm. Cuba) and Haiti. Until 1629, when the islands became a colony of England, they remained uninhabited. In 1973, the Bahamas gained independence. The US naval bases are located here. (cm. USA)... Over 80% of the population of the Bahamas are mulattoes and blacks.
In 1946, a tourist boom began in the Bahamas, which intensified especially in the late 1950s. The Bahamas has become a winter resort for the United States and Europe. Large hotels and casinos have been built here. Attracted by the tax breaks, many companies have established offices and banks here. Naturally, the Bahamas are characterized by flat relief, extensive shallow waters - banks near the coast, which represent excellent beaches. The Bahamas has a tropical trade wind, with a rainy season from May to October. Average temperatures in January are 20 - 23 ° C, in July - about 28 ° C. Savannah or thorny bushes predominate. There are many pine forests. The island of Grand Bahama is often referred to as the "New Riviera" because of its attractiveness to tourists.

Cyril and Methodius Encyclopedia of Tourism. 2008 .

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It is no secret that the Bahamas have long been a popular holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. And even Russians fly there to rest. The truth frightens many of the distance. Which you have to fly over. But when you get to the islands, you will immediately forget about everything that happened to you before. After all, the Bahamas is a paradise for relaxation on earth. Here is everything you need and even what you never dreamed of! If you look at the Bahamas on a world map, you will see where they are. And they are in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Bahamas includes more than 700 islands, but only 30 of them are inhabited by people and they are inhabited. Why are the other islands empty? Some are too small to build on them. And some islands are constantly flooded with water, so you can't build there either.
But there are separate islands where you can go on an excursion. You will be a modern Robinson Crusoe, and this journey will be remembered for a long time.

See where the Bahamas are located on a world map. And then you will definitely want to fly here.

The Bahamas are famous for their excellent beaches, beautiful underwater world and distinctive culture. The archipelago includes about 700 islands, of which only 40 are inhabited. Local resorts are perfect for a leisurely vacation in complete unity with nature, and for extreme diving, as there are many underwater tunnels and "blue holes".

Information about the Bahamas

The Bahamas have an official name - the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The state is located in the Atlantic Ocean on an archipelago stretching for 1500 km, and is separated from Cuba by the Old Bahamas, and from the USA by the Florida Gulf. The total area of ​​the islands is about 14 thousand square meters. km. The largest of them are Andros, Big Abaco, Grand Bahama, Big Inagua, New Providence, Big Exuma, Eleuthera and a number of others.

Capital: Nassau.

Population: 377,374 people (according to 2013 data).

Government: constitutional monarchy led by the Queen of Great Britain, represented in the Bahamas by the Governor-General.

Language: English, patois (Creole) is common among people from Haiti.

Religion: Most of the population is Christians, mostly Baptists (35%). Popular beliefs are also widespread ("oba").

Time: 8 hours behind Moscow time in summer and 9 hours behind in winter. On the last Sunday in March, the time is moved forward one hour (valid until the first Sunday in November).

Climate

The climate in the Bahamas can be described as subtropical (in the south) and trade wind (in the north). In summer, the air temperature here reaches +32 ° С, in winter - +22 ° С. It is always cooler in the central part of the archipelago than on the southern islands. The water temperature in the resorts of the Bahamas is about +27 ° C in summer and +23 ° C in winter.

Most of the precipitation on the islands falls from May to October, during the same months severe storms and hurricanes are possible. Based on this, the best time to relax in the Bahamas is considered to be the period from late October to early May.

Average daily temperature in the resorts of the Bahamas, ° C

Bahamas Map

Nature

The Bahamas are stretches of limestone plateau protruding above the ocean. Its underwater part has deep cracks and ferruginous layers, making the underwater world of the Bahamas looks very picturesque. Numerous coral reefs, blue holes and long tunnels connecting deep underwater caves add to its beauty. All this makes the islands of the archipelago very attractive for divers.

Previously, the entire territory of the Bahamas was covered with tropical forests, but today they are preserved only on the islands of Grand Bahama, Abaco and Andros. On their territory you can see valuable species of wood - red iron and log wood, Caribbean pines, as well as various types of exotic flowers - orchids, jasmine, bougainvillea, etc. Often on the islands you can find artificial plantations with conifers, casuarins and mahogany.

The fauna in the Bahamas is not very diverse. The most common are bats, frogs, snakes, lizards, as well as birds - red flamingos, pelicans, herons, etc. Numerous fish species are found near the coasts - mackerel, barracuda, Atlantic sailboat, etc. Thanks to this, fishing in the Bahamas is very exciting class.

Another feature of the Bahamas' nature is the beautiful sandy beaches with fine sand, which attracts many travelers who want to soak up the sun and swim in the cleanest coastal waters.

The main feature of the Bahamians is their slowness; it is not customary to rush somewhere on the islands. The locals are generally calm and friendly, but sometimes they can express their emotions quite violently.

The dress code on the islands is informal. In most cases, a shirt and long trousers will be enough for men. In resort areas, shorts are also quite suitable; in cities, frankly beachwear should be avoided. In the evening and on holidays, a long dress with ethnic patterns is considered good form for women, and a light suit for men.

As far as culinary traditions are concerned, in the Bahamas they are closely associated with seafood. Charcoal-baked shells, crabs, shrimps, fish cakes, salads with seafood, various variations of dishes with conch snails, reef perch in tomato or anchovy sauce, soup with lime juice, celery, meat and onions - these delicacies can be found in menu of almost all restaurants in the archipelago. The British colonialists had a great influence on the cuisine of the Bahamas, so traditional English dishes cooked with local characteristics in mind are common here. Popular desserts include Caribbean coconut pies, rice puddings and fruit salads. In the bar's card, you will surely see Nassau Royal rum, the famous Bahamian Kalik beer, as well as various imported drinks.

The culture of the Bahamas was influenced by Africans, residents of the neighboring Caribbean islands and colonists. An important part of national folklore is the oba rituals, which are reminiscent of the santeria rites in Brazil and Cuba, as well as voodoo from Haiti. The practice provides for an appeal to white and black magicians, communication with departed ancestors and spirits of the underworld, etc. Followers of both believe that evil spirits live in silk cotton, and with a special skill, their power can be controlled. Voodoo rituals are also common in the Bahamas, especially among immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

Another bright side of the Bahamas culture is music, which combines the traditions of colonialists and African slaves. Down-home styles (music played on accordions, guitars and maracas) and gumbay, which combine English folk songs with calypso melodies, are especially popular.

Dance art is also common in the Bahamas. In special rooms or on the street, you can see real dance performances, in which ritual African dances, classical ballet and modern choreography are combined in a whimsical way.

There are also architectural sights in the Bahamas. Most of them belong to the period of colonization and are located in the capital of the state - the city of Nassau.

Main currency

The main currency on the islands is the Bahamian dollar, which is equal to 100 cents. Both coins and banknotes of various denominations are in circulation. US dollars are in free circulation. Credit cards of international systems are accepted almost everywhere.

You can exchange currency in the Bahamas at shopping malls, hotels and banks, which are usually open on weekdays until 15:00. The most favorable exchange rate is at international banks located in Freeport and Nassau. There are a lot of ATMs in popular tourist areas, which cannot be said about the peripheral islands, where withdrawing money is quite problematic. Hotels, restaurants and exchange offices can charge quite a large commission for cashing tourist checks, therefore, before using their services, find out about all the conditions. It is most beneficial to use traveller's checks in US dollars.

You cannot fly from Russia to the Bahamas using a direct flight. The best option is a British Airways flight with a connection in London (operates five times a week), which takes about 13 hours. You can also fly to the United States, and from there, with the help of American airlines, to the capital of the Bahamas - Nassau. The disadvantage of this option is that such travel requires an American transit visa. You can also get to the Bahamas from the USA by ferry (the journey takes about 5 hours).

Mains voltage - 110V, 60 Hz. American type sockets.

To rent a car in the Bahamas, you need an international driver's license, passport and credit card. The driver must be at least 21-23 years old (depending on the rental company). Car rental offices are located at airports, large hotels and in central urban areas.

The tourist areas of the Bahamas are quite safe, but you should follow the usual precautions: do not walk on the outskirts at night, watch your wallet, leave valuables in the safe.

You do not need to do any vaccinations to enter the country - they will only be needed if you are arriving in the Bahamas from a hotbed of infectious diseases. It is advisable to get immunized against tuberculosis, diphtheria and hepatitis B. You should also avoid swimming in local fresh waters.

Tap water in major cities is safe, although it tastes salty, so we recommend bottled water. Water outside popular tourist areas can be contaminated and should not be drunk. Dairy products, meat, poultry, vegetables and fruits can be eaten without fear - their safety is monitored.

For sun protection, it is worth using special creams, since the level of sun exposure in the Bahamas is very high. On excursions, it is advisable to wear light clothing that covers the shoulders.

Basic moments

The extended archipelago covers an area of ​​250,000 km² and consists of 2,700 islands and coral reefs covering a total of 13,878 km². People inhabit thirty of them. The island territory is united into a state - the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, in which 391,232 people live (2016). The most populated is the island of New Providence, where the capital of the country is located, and the island of Grand Bahama. The population is 3/4 African American and mulatto. A small proportion of Bahamians are elderly, wealthy North Americans and Europeans who settled on the islands after retirement.

The majority of believers in the Bahamas are Christians - Protestants, Methodists, Baptists and Roman Catholics. Some locals, and especially the descendants of African American slaves, adhere to African cults.

The Bahamas are popular with travelers from all over the world and the island's economy is heavily dependent on tourism. People come here for a beach holiday. In addition, the Bahamas attracts diving, surfing and sailing enthusiasts.

In recent years, medical tourism has been actively developing in the Bahamas. The level of medical care here is based on US standards and is rated very high. More than twenty modern medical institutions have been opened on the islands, specialists of which work in all types of health care. The most popular areas are joint surgery, heart surgery and plastic surgery.

History of the development of the Bahamas

The first to settle on the tropical islands were Native Americans - Lucayans (Arawaks), who sailed here in the 5th century from the Antilles, Cuba and Hispaniola (now the territory of the Republic of Haiti). In 1492, the expedition of Christopher Columbus landed in the Bahamas. Three years later, Spanish colonists settled on the archipelago. For 30 years, the locals have practically died out. The reasons for this were the diseases and slavery brought by the Europeans. Colonists took a large number of Lucayans to Hispaniola for pearl mining and work in the mines.

Soon the Spaniards also left the Bahamas, and for about 130 years this region remained unclaimed. Then British settlers from Bermuda came to Harbor Island. In addition to them, pirate bases arose on several islands, where sea corsairs rested and repaired their ships. Only in 1718, thanks to the British army, the pirates were expelled from the Bahamas. Since then, the islands have secured the status of a British colony.

The local population began to grow rapidly from the end of the 18th century. The reason for this was the eviction of eight thousand loyalists from the United States to the Bahamas, with whom their slaves arrived. The new settlers tried to organize cotton plantations on the islands in the manner of those they were forced to leave in America. However, due to the poor soil, this venture failed. In 1807, the slave trade was banned in Great Britain and the Royal Navy freed slaves in the Bahamas.

A large influx of money to the islands occurred in 1920. At this time, a dry law was passed in the United States. Smuggling began to grow in the Bahamas, and a rum warehouse was made from the city. During the Second World War, the American military spent vacations in the Bahamas, and in the post-war period, the tourism industry began to develop on the islands.

Since 1973, a democratic political regime has existed in the island state, and the Constitution is in effect. According to the form of government, the Bahamas is a parliamentary monarchy, when the British queen is considered the head of state, and her interests on the islands are represented by the governor-general. Legislative functions are performed by a bicameral parliament, while executive power is exercised by the government. Administratively, the Bahamas is divided into 31 districts.

Bahamas landmarks

All Bahamas attractions

Climate features

It is no coincidence that the Bahamas is called a paradise. Their northern part lies in the tropical trade wind zone, and the southern part lies in the subtropical zone. The average temperature in the summer months is from + 26 ° C to + 32 ° C, and in winter - from + 18 ° C to + 22 ° C. Summer is warmer in the south than in the central part of the archipelago, and in winter it is cooler in the northwestern part of the Bahamas.

The sea water is suitable for swimming all year round. Its temperature, depending on the season, ranges from + 23 ° С to + 27 ° С.

It is believed that the best time to visit the Bahamas is from September to May when it is cooler. At this time of the year, there is almost no rain, and if it does happen, it falls in the form of strong short showers, after which the sun immediately comes out. From May to mid-November, the Bahamas begins the tropical storm and hurricane season. There are heavy rainfalls on the islands, and large waves rise in the coastal zone.

The nature of the islands

The land area in the Bahamas covers an area of ​​10,070 km². All islands are composed of coral limestone. The surface is mostly flat, but there are also karst landforms. The most elevated part is on the island of Cat. This is the Alvernia hill, which rises 63 m above sea level.

Frequent hurricanes and mineral-poor soils have led to the lack of lush vegetation in the Bahamas. Here you can find thickets of evergreen thorny bushes and savannahs. Coconut palms grow in abundance on the coast, and pine forests are far from the sea.

The Bahamas is home to many birds, iguanas, bats and agouti. In the national park of the island of Big Inagua, there is the largest colony of flamingos on the planet, in which over 50 thousand birds have found shelter. The coastal waters surrounding the islands are home to a variety of fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

Today, more than 25 protected areas have been created in the Bahamas with a rich flora and fauna. Rare birds and animals can be seen in local national parks. Among nature lovers, the most popular is the island of Great Inagua, the northeastern part of North Andros, as well as Embrister Creek on Cat Island.

Beaches

Almost every island in the archipelago has excellent beaches. Clean white sand, easy entry into the water and warm water attract millions of travelers to the Bahamas.

The most luxurious are the beach areas of New Providence, especially Cable Beach. Here you can sunbathe and swim. If you wish, you can drop by a local casino or cross the original bridge to Paradise Island.

Grand Bahama offers vacationers surrounded by coconut trees, Gold Rock Beach, Paradise Bay and Tiger Beach. On the outer islands, many beaches coexist with fishing villages. They attract lovers of a more secluded holiday, as well as fans of diving and sea fishing. The beaches of Andros Island are often used for wedding ceremonies. National-style weddings are popular here, and hotels on the island offer special "wedding packages".

Outdoor activities in the Bahamas

Not only fans of a measured beach holiday come to the Bahamas. New Providence, Harbor Island and the Grand Bahama have the most sports centers and water sports facilities. There are places for golf and tennis, as well as for motorcycle trips. Popular sea activities include windsurfing, surfing, kiting, water skiing and scooters.

Fans of sea fishing go to the islands of Bimini, Berry and Andros, and those who want to feel the power of the sea waves and explore the coast from the board of a yacht, to the islands of Long Island and Exuma. These places are considered a real paradise for boaters, and the sailing season lasts here most of the year.

The clear waters of the Atlantic and the rich underwater world attract diving enthusiasts to the Bahamas. Most of the islands have dive centers that organize beginner training and underwater expeditions for experienced divers. Coral reef diving is practiced on the islands of Eleuthera and Abaco. In many places, travelers can swim with dolphins and even participate in shark feeding.

Cities and resorts of the Bahamas

Most of the inhabitants of the Bahamas inhabit the capital of the archipelago - a city of 274,400 people (2016), which is built on the island of New Providence. There is a large seaport in this city. Many come here for the lively nightlife, shopping and picturesque examples of colonial architecture. Tourists love to visit the “straw market” of the city, where they sell interesting straw crafts. Not far from the center, there is a unique corner of tropical nature - the luxurious Adastra gardens and the zoo.

Grand Bahama is often referred to as a tropical paradise. The island is covered with lush thickets of Cuban pine, and three national parks are located on it. Travelers come here to see beautiful large caves with stalagmites and rare tropical flowers.

Long Island got its name from its elongated shape. It stretches for almost a hundred kilometers with a width of up to 5 km. Long Island is covered with low hills. It has beautiful beaches and steep headlands that drop right into the sea.

Eleuthera is known as an elite holiday destination. The most luxurious hotels, beaches and clubs in the Bahamas are concentrated in the resorts of this island.

Island restaurants and local cuisine

There are many excellent restaurants and bars in the Bahamas. In most places, tourists are offered British, North American or Caribbean cuisine. Lunch in a budget cafe costs $ 12-15, and in a respectable restaurant - $ 30-35. Fast food establishments are represented by world famous brands - McDonalds and KFC.

Livestock farming is poorly developed in the archipelago, so rice, shrimp, fish and cereal, potatoes and macaroni and cheese predominate in the daily menu of local residents. Fishing is a major craft for the islanders, and Bahamian cuisine is rich in ocean gifts. Previously, turtle soup was considered a specialty on the islands. But time passed, the number of turtles decreased, environmentalists sounded the alarm, and this soup is no longer prepared here.

Bahamian delicacies include seafood salads, grilled shells, crabs and prawns, and red grouper cutlets. You should definitely try boiled lobster and reef bass fillets, which are fried or baked in tomato sauce.

The restaurant menus also include meat dishes, with rice or peas used as a side dish. Bacon and scrambled eggs, steaks, schnitzel and onions, fried chicken and French roast are served everywhere. A mixture of rice and peas forms the basis of most local soups. A special place in the island menu is taken by soup, which is made from meat, water acidified with lime juice, onions, peppers and celery. This popular soup is prepared very quickly and tastes good.

For dessert in the Bahamas, it is customary to eat tropical fruits or pudding made from guava. Locals and tourists alike have a preference for coconut crumb cakes, Johnny Cakes and gingerbread.

Non-alcoholic beverages on the islands are English-style tea, as well as strongly brewed Brazilian or Colombian coffee. In addition, many fruit juices and various types of carbonated water are consumed here.

In the Bahamas, you can try the local Nassau Royal rum. It tastes good and is inexpensive. A large amount of rum is produced at the Bacardi distillery, which is located south of the capital of the Bahamas. Local beer “Kalik” is also popular. It is produced in three types. Light beer "Kalik Light" contains a small amount of alcohol. Kalik regular is appreciated for its refreshing soft taste. And "Kalik Gold" is the strongest of all varieties, the amount of alcohol in it reaches 7%.

Transport

Bahamasair planes fly between the major islands of the Bahamas. The prices for flights are quite high, so it is often more profitable to charter a small plane privately.

New Providence has the longest and most extensive road network - 1000 km. Eleuthera has 209 km of roads, while the Grand Bahama has 156 km. In the cities of Freeport and passengers are brought up by private fixed-route taxis.

There is no public transport system, so travelers use taxis or rent cars, motorcycles or bicycles. To move between the islands or along the coast, you can rent a boat or boat.

The Bahamas has left-hand traffic and heavy road traffic. In densely populated areas, traffic jams occur every now and then. In addition, the road network is often flooded during floods. There are no sidewalks along some roads, people walk right on the side of the road, so those who rent cars or bikes should be extremely careful.

Security

The Bahamas are considered safe for travelers, and the tourism centers established there enjoy a good reputation. However, there are cases of pickpocketing and theft from hotel rooms. All tourists, and especially women, are advised to refrain from walking alone in the outskirts of cities, and even more so at night.

If tourists go sport fishing, they must pay a $ 20 tax. In this case, the boat should not have more than six spools of fishing line. Spearfishing is not permitted in the Bahamas with any kind of gear. The prohibitions also apply to the independent conduct of underwater archaeological research. For these violations, substantial fines are imposed, up to and including expulsion from the country.

The use and distribution of drugs is especially severely punished in the Bahamas. Local laws in this area are even harsher than European or North American ones, so those who are convicted of drug crimes always receive long sentences.

Particular threats in the Bahamas can arise in connection with natural disasters. The Bahamas is part of the Caribbean region and is in the zone of hurricanes and typhoons. Those travelers who find themselves in the Bahamas from June to November are advised to follow the weather forecasts. Hurricanes are usually accompanied by floods. It should also be borne in mind that during strong typhoons in the Bahamas, airports are closed, and tourists are not able to leave the country.

Although tap water is considered safe in the Bahamas, it is not worth drinking from the tap. Every Bahamian resort sells bottled water. Due to the possibility of contracting infectious diseases on the islands, it is not recommended to swim in freshwater reservoirs. The exception is hotel pools, where the water is regularly disinfected.

To travel to the Bahamas, it is worth taking out medical insurance, which includes payment for air evacuation. The most qualified medical care can be found in New Providence and the Grand Bahama. There are few hospitals on the small islands, and they do not work every day. True, on most of the inhabited islands, you can use the rapid response services, which are supervised by volunteers. With the help of such services, the sick person is quickly transferred to the nearest hospital.

Cancellation of currency and settlements

The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is the local currency used for all settlements on the islands. It is tightly pegged to the US dollar, however the exchange rate can vary depending on the hotel or bank. In addition, US dollars are accepted for payment anywhere in the Bahamas.

You can exchange currency in many places - in hotels, bank branches and large shopping centers. Tourist checks are also cashed here. As is usually the case, the most disadvantageous course is offered in the areas where the most foreign tourists stay. The most convenient way to change currency is at bank branches in the capital of the country and the city of Freeport. From Monday to Thursday, they start work at 9.00-9.30 and end at 15.00. Bank branches are open until 5 pm on Friday. It should also be borne in mind that in remote places, banks may not serve customers every day.

In large hotels and shopping centers, cards are accepted for payment. In other places, preference is given to cash payments.

Tipping is accepted in the Bahamas. As a rule, hotel porters, guides and porters expect $ 1 from a grateful visitor, and room maids - $ 1-2. In most establishments, the size of the tip reaches 15%, and they are immediately included in the bill. In addition, many hotels add an additional 8-10% government tax to their invoices.

Useful information for tourists

• To visit the Bahamas, Russian citizens do not need to apply for a visa. This rule applies if the trip is in the nature of a private visit and does not exceed 90 days.
• When passing through customs, there are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. Duty-free in the Bahamas is allowed to import 200 cigarettes or 0.45 kg of tobacco, as well as up to 0.94 liters of strong alcohol and the same amount of wine.
• In order to take out agricultural products from the islands, any plants or wood carvings will require a special permit.
• To accommodate tourists in the Bahamas, huge hotel centers and small cozy all-inclusive hotels have been built. Some travelers prefer to rent rooms and rooms in guesthouses from the local population.
• The famous Bay street outside the Bahamas is considered the center of shopping. All goods sold there are exempt from taxes.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Russia to the Bahamas. The best option is considered to be a flight with a stopover in London. Without taking into account the transplant itself, this will take about 13 hours. Another option is to fly through the United States. In this case, you need to apply for an American transit visa.

The Bahamas is one of the archipelagos not trampled by mass domestic tourists. The secret of his unpopularity in the post-Soviet space is simple: far, expensive, but for some it is not interesting.

The Bahamas is one of the archipelagos not trampled by mass domestic tourists. The secret of his unpopularity in the post-Soviet space is simple: far, expensive, but for some it is not interesting. There is no exciting "excursion" here, from entertainment - yachting, diving, fishing, ecotourism, money laundering in a casino or shops and carefree lying on a sun lounger on a pink-sandy beach.

However, connoisseurs of these simple joys are: the Bahamas are dearly loved by Hollywood stars, many celebrities have long acquired cozy mansions here. Anyone with a few tens of millions of dollars can follow their example. At the service of the rest - rooms in luxury hotels and pretty villas, standing in the middle of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, relaxation in which will seem like a true paradise.

Season

The Bahamas were called the islands of eternal June because of the abundance of sunny days - there are from 300 to 340 of them a year. However, there is nothing to do here in calendar June: during this period, the resort is hit by heat, rains and hurricanes, which "stay" until October ...

The high tourist season in the archipelago is from November to May. The air and water temperatures are kept at the optimum levels for adults and children, but it can be cool at night.

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Beach vacation

The Bahamas is a group of 700 islands large and small, each of which has an unparalleled beach with white or slightly pinkish sand and rare palm trees. For those who want to be alone with this beauty, we recommend the beautiful and sparsely populated island of Long Island. Those wishing not only to lazily fry in the sun, but also to come off in the evening in a club or bar, or even look into a casino or a shopping center, should go to the capital of the archipelago - the city of Nassau on the island of New Providence.

The most beautiful beaches - with pink sand - are to be found on Harbor Island, the "greenest" ones, surrounded by thickets of tropical vegetation - on the island of Grand Bahama.

Leisure

The Bahamas is one of the favorite spots on the map for divers from all over the world. Here, deep-sea divers and sharks will be given food, and the most beautiful coral reefs will be shown (for example, near the islands of Eleuthera and Abaco). And those that are bolder will be "led" to the mysterious Dean's blue hole off Long Island, which is considered the second deepest on the planet. Freedivers speak of Dean especially fondly.

Yachting is rightfully considered the key sport in the archipelago. Sailing professionals and amateurs arrange sailing along the coasts of Long Island and Exuma. More experienced yachtsmen delve deeper into the straits between the smaller islands.

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Ecotourism

Tourists come to watch outlandish birds, mammals and reptiles on one of the largest islands of the archipelago - Inagua (official site in English). It is famous for being home to the largest colony of pink flamingos, as well as many other bird species. Here you can swim with dolphins and admire sluggish iguanas.

Near the island of Grand Bahama is the underwater national park "Peterson Cay" (official site in English) - the focus of beautiful coral reefs. And on the island itself there is a green national park "Lucayan" (official site in English), where pines, palms, orchids and ferns grow, and there is a unique system of ancient caves, in which traces of the life of local aborigines of the pre-Columbian era were found.

Guests of the capital's island won't have to travel far for natural beauty either: New Providence is home to the Harold and Wilson Ponds Park, home to rare species of birds.

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Vacation with children

Travelers with small children should choose the quieter, "family" islands - Abaco, Andros, Cat. The nightlife on them is not so stormy, the beaches are amazingly picturesque, the entry into the sea is gentle and there are almost no waves in the high season.

Finding a hotel for accommodation with children is not a problem. Some complexes accommodate children under the age of 17 free of charge without providing a separate bed.

Weddings, shopping, casinos

For these types of recreation, the archipelago is almost more suitable than all other resorts in the Atlantic Ocean. The most beautiful weddings, expensive restaurants, cool nightclubs and entertainment centers, high-rise shops and colorful markets - this is all the Bahamas. It is necessary to rest here beautifully and on a grand scale, and the costs of all this should be appropriated.