The Bahamas is an archipelago nation in the Atlantic Ocean, situated just southeast of Florida and north of Cuba. It is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The country consists of around 700 islands and cays, making it a premier destination for sailing, diving, and snorkeling.
- Capital
- Nassau
- Continent
- Americas
- Region
- Caribbean
- Area
- 13,943 km²
- Coordinates
- 24.25° N, 76° W
Country facts
- The Bahamas gained independence from the United Kingdom on July 10, 1973, becoming a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth.
- English is the official language, and many Bahamians also speak a local creole dialect known as Bahamian dialect.
- The national animal of the Bahamas is the flamingo, which can be spotted on Inagua, the southernmost major island.
- Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the Americas on the Bahamian island of San Salvador in 1492.
- The Bahamas has no rivers, and fresh water has historically been collected from rain or drawn from underground aquifers.
Capital facts
- Nassau is located on New Providence Island and has served as the capital since the islands were a British colonial territory.
- The city is home to Fort Charlotte, an 18th-century British fortification that overlooks the harbor.
- Nassau was once a notorious hub for pirates in the early 1700s, including the infamous Blackbeard.
- The Straw Market in downtown Nassau is a famous open-air bazaar where artisans sell handwoven baskets and local crafts.
- Nassau's harbor is one of the busiest cruise ship ports in the Caribbean, welcoming millions of tourists each year.