The Bahamas is a holiday paradise in the Caribbean consisting of over 700 islands. Although the country has few natural resources and large geographical distances, it has a relatively stable economy.
Key figures and facts
- Capital: Nassau
- Ethnic groups: African origin 90.6%, European origin 4.7%, African and European origin 2.1%, other/unspecified 2.6%
- Language: English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants).
- Religion: Protestants 69.9%, Roman Catholic 12%, other Christians 13%, none 1.9%, other/unspecified 3.2% (2010)
- Population: 399 285 (2018)
- Control Form: Constitutional democracy
- Area: 13 880 Km2
- Currency: Bahamian Dollar
- GNP per capita: 22 517 PPP $
- National Day: July 10th
The population of the Bahamas was estimated at 377 374 (World Bank 2013) and annual population growth at 1.4%. Life expectancy is 78.0 years for women and 72.0 years for men. About 85% of the population is black. Whites, essentially of British, American and Canadian backgrounds, account for 12%.
A total of 22 of the islands are inhabited. 2/3 live on the island New Providence, the vast majority in and around the capital Nassau. Other major islands (by population, 2000) are the Grand Bahama (46,900 inb), Abaco (10,000 in) and Andros (about 8,000 in).
Religion
About 94% of the population is Christian. Of these, approximately 19% Catholics, approximately 21% belonged to the Anglican Church, approximately 32% are Baptists and approximately 15% belong to other Protestant churches.
Language
English is the official language.