Bahamas Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated April 25, 2020

Bahamas, State of the Caribbean; 14,000 km², 386,000 residents (2019).The Bahamas consists of approximately 700 coral islands spread over a wide band that extends more than 800 km between Florida and Haiti. Among the larger islands are Andros (5,960 km² ), Great Abaco (1,680 km² ) and Grand Bahama (1,370 km² ). The capital is Nassau (246,300 residents, 2011), located on the island of New Providence.

Country facts

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas / Commonwealth Bahamas
Country abbreviation: BS
Area: 14 000 km²
Population (2019): 386,000 residents
Capital: Nassau
Main language: English
State: Monarchy
Head of State: Elizabeth II (Queen)
Head of Government: Hubert Minnis
Per capita GDP (2016): US $ 23,124
GNI per capita (2016): US $ 26,490
Currency unit: 1 Bahamian dollar = 100 cents
Currency code: BSD
Country number (telephony): 1
Internet Domain Name: bs
Time difference compared to Sweden: −6
National Day: July 10 (Independence Day, 1973)

Population

Population density (2019): 28 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 0.7%; birth rate 14 ‰, death rate 7 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (23%), 15-64 (70%), 65- (7%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 71 years, women 76 years
Infant mortality (2019): 6 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 400,000 residents
HDI (2017): 0.807 (place 54 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 83%
Most populous city (2011): Nassau (246,300 residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (2%), industry (8%), service (90%)
Exports (2017): US $ 880 million
Main export products: seafood, minerals and salt, chemicals
Main exporting countries: USA, Namibia
Imports (2017): US $ 3 180 million
Main import products: machinery, transport, food
Main importing countries: USA, India
Railway network: nothing in operation

The Bahamas consists of approximately 700 coral islands spread over a wide band that extends more than 800 km between Florida and Haiti. It is best known for its pleasant subtropical climate. Persistent winds have a cooling effect, while tropical hurricanes often cause great havoc. Extensive forests of Caribbean pine are spread on the larger islands in the northwest. Otherwise, the vegetation consists mostly of shrubs and low trees.

The Bahamas is an independent member of the Commonwealth. The British monarch is the head of state and is represented by a Bahamian general governor, appointed on a proposal by the country’s prime minister. Parliament consists of a Senate and a National Assembly whose members are elected in general elections for five years.

The country achieved full independence in 1973 and has one of the Caribbean’s strongest economies. Prosperity is based mainly on tourism and finance. However, since 2006, the tourism industry has experienced a decline. The islands attract more than 1.5 million tourists annually. The conditions for agriculture are relatively poor, and the agricultural industries are of only marginal importance.