Bahamas
A repository of historical, cultural and natural treasures, Bahamas comprises about 2,500 coral cays and 700 islands. A tourist can experience the ultimate pleasure of watching splendid nature in all its glory in Bahamas. The mangrove forest, the coral reef, world-class hotels, the subtropical climate, parks, etc allure visitors from every part of the world to spend their vacation amidst pristine nature.
Alluring attractions
The islands of Bahamas can be ideal exciting getaways. There are many small islands in Bahamas and only 30 islands among them are inhabited. Nassau, the capital of Bahamas is one of the largest islands and the capital offers a perfect setting for enjoying water sports. Nassau, situated on the New Province is also famed for the best beaches in Bahamas. The old town of Nassau has many eighteenth and nineteenth century edifices, Fort Fincastle, etc, which are must see sights of Bahamas. Paradise Island ranks among the prominent attractions of Bahamas. The resort has sprawling beaches that include the Shipwreck Beach.
Andros, a wild island comprises palm savannahs, exotic forests with mahogany, pine and palmetto trees and vast areas of wetlands. The primeval forest of the region is eerie and imposing. The island is the least explored part of Bahamas and is renowned for the splendid coral reef. Bimini Bay is interesting owing to the peculiar underwater formations that resemble paving blocks or building blocks used by the Incas.
With a variety of bird species inhabiting the island like the finches, wild canaries, humming birds, egrets, herons, mocking birds, et al, the Crooked Island is a bird watchers delight. Around 28 different species of butterflies flock the island. The bat caves, The Great Hope House, the Bird Rock Light house are the attractions of the Crooked Island.
The Inagua national park preserves the largest breeding colony of the roseate flamingos. Lake Rosa dominates the landscape of the park, which is home to reddish-pink egrets, tricolored Louisiana, herons, 50,000 hot pink flamingoes and roseate spoon-bills. Another treasure of Bahamas is the Lucayan National Park. The park houses the longest underwater system in the world.
Activities
You can indulge in some exciting water sports in the beaches of Bahamas. If you are in Bahamas, then swimming with the dolphins is a must-do. The Shipwreck beach is perfect for a great fishing and diving experience. Andros Island is the best place for the divers, beach lovers and bird watchers. For Scuba divers, the Bimini Bay offers the perfect setting. Walking through the parks, watching the wildlife and the scenic beauty of the place can be unwinding after hours of water sports.
Shopping ventures
Venture into a shopping spree in Bahamas at the daily markets. The Straw Market in Nassau functions daily. The market offers a lot of items to choose from for the shoppers. Visitors and locals can shop for spices, craft items like handcrafted mats, baskets and hats, luxury goods and jewelry. The tax-free shopping in Bahamas allows the shopping buffs to make the most of the opportunity.
Enticing food
Seafood is of course the specialty of the region. Delicacies made with fish, lobsters, etc as major ingredients offer a mouth-watering treat for a traveller. Apart from the local dishes, tourists can taste all kinds of international cuisines, at the restaurants and hotels in Bahamas.
Facts
| Capital |
Nassau
25°4′N 77°20′W / 25.067°N 77.333°W / 25.067; -77.333 |
| Official languages |
English |
| Ethnic groups |
85% Black (esp. West African), 12% European, 3% Other |
| Demonym |
Bahamian |
| Government |
Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy |
| - |
Monarch |
Queen Elizabeth II |
| - |
Governor-General |
Arthur Dion Hanna |
| - |
Prime Minister |
Hubert A. Ingraham |
| Independence |
from the United Kingdom |
| - |
Self-governing |
1973 |
| - |
Full independence |
July 10, 1973 |
| Area |
| - |
Total |
13,878 km2 (160th)
5,358 sq mi |
| - |
Water (%) |
28% |
| Population |
| - |
2007 estimate |
330,549[1] (177th) |
| - |
1990 census |
254,685 |
| - |
Density |
23.27/km2 (181st)
60/sq mi |
| GDP (PPP) |
2007 estimate |
| - |
Total |
$8.310 billion[2] (145th) |
| - |
Per capita |
$24,960[2] (IMF) (38th) |
| GDP (nominal) |
2007 estimate |
| - |
Total |
$6.571 billion[2] |
| - |
Per capita |
$19,736[2] (IMF) |
| HDI (2007) |
▲ 0.845 (high) (49th) |
| Currency |
Dollar (BSD) |
| Time zone |
EST (UTC−5) |
| - |
Summer (DST) |
EDT (UTC−4) |
| Drives on the |
left |
| Internet TLD |
.bs |
| Calling code |
1 242 |



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