Ad
related to: The BahamasEnjoy White Sand Beaches & Turquoise Waters for the Ultimate Dream Vacation. Find Travel Deals, Special Offers & Vacation Packages. It’s Time to Feel Free Again.
Search results
Learn about The Bahamas, an island country in the Atlantic Ocean with a rich and diverse culture and history. Explore its geography, population, politics, economy, and more from this comprehensive Wikipedia article.
- Overview
- Land
- Relief and soils
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
The Bahamas, archipelago and country on the northwestern edge of the West Indies. Formerly a British colony, The Bahamas became an independent country within the Commonwealth in 1973.
The name Bahamas is of Lucayan Taino (Arawakan) derivation, although some historians believe it is from the Spanish bajamar, meaning “shallow water.” The islands occupy a position commanding the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the entire Central American region. Their strategic location has given the history of The Bahamas a unique and often striking character. It was there that Christopher Columbus made his original landfall in the Americas. The subsequent fate of the peaceful original inhabitants remains one of the more tragic episodes in the development of the entire region, while the early attempts at European-dominated settlement were marked by intense national rivalries, interspersed with long periods of lawlessness and piracy. As a result, the society and culture that has evolved in The Bahamas is a distinctive blend of European and African heritages, the latter a legacy of the slave trade and the introduction of the plantation system using African slaves. The islands, lacking natural resources other than their agreeable climate and picturesque beaches, have become heavily dependent on the income generated by the extensive tourist facilities and the financial sector that have been developed, often as a result of the injection of foreign capital. The continued popularity of the islands with tourists, largely from North America, has helped to maintain a relatively high standard of living among the population, most of whom are of African descent. The capital, Nassau, is located on small but important New Providence Island.
Lying to the north of Cuba and Hispaniola, the archipelago comprises nearly 700 islands and cays, only about 30 of which are inhabited, and more than 2,000 low, barren rock formations. It stretches more than 500 miles (800 km) southeast-northwest between Grand Bahama Island, which has an area of 530 square miles (1,373 square km) and lies about 60 ...
The Bahamas occupies an irregular submarine tableland that rises out of the depths of the Atlantic Ocean and is separated from nearby lands to the south and west by deepwater channels. Extensive areas of flatland, generally a few feet in elevation, are the dominant topographic features of the major islands; the Bimini group (9 square miles [23 square km]), for example, has a maximum elevation of only 20 feet (6 metres). A number of islands fronting the Atlantic have a range or series of ranges of hills on the northeastern side that parallel the longer axes of the islands. These ranges are formed of sand washed ashore and blown inland by the trade winds. The newer hills adjacent to the seashore are normally sand dunes. Solidity increases toward the interior, where the particles become cemented to form Bahama limestone. Eleuthera and Long Island (230 square miles [596 square km]) have the greatest number of hills exceeding 100 feet (30 metres). The highest point in The Bahamas, Mount Alvernia, at 206 feet (63 metres), is on Cat Island (150 square miles [388 square km]). Beneath the soil, the islands are composed of limestone rock and skeletal remains of coral fossils and other marine organisms. There are no rivers, but several islands—particularly New Providence, San Salvador (63 square miles [163 square km]), and Great Inagua—have large lakes. There is abundant fresh water on Andros Island.
Britannica Quiz
Learn about The Bahamas, an archipelago and country in the West Indies with a rich and diverse history and culture. Explore its islands, geography, climate, economy, and more.
Discover the diversity and beauty of The Bahamas, a destination of 16 major islands with clear ocean, sandbars, beaches, and culture. Find flights, hotels, activities, and more for your island getaway.
Sep 18, 2024 · Learn about the best time, duration, and ways to visit the Bahamas, an archipelago of 700 islands and cays with dazzling turquoise waters and pristine beaches. Discover the top things to do, from swimming with pigs in Exuma to exploring the underwater caves in Lucayan National Park.
- Nassau. Best place for nightlife. Nassau is the unchallenged nightlife capital of the Bahamas. Historically a haven for pirates and smugglers, the city's treasures now attract travelers looking for an incredible night out.
- Elbow Cay. Best place for historic architecture. The British history of the Bahamas is most evident in Elbow Cay. The prettiest of the gorgeous Abacos islands, its epicenter is Hope Town, founded by British Loyalists in 1785 and distinguished by bougainvillea, brightly painted cottages and the iconic Elbow Reef Lighthouse.
- Harbour Island. Best place for celebrity spotting. Known as "Briland'' to locals and regular visitors, lovely little Harbour Island is a favorite haunt of celebrities such as George Clooney and Jessica Alba.
- The Biminis. Best place for game fishing. One of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite fishing grounds, the tiny Biminis are only 80km (50 miles) from Florida. Sitting on the edge of the Gulf Stream, they’re magnets for game fishers seeking the marlin, sailfish and swordfish that swarm these waters.
People also ask
What is the capital of the Bahamas?
What is the Best Kept Secret of the Bahamas?
Why is the Bahamas important?
Is the Bahamas part of the Caribbean?
Plan your trip to the Bahamas with Tripadvisor's guide to the best hotels, beaches, activities, and tips. Explore the 700 islands, the famous Atlantis resort, the pink sand beaches, the marine habitats, and more.
Discover the best time and places to visit the Bahamas, a subtropical archipelago with stunning beaches, reefs and historic towns. Find attractions, activities, articles and tips for your trip from Lonely Planet experts.
Ad
related to: The BahamasBrowse thousands of brands and find deals on Bahamas Resorts at Temu®, Shop Now. Come and check Bahamas Resorts at a low price, you'd never want to miss it.
