Bahamas Facts

Geography

An archipelago of over 700 islands covering an area of about 100,000 square miles with the northern most islands less than 100 miles from the coast of South Florida. The islands stretch in a North/South layout covering 750 miles with the majority of the island protected by the world’s third largest Barrier Reefs and turquoise blue sand banks. Abaco lies on the north eastern edge of the archipelago and stretches almost 100 miles from north to south.

Population

Only approximately 40 islands are inhabited with an entire country population of 250,000. The majority resides in the capital city of Nassau, with the remainder scattered among outer islands referred to as the "Family Islands", with less than 15,000 on the island of Abaco.

Government

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas became an independent nation from Britain on July 10, 1973. The elected Prime Minister is the head of the Parliamentary Government with a Senate (or Upper House) and a House of Assembly (Lower House).

Climate

Year round tropical temperatures with mild off-shore breezes and light humidity. Temperatures range from the mid 70’s in the winter months to the low 90’s in summer. The Bahamas observes hurricane season from June 1 thru Nov. 30th.

Currency

The Bahamian dollar is the national currency. It is on par with, equivalent to, and interchangeable with the American dollars on the street.

Banks

There are over 360 financial institutions licensed for banking and financial trust representation throughout the islands making The Bahamas one of the leading off-shore financial centers in the world.

Immigration & Customs

All persons entering the Bahamas must produce identification in the form of either a valid passport or a notarized birth certificate accompanied by a picture i.d. Citizens of certain countries, except the United States and Canada, may be required to obtain visas to enter. All foreigners entering the Bahamas will be subject to a maximum stay and will be required to show a return ticket from the Bahamas. Persons may be subject to varying rates of duty on items being imported into The Bahamas. All persons departing the country pay a $15 departure tax.