Contrary to popular belief, Inagua is not an anagram for the iguana. That herbivorous animal is found in several other islands, but is not common to Inagua's shores, nor has one ever been sighted there. The island's original name of "Henagua," recorded when the first permanent settlers arrived, is said to be derived from the Spanish words for full (lleno) and water (agua).
Inagua is actually two separate islands, Great Inagua and Little Inagua, covering 645 square miles. Together, they form the most southern tip of The Islands Of The Bahamas, where they are positioned less than 60 miles from the coasts of Cuba and Haiti.
Great Inagua is an ideal destination for travelers who are interested in ecotourism. The Inagua National Park, which makes up almost half the island, is home to more than 80,000 flamingos and other exotic birds such as Bahama parrots, pelicans, herons, egrets, and Bahama pintail ducks.
Also located on Great Inagua is The Morton Salt Company main facility. Known for seawater salt recovery, Morton Salt uses this facility to produce about a million pounds of salt per yearthe second largest saline operation in North America. This has long been Inagua's main source of industry.
Little Inagua is five miles north of Great Inagua. Covered in a vast reef apron that prevents boats from getting too close, Little Inagua 30 square miles are completely uninhabited except for herds of wild donkeys, goats (descendants of stock introduced by the French), and a wide variety of bird life, including a rare species of heron.
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