The Bahamas, or the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, in the vernacular of the Bahamas, is a state located on almost 700 islands to the north. caribbean and Cuba, southeast of the Florida peninsula, with a population of 391,232 (2016 data). The Bahamas are part of the British Commonwealth, the official language is English, the head of state is the monarch of Great Britain.

The Bahamas archipelago includes about 700 islands and 2,000 coral reefs, it covers an area of ​​​​more than 250 thousand km2, while the land area is 13,878 km2. Only 30 islands are inhabited, the population is concentrated on the island of New Providence (New Providence) with the capital of the state of Nassau and the island of Grand Bahama (Grand Bahama) with the second largest city of Freeport. Most big Island archipelago - Andros (Andros).

The first inhabitants of the archipelago are the Lucayans from the flame of the Arawaks (South American Indians), who appeared here in the 9th century. According to scientists, the population of the Bahamas at that time numbered about 40 thousand people. The first European to arrive in the Bahamas in 1492 was Christopher Columbus, who landed on Watling Island (now San Salvador) on October 12, 1492. In 1495, Spanish settlers began to colonize the islands of the archipelago, and soon almost the entire island population was sold into slavery in Haiti. Shortly thereafter, the Spanish colonists left the islands.

For the next 100 years, the islands were virtually uninhabited. In 1650, the first English settlers from Bermuda arrived in the Bahamas. At the same time, pirate bases appeared on the islands, which existed until 1718. In the same 1718, the Bahamas were officially declared a British colony. The population began to increase at the end of the 18th century, when 8,000 loyalists were sent here after the declaration of independence by the United States. It was the loyalists who began to actively develop agriculture on the islands, in particular, to grow cotton.

In 1781, power on the islands again passed to Spain, and was returned to England already in 1783. After the prohibition of the slave trade in Great Britain in 1807, slaves in the Bahamas also received freedom, after which a large number of the white population left the islands. Local residents - former slaves - existed at the expense of fishing and agriculture. The economic prosperity of the islands came along with the development of beach tourism in the United States, and also after the adoption of Prohibition in the United States - the Bahamas turned out to be the base of smugglers and bootleggers. The capital of the Nassau archipelago turned into a single large warehouse of rum, which led to the development of "alcohol tourism" from the United States, and many hotels of various categories appeared in the Bahamas.

During the Second World War, American soldiers rested on the islands, and after the war and the revolution in Cuba, the flow of wealthy tourists from America only increased.

In 1964, the Bahamas gained the right to self-government, and on July 10, 1973, they declared independence as part of the British Commonwealth. Today, the Bahamas is a member of a number of international organizations, including the Organization of American States and the UN, as well as the Caribbean Community.

Current time in Nassau:
(UTC -5)

The basis of the state's economy is beach, eco- and sports tourism, as well as the provision of banking services. The absence of many taxes also plays a leading role in the development of the economy of the Bahamas.

How to get there

In addition to these two, there are 62 more airports and runways on the rest of the islands of the Bahamas.

Flight Search
to the Bahamas

Vehicle search
for hire

Search for flights to Bahamas

We compare all available flight options for your request, and then we direct you to purchase on the official websites of airlines and agencies. The airfare you see on Aviasales is final. We have removed all hidden services and checkboxes.

We know where to buy cheap air tickets. Plane tickets to 220 countries of the world. Search and compare prices for air tickets among 100 agencies and 728 airlines.

We cooperate with Aviasales.ru and do not take any commissions - the cost of tickets is absolutely the same as on the website.

Car rental search

Compare 900 car rental companies at 53,000 locations.

Search 221 car rental companies worldwide
40,000 points of issue
Easy cancellation or modification of your booking

We cooperate with RentalCars and do not take any commissions - the rental price is absolutely the same as on the website.

Climate and weather in the Bahamas

Cities and regions

Currently, the state is divided into 31 districts. This system was created in 1996, and, until 1999, there were 23 districts in the country. The largest or most noteworthy tourist islands are listed below, as are the largest cities on those islands. Follow the links to find a description of the islands and cities, their location and other information.

New Providence is the most populous island of the Bahamas, the center of tourism and recreation for Americans, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich is almost completely occupied by the capital of the Bahamas - the city of Nassau.

Lying in the north of the archipelago, the island Grand Bahama is the second most visited region in the country. Most famous city Islands - Freeport.

Andros is the largest island of the Bahamas archipelago, it covers an area of ​​5957 km². The population of Andros is 7386 people (data for 2010).

Eleuthera is an island in the Bahamas, located 80 km east of Grand Bahama and Nassau. Long (180 km) and narrow (about 2 km) the island covers an area of ​​484 km². It is home to 7826 people (2010 data).

The Abaco Islands are located in the north of the Bahamas. They include the main islands of Great Abaco and Little Abaco, 13 smaller islands and the Abaco Cays coral reef group. The area of ​​the islands is 1681 km², 16,692 people live on them.

Long Island is one of the most picturesque islands in the Bahamas. It has a length of 100 km and a width of 5 km, and is famous for its excellent sandy beaches, rich flora and fauna of coastal waters. The capital of the island is the city of Clarence, but the main tourist point is the area of ​​Stella Maris.

The Bimini Islands, or "Islands of Ernest Hemingway", is a chain of islands in the Bahamas archipelago, located between the island of Andros and the southern coast of Florida, having an area of ​​​​23 km². The capital of the island chain is the city of Alice Town, not once mentioned by Ernest Hemingway in his works ( "The Old Man and the Sea", "Islands in the Ocean", "To Have and Not to Have").

Cat Island is an island located in the central part of the Bahamas, which is the sixth largest island in the country and has an area of ​​388 km². The main city of the island is Arthur's Town, it is home to 1503 people (2010 data).

What to watch

Despite the fact that people go to the Bahamas mainly for beaches and related entertainment, an inquisitive tourist will also have something to please himself - there are several remarkable places on the island, links to which you will find below. Follow the links for more detailed information.

Where to go in the Bahamas

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Private guides in the Bahamas

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with the Bahamas in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

The beaches of the Bahamas

The Bahamas are perfect place for a beach holiday. Almost all islands of the archipelago have beaches with snow-white or pink sand located surrounded by palm groves on the shores of emerald lagoons.

Kitchen

The cuisine of the Bahamas is a culinary mix of various cultures, each dish of which combines the generosity of tropical Caribbean nature and the culinary traditions of one or more groups of people who inhabited the islands - Arawak Indians, Spaniards, British, French, Dutch, Africans, Indians, Chinese and Americans.

A distinctive feature of Bahamian cuisine is the use of fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood. At the same time, meat dishes are also present in Caribbean cuisine - from chicken, lamb and mutton. Other types of meat are imported, most often cooked and served in restaurants of European and American cuisine.

On the Caribbean table there is a group of dishes called Salsas, characterized by intense flavor, and which is a cross between spices and side dishes. Salsas are prepared from a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs and are served with any meal on their own to enhance its flavor.

The first liquid hot dishes take important place on the Bahamian menu. Most often they are represented by soups - vegetable, fish and meat, as well as liquid dishes from stews of meat and vegetables, similar to stews.
The most popular Caribbean soup is sea bass soup with celery, onions, tomatoes and spices, as well as sherry, dark rum and lime juice. There are also soups from other seafood on the Bahamian table.
Less common today is turtle soup, which has been one of the most popular dishes for centuries. The decrease in demand for turtle soup is due to the fact that turtles are endangered on the islands.
Vegetable soups are very popular, in particular pea soup, which is cooked with smoked meats, rice or dumplings.
Asopao group of dishes, what's on Spanish means "liquid", is a liquid, stewed in the form of a stew, meat (chicken, lamb) or seafood with rice, vegetables and spices.

Peas "n" Rice is the basis of the Bahamian table, a traditional dish of peas and rice, prepared with salted meat, tomatoes, celery, green peppers and spices. Used as a garnish, Peas "n" Rice is poured over hot sauces.

Fish dishes form the basis of the menu of the Bahamas. Fish on the islands is cooked in a variety of ways - grilled, stewed, salted, dried and made into fish cakes. It is worth trying red snapper (reef perch) filet, grilled or steamed, served with aromatic Creole sauce or with white wine, mushrooms, onion and thyme sauce.

The Bahamas are famous for their abundance of seafood, among which lobsters, lobsters, crabs, shrimp, shellfish, etc. are considered delicacies. They are baked on coals, stewed, fried, marinated, and salads are prepared based on seafood. So, one of the most popular seafood is the local spiny lobster, which is served seasonally (from April to August) with curry sauce, lime juice and fresh coconut pulp. Baked sea crab is also one of the most famous dishes in the Bahamas. The cook mixes the meat extracted from the crab with eggs and herbs, fills the empty crab shell with the mixture and bakes.

An authentic Bahamian delicacy that all tourists try to taste is dishes from the conch sea mollusk. "Konk", or sea ​​snail, - a large mollusk in a spiral shell that lives in the waters of the Caribbean Sea and the southern part of Pacific Ocean. Starters, salads, main dishes are prepared from "conch". So, soup from "conch" is prepared with the addition of tomatoes, potatoes, sweet peppers, onions, carrots, bacon and spices. Deep-fried conch served with spicy sauce and vegetables. Conch salad is a mixture of clams marinated in a spicy sauce, sweet peppers and onions.

Baking is also present on the Bahamian table. In particular, a meal is rarely complete without the traditional unleavened jonnycakes, which Caribbean fishermen baked directly on the decks of their ships, building a fire in boxes of sand. Local desserts include Bahamian guava pudding, popsicles, and Goombay papaya, pineapple, and green ginger marmalade. The meal is completed with tropical fruits such as melons, pineapples, passion fruit, mango and papaya.

Of the non-alcoholic drinks, the most popular are black tea and very strong coffee, as well as fresh fruit juices and carbonated drinks, such as Goombay Punch.

The national Bahamian beer brand is Kalik, represented by three varieties: refreshing 4% Kalik regular, light Kalik Light and dark Kalik Gold. You can also buy imported beer everywhere.

Based on local spirits in the Bahamas, several authentic cocktails have been created, including Yellow Bird (banana cream liqueur, rum, Vat 19, Galliano, orange and pineapple juice, apricot brandy), Bahama Mama (Vat 19, citrus juice, bitter, nutmeg, crème de cassis, grenadine) and Goombay Smash (coconut rum, pineapple and lemon juice, Triple Sec, Vat 19, sugar syrup). In addition, almost every bartender on the islands has a personal version of Planter's Punch based on the classic recipe (lime juice, sugar, Vat 19, bitters).

Drinking alcohol in the Bahamas is allowed from the age of 18.

Restaurants in the Bahamas

There are many restaurants in the Bahamas, including those well-known far beyond the archipelago. Here are links to some of them:

• flying fish

  On the The Bahamas does not have income tax, income tax, sales taxes, as well as VAT. Therefore the system Tax Free absent in the archipelago. Many goods in the country can be bought much cheaper than on the mainland - perfumes, jewelry, accessories, but in general, prices are comparable to American ones.

  Tourists in the Bahamas often buy souvenirs and handicrafts: straw bags and hats, wood and shell products, batik, local perfumes, national clothes, jewelry, etc.

  The center of trade for the Bahamas is Bay Street in Nassau. There are many shops selling clothes and accessories of world famous brands, watches, jewelry, porcelain, cosmetics and perfumes.

  Markets, shops and shopping centers Bahamas: International Bazaar

Connection

The international dialing code of the Bahamas is 242, while there are no separate telephone codes for the cities of the country.

You can make an international call in the Bahamas from payphones, which are located everywhere on city streets. They operate from national telephone company calling cards, which are available from post offices, telephone company offices, hotels, and convenience stores.

Emergency phone numbers

Cellular communication in the Bahamas supports the GSM 900 standard and covers all the islands of the archipelago. Main Operator mobile communications in the Bahamas is a company. To be able to use the cards of this operator, the tourist's telephone must be registered with Batelco.

Roaming with Russia is available to subscribers of the largest Russian mobile operators.

The main provider of Internet communications in the Bahamas is the company. Internet cafes can be found in Nassau and Freeport, where the connection fee is usually around $5 per hour.

Security

tourist areas in the Bahamas are safe places, while tourists should not forget about the basic rules: cash and documents should be left in hotel safes, in crowded places you should carefully monitor photographic equipment and personal belongings.

Divers and fishing enthusiasts should remember that spearfishing using spearguns and other special devices is prohibited in the Bahamas. Sport fishing is allowed, however, a fee of up to $20 must be paid for going out to sea (a subscription for a year is $150), while the fishing vessel must have no more than 6 reels of fishing line. In addition, unauthorized archaeological research of sunken ships is prohibited. Violation of these rules is punishable by a fine, in some cases - deportation from the country.

There are also strict laws against drug trafficking: not only the trade, but also the use of drugs is punishable by a long prison term.

The nearest Russian embassy is in Cuba.

Every year about 6 million tourists rest in the Bahamas. For such a small island country, these are huge numbers. You can understand tourists, because the Bahamas have excellent conditions for a beach holiday, including diving and sailing. Some tourists are also interested in seeing the places that were once "native" to the famous pirates of the Caribbean.

Geography

The Bahamas (officially the Commonwealth of the Bahamas) is a state in Atlantic Ocean, which includes more than 3,000 islands and coral reefs. The Bahamas are north of Cuba and Haiti, northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and southeast of the Florida peninsula. The total area of ​​the country is 13,938 sq. km.

The largest islands that make up this state are New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros, Bimini, Inagua, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Long Island, San Salvador, Aklins.

The landscape of all the Bahamas is flat. The highest local peak is Mount Alvernia, whose height reaches 63 meters.

It should be noted that the territory of the Bahamas is prone to frequent hurricanes. The last destructive hurricane occurred in 2005.

Capital of the Bahamas

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. In this city, which is located on the island of New Providence, more than 250 thousand people now live. Nassau was founded by the British in 1666.

Official language

The official language of the population of the Bahamas is English.

Religion

About 35% of the population are Baptists, about 15% are Anglicans, and about 13.5% identify themselves as Catholic.

State structure

The Bahamas is a constitutional monarchy ruled by a governor-general appointed by the Queen of Great Britain. The head of government is the Prime Minister.

The bicameral local parliament consists of the Senate (16 senators) and the House of Representatives (38 deputies).

The main political parties are the Progressive Liberal Party and the Free National Movement.

Climate and weather

The climate is subtropical and tropical, strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream (especially in winter). The average annual air temperature is +24-29C. The hurricane season lasts from June to November. However, in fact, hurricanes in this country are a rare occurrence. The weather service warns in advance if a hurricane is expected.

The best time to visit the Bahamas is winter.

Sea in the Bahamas

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is surrounded on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean. The average annual water temperature near the shore is +25C.

culture

In the 17th and 18th centuries, caribbean brought millions of Africans, under whose influence the modern culture of the inhabitants of the Bahamas was formed.

The main cultural events are festivals, carnivals, fishing competitions and sailing regattas. The most popular of them: in January - Junkanoo festival, Sailing regatta, in February - Farmer's Cay Festival, in March - Bacardi Billfish Tournament, in April - Bahamas White Marlin Open, in May - Long Island regatta, in June - Eleuthera festival Pineapple, Independence Week in July, Cat Island Regatta in August, All Abaco Sailing in September, Discovery Day in October, Guy Fawkes Day, One Bahamas Music & Heritage Festival in November, and Junkanoo Boxing Day in December .

Cuisine of the Bahamas

Cuisine, unfortunately, is not one of the main reasons why tourists choose the Bahamas for holidays. Most local restaurants offer so-called dishes. international cuisine. In general, the cuisine of the Bahamas focuses on seafood and fish (mainly sea bass and oysters).

The best restaurants are in Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island, and, to a lesser extent, Freeport.

Bahamian fish soup is most often made with sea bass, adding celery, onions, tomatoes and various spices and spices (for example, thyme), as well as lime juice and a little rum. Many tourists still order turtle soup in restaurants, although the turtles themselves have the status of endangered animals.

The national dish in the Bahamas is oysters, which are eaten as a main dish, made into salads and appetizers. Oyster soup is very popular. Each local chef has his own recipe for this soup. Usually, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet peppers, onions, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, and, of course, salt and pepper are added to oyster soup.

We also recommend trying the original local oyster pancakes - they are made in the shape of balls, served with hot sauce, as well as "Cracked conch" (fried clams with Creole sauce), baked crab, "Johnnycake" (baked bread with milk, flour and sugar) .

For dessert, we recommend trying local fruits, sour cream apple ice cream, Sapodilla pudding and guava dessert duff. The traditional alcoholic drink is rum. Rum-based Bahamians have invented several local drinks (Yellow Bird, Bahama Mama, and Goombay Smash).

Attractions

Tourists, of course, do not expect any serious unique attractions from the Bahamas. However, in this small island country there is something to see, because it was discovered by Christopher Columbus himself. After the Spaniards and the British (they captured the Bahamas in the middle of the 17th century), many beautiful houses, churches and forts remained.

Parks and reserves are very popular among tourists - national park Inagua, Abaco National Park, Man-O-War Reef and Embrister Creek on Cat Island.

Cities and resorts

The largest local cities are West End, Freeport and Nassau. All these and others settlements are excellent beach resorts especially Nassau.

The best local beaches include the following:

1. Cable Beach (New Providence Island)
2. Cabbage Beach (Paradise Island)
3. Xanadu Beach (Grand Bahama Island)
4. Tahiti Beach
5. Ten bay beach(Eleuthera)
6. Pink Sands Beach (Harbor Island)
7. Saddle Cay (Exumas)

You should also highlight the beaches on Stocking Island and Cat Island. All the beaches of the Bahamas have white sand and are surrounded by coconut palms.

Souvenirs/Shopping

Tourists in the Bahamas buy handicrafts, straw baskets, linen towels, local soaps and lotions, bags, wallets, hats, guava jelly, pineapple jam, rum as souvenirs.

Office Hours

BAHAMAS
The Commonwealth of the Bahamas, a state on the archipelago of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean. The territory of the state includes more than 700 islands, of which 40 are inhabited, and approx. 2000 reefs. Grand Bahama Island is located 80 km from the Florida Peninsula (USA). The archipelago stretches for more than 1200 km from the northwest to the southeast between the islands of Grand Bahama and Grand Inagua. The total area of ​​the islands is 13,935 sq. km, including 11,406 sq. km. Most major islands- New Providence (where the capital of the state is Nassau), Andros, Grand Bahama, Great Abaco, Eleuthera, Cat, San Salvador, Long Island, Great Exuma, Crooked Island, Acklins, Mayaguana and Great Inagua. The population is 283 thousand people (1996), more than half live on the island of New Providence.

Bahamas. The capital is Nassau. Population - 283 thousand people (1996). Urban population - 65%, rural - 35%. The population density is 20 people per 1 sq. km. km. Area - 13,935 sq. km. The most high point- Mount Alavernia (63 m). The official language is English. The main religion is Protestantism. Currency: Bahamian dollar = 100 cents. National holiday: Independence Day - 10 July. National anthem: "Go Bahamas!"

Nature.
The islands of the archipelago are areas of a vast flooded limestone plateau protruding above the ocean level. To the east it drops steeply to one of the deepest trenches in the Atlantic Ocean. The highest point of the country is Mount Alavernia (63 m) on Cat Island. Many islands rise only a few meters above sea level. In places, only the soil cover is developed on white limestones. Mangroves, swamps and lakes are widespread. The water areas between the islands are shallow, but the surface of the underwater plateau is dissected by deep cracks, to which fairways are confined. Numerous coral reefs, as well as ferruginous interlayers in limestones, create an unusually colorful picture of the underwater world.
Climate- tropical trade wind. Winters (from November to May) due to the influence of the Gulf Stream are milder here than on the mainland. Average temperatures winter months 22-24° С, summer - 29-30° С. The average annual rainfall is 1000-1500 mm. They fall mainly in May-June and September-October. Tropical hurricanes are frequent. Since the islands are scattered over a large area, the destructive effect of hurricanes on each island affects on average once every 12 years. Flamingos, pelicans and other birds are found in swamps and lagoons. Fans of sport fishing are attracted by the Atlantic sailboat, barracuda, mackerel. Near the reefs there are many species of small edible fish, often of bright colors. There are turtles, mollusks and sponges. The natural vegetation is represented mainly by low-growing shrubs; logwood, redwood, and iron trees grow in small numbers.
population and society. In 1996, 283 thousand people lived in the Bahamas. The main component of the emerging Bahamian nation is blacks and mulattos, which make up more than 3/4 of the entire population. There are diasporas of immigrants from Haiti, Jamaica and from the Turks and Caicos Islands. The proportion of Europeans and North Americans is small. Many of them are elderly wealthy citizens of the USA, Canada, Great Britain, who settle in the Bahamas after retirement. Among believers, Protestants, members of the Anglican, Methodist and Baptist churches predominate. The Bahamas introduced free and compulsory education for children aged 5 to 14 years. Behind last years the number of educational institutions has grown considerably, and in the most populous islands, most children have the opportunity to attend secondary school. There are no own higher educational institutions in the Bahamas, but in 1964 the government established ties with the University of the West Indies in Jamaica and a year later opened its correspondence department in Nassau. 85% of the population of the Bahamas is literate. Healthcare is on high level; local doctors managed to completely defeat most tropical diseases. In 1965, the government launched a housing project for the poor and approved a system of mortgage sales of cheap housing. State benefits are paid only to the elderly (old-age pensions) and the disabled.
Political system. The Commonwealth of the Bahamas achieved limited internal self-government in 1964 and full internal self-government in 1969. On July 10, 1973, the independence of the Bahamas was proclaimed as part of the Commonwealth, led by Great Britain. Under the 1973 constitution, the nominal head of state is the Queen of Great Britain, represented by a Governor General appointed by her; the duties of the latter include the formal appointment of the chairman of the cabinet of ministers. Legislative power is exercised by Parliament, which consists of the Senate and the House of Assembly. Of the 16 members of the Senate, 9 are appointed by the choice of the prime minister, 4 by the choice of the leader of the opposition, and 3 by agreement between the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties. The Senate has the power to delay laws; the exception is financial bills. The House of Assembly consists of 43 members elected by popular vote. Their term of office is 5 years, but early dissolution of parliament is possible. The head of the executive branch, the prime minister, is usually the leader of the party with the majority in parliament.
ECONOMY
Tourism. The most important branch of the country's economy is foreign tourism; 40% of the able-bodied population is employed in serving tourists. The tourism business provides 50% of the national income. Even before World War II, Nassau was small. tourist center, and after the war the number of hotels increased several times. Hotels are available on most of the most populated islands and even on some sparsely populated islands. main port Nassau can accommodate large ocean-going vessels. It also has a large natural harbour, sheltered from wind and waves, and many anchorages for yachts and small boats. Nassau International Airport serves flights to Europe, the Caribbean, and North and South America. Another international Airport located in Freeport. The local airline operates flights to many inhabited islands the Bahamas, as well as the British-owned Turks and Caicos Islands.
Production and trade. Due to infertile soils and backward technology, agriculture in the Bahamas is not able to meet the food needs of the population, given the large influx of tourists. Therefore, it is necessary to import most of the industrial goods, raw materials and foodstuffs. The modern and most important enterprises of the local industry are associated with the processing and re-export of imported raw materials, in particular oil. Export earnings skyrocketed in the early 1970s when the world's largest deposit of aragonite, which is used in glass, reinforced concrete and fertilizers, began to be developed. At the same time, an oil refinery was put into operation. The Bahamas also exports rum, wood pulp, seafood and a small amount of tropical vegetables and fruits. The leading import item is crude oil, which is supplied mainly by Saudi Arabia.
Economic development and investment. The development of the country's economy is facilitated by the absence of taxes on inheritance, property and income and very low taxes on real estate. The Bahamas is one of the leading international financial and business centers; many American, Canadian and British firms have branches here and carry out operations through them in foreign markets. In 1955, the city of Freeport received certain customs, immigration and tax benefits. Since then, it has become a major industrial center with an oil refinery and numerous industrial enterprises. The port refuels ocean-going vessels. Following the example of Freeport, in 1967 a law was passed providing tax incentives to other islands.
Budget and money circulation. Most government revenue comes from customs duties, casino revenue, land sales, postage, and utilities. There is no income tax. State budget expenditures are directed to education, social security and public works. Monetary unit - Bahamian dollar = 100 cents.
STORY
The original inhabitants of the Bahamas were the Siboney Indian tribes. In the first centuries A.D. the Taino tribes, who spoke the languages ​​of the Arawak group, invaded here. The Taíno grew yams, maize, cassava, and cotton. Among them were artisans who spun, wove and made pottery. On October 12, 1492, Columbus first set foot on the land of the New World, landing on the island of San Salvador, which the local Indians called Guanahani. Taking with him six Indians from this island, Columbus sailed on to the island, which he named Santa Maria de la Concepción (now Rum Key). The next island visited by Columbus is Fernandina (Long Island). Many Indians - the indigenous inhabitants of the Bahamas - were enslaved by the Spaniards and taken out to work on the plantations and mines of the island of Hispaniola (Haiti). As a result, the archipelago became depopulated. From the middle of the 16th century the enemies of Spain, primarily the French, used these islands as a base from which they attacked Spanish ships. Since that time, for 200 years, the Bahamas have established a reputation as a haven for pirates. In 1647, a company called Eleutheran Adventurers was formed in London to colonize the Bahamas. Settlers, immigrants from England, from Bermuda and the British colony of Carolina in North America first settled in Governors Harbor on Eleuthera Island, the right of ownership of which was granted to them by Oliver Cromwell. However, after the Restoration, Charles II transferred the rights to possession to the Lord Holder of Carolina, who officially retained them until 1787. In 1689, the Eleutheran Adventurers company founded the settlement of Charlestown on the island of New Providence, soon renamed Nassau (Nasso) in honor of Prince William of Orange - Nassau. In 1703 it was destroyed by the Spaniards, which greatly strengthened the position of the pirates on the island. In New Providence, such famous pirates as Captains Avery and Teach, nicknamed Blackbeard, and two female pirates, Ann Bonnie and Mary Reid, took refuge. In 1718, Captain Woods Rogers was appointed royal governor to restore order in the Bahamas. By the time he arrived on New Providence, 2,000 pirates were allegedly hiding. In 1720 there was a new attack by the Spaniards, and in order to protect the colony, the governor had to team up with the pirates. In 1776, the US Navy captured the fortified Fort Montagu, which protected the harbor of Nassau, and held it for several days. In 1781, the Spanish captured the colony, but already in 1783, under the Treaty of Versailles, British power was restored and remained until the very independence of the Bahamas. After the United States achieved independence, approx. 3,000 American Loyalists who remained loyal to the British Crown and their slaves. At the initial stages of settlement, cotton was grown. For this purpose, slaves were brought into the archipelago. Land cultivation was accompanied by soil erosion, and in many places the fertile layer of humus was washed away. After the abolition of slavery in 1838, the colony's economy declined and many residents left the islands. During the American Prohibition period of 1920-1933, the Bahamas became one of the staging posts for smuggling liquor into the United States. Customs duties on the import and export of alcohol brought significant income to the colony. Some of them were invested in the tourism industry, which later became the basis of the country's economy. July 10, 1973 The Bahamas was proclaimed an independent state within the Commonwealth, led by Great Britain. In October, the newly formed state was admitted to the UN. The economic prosperity of the country is greatly facilitated by its role as a major tourist, banking and financial center. Refining and transportation of oil also brings considerable income. The country's first prime minister (after independence) was Linden Oscar Pindling of the Progressive Liberal Party; he retained his post until August 19, 1992, when his party gave way to the Free National Democratic Movement, led by Hubert Ingraham.

LITERATURE
Aksenov L., Fetisov A. Distant islands of the West Indies. M., 1984

Collier Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

Synonyms:

See what "BAHAMAS" is in other dictionaries:

1) arch. in the Atlantic Ocean, in the West Indies. The local name is about wa Bahama (eng. Bahama Islands); It is believed that this is an Indian name, but its etymology has not been established. See also San Salvador. 2) Commonwealth of the Bahamas, state in West ... ... Geographic Encyclopedia

Bahamas- The Bahamas. City of Nasso. BAHAMAS (Commonwealth of the Bahamas), a state in the West Indies, in the Bahamas. The area is 13.9 thousand km2. The population is 264 thousand people, mostly blacks and mulattos. The official language is English. ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

BAHAMAS- (Bahamas), the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, a state in the West Indies, located on 700 about you. archipelago (of which 30 are inhabited) in the Atlantic. OK. Pl. 13.9 tons km2. The largest islands: Andros, Great Abaco, Great ... ... Demographic Encyclopedic Dictionary

Exist., Number of synonyms: 1 country (281) ASIS Synonym Dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary

Commonwealth of the Bahamas Commonwealth of the Bahamas ... Wikipedia

Bahamas- (Bahamas) Information about the Bahamas, geography, nature and climate of the Bahamas Information about the Bahamas, geography, nature and climate of the Bahamas, political structure Contents Contents 1. 2. History 3. Nature ... ... Encyclopedia of the investor

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an island archipelago in which 30 of the 700 islands are inhabited. The Bahamas are located 90 km from Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. In the Caribbean, these islands are located in the very north. The islands of Abakos, Andros, Aklins, Exumas, Berry, Biminis and some others are considered the largest in the archipelago. The total area of ​​the state is approximately 14 thousand square meters. km. The capital is Nassau. This is The largest city country, which is both its cultural and commercial center.

Population of the Bahamas

The number of inhabitants of the Bahamas is approximately 366 thousand people. Blacks and mulattoes make up more than 80% of the population.

Nature in the Bahamas

Hundreds of kilometers of white sand beaches, 2500 coral reefs, transparent coastal waters heated by the Gulf Stream have long been associated with the concept of "luxury vacation" by most vacationers. The untouched nature of most of the islands attracts crowds of tourists. On the island of Inagua there are rare pink flamingos and iguanas.

Climatic conditions

The Bahamas has a humid subtropical climate. The rainy season starts in May and lasts until October. Due to the mild wind from the equator, the winter is very warm with a temperature of +15°C, and in summer, due to the trade winds, the temperature is not higher than +32°C. The warm Gulf Stream, washing the Bahamas from the west, contributes to the warming of sea water to about + 25 ° C throughout the year.

Language

In the Bahamas, the only official language is English. It is freely spoken by the entire population of the country.

Kitchen

The cuisine in the Bahamas is fruit and all kinds of fish, crab and seafood dishes. The main ingredient of most dishes is the sea shellfish "konk". This is a well-known aphrodisiac, widely used here. In the Bahamas, people like to cook very spicy dishes, combining them with lime juice. And coconuts are used even in ice cream.

Currency of the Bahamas

The national currency is the Bahamian dollar. In relation to the US dollar, it is equivalent, and therefore the American currency is also freely used in the Bahamas.

Religion

In the Bahamas, the island population is Christian, but belonging to other religious denominations is not condemned, thanks to the complete freedom of religion.

Holidays

December 26th is Boxing Day in the Bahamas. This very solemn and bright event is considered traditional for all former British colonies. The holiday is very colorful, in the form of a colorful carnival, which begins at midnight on Bay Street.

The main resorts of the Bahamas

The most visited resorts in the Bahamas are located on the Paradise Islands, Grand Bahama and New Providence. There is a golf course on Grand Bahama Island, tennis courts You can go snorkeling and diving. On Inagua Island, you can swim with dolphins.

Attractions

In the center of the capital of the Bahamas is the famous Parliament Square, where in the 19th century the buildings of the Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Colonial Administration were built around the statue of Queen Victoria.

The Nassau Underwater Aquarium, the Retreat Gardens, the beautiful beaches of Cable Beach are perfect for nature lovers. Not far from the center of the capital is Fort Charlotte, which was built back in 1788. Tourists will not be indifferent to the labyrinth, which resembles the ruined Atlantis. The unique tunnel passing under water and amazing with the beauty of the underwater world has no analogues in the world. " sea ​​gardens"is a place where you can get acquainted with the rich flora and fauna of the underwater world. Handmade souvenirs created by local craftsmen from clay, straw and shells are very popular all over the world.

But the main attraction of the islands is unique nature. Walks to the reefs, visits to the natural corners in which flamingos live, observation of underwater world The Atlantic will become an entertaining pastime for all tourists.

Bahamas (Bahamas ) - islands in the Atlantic Ocean, located between the island of Cuba and the Florida peninsula. Commonwealth of the Bahamas in is an archipelago with about 700 islands, of which only 30 are inhabited. Bahamas everyone associates with chic beach holiday, with endless snow-white sandy beaches, with crystal clear warm water and coral reefs. of the world are presented precisely on Bahamas.

Bahamas - paradise in the atlantic ocean

1. Capital

Capital of the Bahamas city Nassau(Nassau), founded by English pirates on the island New Providence.

Nassau is a noisy, modern city. It is not only a center of entertainment, but also a center of commerce in Bahamas, as numerous cruise ships stop in the city. Nassau known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, colorful tropical vegetation, numerous restaurants, banks and high-end shops.

2. Flag

Flag of the Bahamas- this is a panel consisting of three horizontal, equal in width stripes, with an aspect ratio of 1: 2. The black equilateral triangle symbolizes the unity and determination of the Bahamians. Three horizontal stripes of the same width symbolize Natural resources islands: two bright blue (aquamarine) stripes at the edges - crystal clear waters caribbean, the golden stripe (in the center) is the lands of the islands, giving their inhabitants their treasures.

3. Coat of arms

Coat of arms of the Bahamas- a shield with the national symbols of the country, which is held by flamingos and marlin. At the top of the shield is a shell, symbolizing the rich marine flora and fauna, placed on the helmet. In the center of the coat of arms is the shield itself, the main symbol of which is the caravel. "Santa Maria", the flagship of the first expedition of Columbus. The ship is depicted sailing under the rising sun - a symbol of a young nation. Animals holding a shield are national symbols. Bahamas. The flamingo is depicted standing on the ground, and the marlin is on the water. At the bottom of the coat of arms is written the national motto - "Forward, together, higher, further".

4. Anthem

listen to the anthem of the Bahamas

5. Currency

The national currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar. equal to 100 cents (B$, BSD, code 44). In circulation are coins of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 cents and banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. Bahamian dollar to ruble exchange rate or any other currency can be viewed on the currency converter below:

coins Bahamas

Banknotes of the Bahamas

Bahamas located in the Atlantic Ocean at a distance of about 90 km southeast of Florida and about the same distance northeast of Cuba. The Bahamas are a scattering of 700 islands and 2,500 reefs, of which only 30 are inhabited.

The area of ​​the Bahamas is 13,940 km 2. The surface of the islands is flat. highest point Bahamas located on Cat Island, which is only 63 meters high. On the territory of the islands there are several freshwater lakes, and only one small river flowing on the island of Andros.

8. What is worth seeing

. Bahamas- this is the beauty of nature, underwater fishing, and hunting, and diving in coral reefs, sailing on a yacht, watching flamingos, boat trips with dolphins, as well as immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the Caribbean carnival. All this and much more like a magnet attract tourists from all over the world to these islands.

And here is a small list of attractions which you should pay attention to when planning excursions to Bahamas:

• Vortex Blue Hole Deana
• Government building
• Complex "Atlantis"
• cat island
• Lucaya National Park
• Paradise Island
• Underwater sculpture Atlanta
• Pink beach in the Bahamas
• Nassau Straw Market
• Fort Fincastle

9. 10 Largest Cities in the Bahamas

• Nassau / Nassau (capital)
• Freeport / Freeport
• West End / West End
• Coopers Town / Coopers Town
• Marsh Harbor / Marsh Harbor
• Freetown / Freetown
• High Rock / High Rock
• Andros Town / Andros Town
• Spanish Wells / Spanish Wells
• Clarence Town / Clarence Town

10. What's the weather like here?

The climate of the Bahamas- tropical, trade winds and has two seasons: summer (lasts from May to November) and winter (lasts from May to November). The middle of winter for the Bahamas is a cool season. The average daytime temperature of the islands is +24°C, and in summer the temperature ranges from +26 to +32 C, on some days it can reach +40 C (from June to August), but the trade winds significantly soften the heat throughout the country . The main amount of precipitation (up to 800 mm) falls, the so-called rainy season, from May to October. In winter, rain is not frequent. The water temperature is usually +27 - +29 C in summer and +23 - +25 C in winter.

11. Population

The Bahamas has a population of 397,297 (as of February 2017). 3/4 of the total population Bahamas- blacks and mulattoes, there are also diasporas of immigrants from Haiti and Jamaica. A tiny part are Europeans and North Americans.

12. Language

State language of the Bahamas—English, Creole or "patois" (widely used among immigrants from Haiti) is still quite common.

13. Religion

Bahamas- predominantly Christian country 92%. The largest Christian groups are Baptists, Catholics, Pentecostals and Anglicans. Traditional folk beliefs are also common "obea", originating in Haitian "voodoo".

14. Holidays

National holidays in the Bahamas:

• 1st of January - New Year, Jonconu Carnival
• March-April - Easter
• First Friday of June - Labor Day
• July 10 - Independence Day.
• first Monday of August - Liberation Day
• October 12 - America's Discovery Day
• December 25 - Christmas
• December 26 - Boxing Day

15. Souvenirs

Here is a small list most common souvenirs which tourists usually bring from the Bahamas:

• large graceful ships made of shells
• handmade Maltese glass vases, silver sail models, precious crosses
• wickerwork, souvenirs carved from wood
• symbols and amulets
• straw products (hats and baskets)
• famous brand watches
• exotic clothing items
• Jewelry

16. "No nail, no wand" or customs regulations

allowed to import and export any amount of foreign currency. Local currency - Bahamian dollars- you can import into the country, but export more than 70 Bahamian dollars allowed only with permits from the Central Bank Bahamas.

Tourists over 18 years of age can bring in Bahamas duty-free 0.94 liters of any alcohol, tobacco products (optional) 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco. As well as any other goods and products worth $100.

On the Bahamas the transit of narcotic and explosive substances, objects of historical and cultural value and weapons without appropriate permits is prohibited. The export of agricultural products, plants of all kinds and wood carvings requires permission from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of the country.

What about sockets?

Mains voltage Bahamas: 120 V , at a frequency of 50, 60 Hz . socket type: Type A , Type B .

17. Telephone code and domain name Bahamas

Country code: +1-242
First level geographic domain name: .bs

Dear reader! If you have been to this country or you have something interesting to tell about the Bahamas . WRITE! After all, your lines can be useful and informative for visitors to our site. "On the planet step by step" and for all those who love to travel.