Bahamas

Lucayan Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas have prospered through tourism and international banking and investment management. Because of its geography, the country is a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly shipments to the US and Europe, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal migrants into the US.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 305,655 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Bahamian(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Bahamian

Official Language(s): English

Major Languages Spoken: Creole, English

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Country Name (short form): The Bahamas

Country Name (local long form): none

Country Name (local short form): none

Name of Capital: Nassau

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Bahamas: United States, Cuba

Land Area: 10070 sq km

Water Area: 3870 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Connecticut

Coastline: 3,542 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 10 July (1973)

International Phone Code: -241

Currency Code: Bahamian dollar (BSD)

Internet Country Code: .bs

US Embassy Location: 42 Queen Street, Nassau

US Embassy Mailing Address: P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau; US Department of State, 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC 20521-3370