Bahamas

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region – Country in the Caribbean
• Currency symbol of Bahamas –Bahamian dollar,(B$)
• Capital City – Nassau
• Official languages – Bahamian English
• Population – 385,640 (2018) World Bank
• Country dialling code  –  (+1)
• Official website – Bahamas
• Top 3 biggest industries  -Tourism, banking, cement
• Google Maps link –Bahamas
• Where is it? –The Bahamas, known officially as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is a country within the Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies in the Atlantic.

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Bahamas In Pictures

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Bahamas History

• How did the country get its first name? -The Taino people called the region Ba Ha Ma, meaning “big upper middle land”. 
• How did the country get its current name? -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.
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – The island saw the influx of the Taino people from around 800 – 1000 AD, migrating from South America. On October 12 1492, Christopher Columbus was the first European to arrive. He landed on an island that the native Lucayan people called Guanahani. Columbus renamed it San Salvador.
• Who were the first Inhabitants? -The original inhabitants of the Bahamas were indigenous Taino (Arawak) who are also known as Lucayan. They originated from both Hispaniola (today Dominican Republic) and Cuba and migrated by canoe into the Bahamas, settling the entire archipelago by the 12th century of the Current Era.
• When it was first recognized as a country? – The Bahamas became independent 10 July 1973. 
• Who was the first leader of the country? -Lynden Pindling(1973-1990).

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Five Significant Events 

1. Independence 1973 – The Bahamas become independent. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1166350.stm)
2. 1984 – Pindling is endorsed as PLP leader after denying charges of corruption and ties to drug traffickers. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1166350.stm)
3. 1992 – Hubert Ingraham becomes prime minister after his centre-left Free National Movement (FNM) wins an absolute majority in the general elections, ending 25 years of rule by Pindling. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1166350.stm)
4. 2000 August – “Father of independence” Sir Lynden Pindling dies. He was head of government from 1967-92. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1166350.stm)
5. 2012 May – Perry Christie returns to power as the Progressive Liberal Party wins parliamentary elections. Defeated Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announces his retirement from politics. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1166350.stm)

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Five Places to Visit in Bahamas

1. Atlantis: Atlantis Resort is a luxurious hotel located on Paradise Island. The distinctive pink building rises above the the skyline beckoning its guests to come ashore. There are many exciting activities to enjoy, such as the Aquaventure Water Park which spans 141 acres. (https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/the-bahamas/articles/the-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-the-bahamas/)
2. Grand Bahama: The Grand Bahama Island is located in the north eastern region of the island chain. Visitors can get a glimpse of the local way of life when they engage in the people-to-people experience. Tourists are paired with local ambassadors who show them around and they are able to mix and mingle and get a better understanding of the Bahamian lifestyle. (https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/the-bahamas/articles/the-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-the-bahamas/)
3. Bimini : Bimini is composed of three islands North Bimini, South Bimini and East Bimini. Bimini is considered to be the fishing capital of the Bahamas and big game fishing is a regular activity in the waters of Bimini. (https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/the-bahamas/articles/the-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-the-bahamas/)
4. Andros Island: Andros Island is the largest island in the Bahamas. It boasts a huge barrier reef which is 190-miles-long and extends more than 6,000 feet below the ocean. This is conducive to lots of coral growing in the reef and this encourages a flourishing fish population. (https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/the-bahamas/articles/the-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-the-bahamas/)
5. Green Turtle Cay: As the name suggests, this island got its name from the green turtles that used to inhabit the waters surrounding this cay. It is located close to Great Abaco, one of the main outer islands in the chain, and the main town is called New Plymouth. (https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/the-bahamas/articles/the-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-the-bahamas/)

References: 

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1166350.stm
• https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/the-bahamas/articles/the-most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-the-bahamas/