As one of countries starting with B, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is an independent country in the Caribbean in the Atlantic Ocean. In total, the country consists of about seven hundred islands and several thousand sandbanks. Before the Europeans arrived in this area, the islands had been inhabited by various Indian tribes for several hundred and perhaps thousands of years. It was Christopher Columbus who first saw one of the islands of the Bahamas during his first exploration to the west. He renamed the island San Salvador. It is currently not entirely clear which island this was. There have been several studies, but each study had its own outcome. The islands of San Salvador, Samana Cay and Plana Cays are three possible options.
The original inhabitants of the islands were taken and taken as slaves to the various Spanish mines. As a result, most of the islands remained uninhabited for a long time. This until the British took over authority in the Bahamas and many English settled on the islands. Since 1973, the Bahamas is no longer part of the United Kingdom, but it is still part of the Commonwealth of Nations. As a result, the head of the British Monarchy is also the official head of state of the Bahamas.
The country’s main source of income is the tourism industry. This industry is responsible for more than half of the country’s gross national product. About forty percent of the population is employed in the tourism industry. In addition, banking and agriculture are the main sources of income. The Bahamas is known as a tax haven.
Most tourists who go on holiday to the Bahamas come here mainly to have a carefree sun, sea and beach holiday. The country’s many beautiful beaches, countless islands and friendly inhabitants will make a visit to the Bahamas a vacation you will never forget.
Sights
Most tourists come to the islands of the Bahamas for a wonderful sun, sea and beach holiday. Yet there is much more to see and experience on the different islands. For example, the capital Nassau is known for its beautiful colonial buildings. There are also only museums in this city. How about the Pirate Museum or the Slavery and Emancipation Museum. These museums introduce you to the turbulent history of the islands. Another popular attraction is Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island. In addition to rare parrots, you will also encounter beautiful underwater caves in this park. One of the Bahamas’ most popular attractions is near the Atlantis hotel on Paradise Island. The Aquaventure water park, Atlantis Paradise Island’s Water Park is filled with water slides over twenty swimming pools and is home to the largest man-made natural water park. More than 50,000 fish live in this water park. Many tourists who come to the Bahamas include snorkeling or diving. In the vicinity of the various islands there are many thousands of places where you can admire the special underwater life of the Bahamas.
UNESCO
There are no World Heritage Sites, sites, parks, or reserves that belong to the Bahamas.
Climate
The Bahamas has a tropical savanna climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Due to this influence, the climate in the Bahamas is very pleasant, especially in the winter months. During this period, the average temperature is above twenty-five degrees Celsius. The average precipitation is lowest during this period, which means that the humidity in these months is also a lot lower than in the summer months. During the summer months, the mercury can easily reach forty degrees Celsius here. However, the average daytime temperature is just above thirty degrees Celsius. The precipitation figures are very high during this period, especially in June there is a lot of precipitation here. The large amount of precipitation that falls on the Bahamas ensures the green character of the island. The summer period is also the period when most tropical storms and hurricanes can occur here. You have the greatest chance of this from July to October. The sun power in the Bahamas is quite high, so it is wise to bring a sunscreen with a high factor and apply it to yourself regularly. It never gets really cold in the Bahamas, but it is wise if you visit the country in the winter period to take a cardigan or sweater with you on holiday. The temperature can sometimes drop below twenty degrees Celsius in the evening and night. It never gets really cold in the Bahamas, but it is wise if you visit the country in the winter period to take a cardigan or sweater with you on holiday. The temperature can sometimes drop below twenty degrees Celsius in the evening and night. It never gets really cold in the Bahamas, but it is wise if you visit the country in the winter period to take a cardigan or sweater with you on holiday. The temperature can sometimes drop below twenty degrees Celsius in the evening and night.
Geography
The Bahamas is an archipelago made up of about seven hundred islands and two thousand sandbanks. All these islands and sandbars are located in the Atlantic Ocean east of the US state of Florida. Other islands near the Bahamas include Cuba, Haiti, and the British Turks and Caicos Islands. Of all the islands that belong to the country, only thirty to forty are inhabited. The largest city in the country and the capital is Nassau. About seventy percent of the total population of the country lives in this city. Only ten percent of the population of Nassau lives in the second largest city in the country, Freeport. The largest island in the Bahamas is Andros. Despite its size, comparable to the northern part of the Netherlands, few people live on this island. The coral reef off this island is one of the largest in the world. Other notable islands that belong to the country are Great Inagua, Graet Abaco, Eleuthera, Cat, San Salvador, Acklins, Crooked Island, Mayaguana and the Bimini Islands. The latter are only eighty kilometers from the American coast. There are no real mountains or hills in the Bahamas. The highest point in the country, Mount Alvernia, is only 64 meters above sea level. There are no significant rivers or lakes in the Bahamas. There are no real mountains or hills in the Bahamas. The highest point in the country, Mount Alvernia, is only 64 meters above sea level. There are no significant rivers or lakes in the Bahamas. There are no real mountains or hills in the Bahamas. The highest point in the country, Mount Alvernia, is only 64 meters above sea level. There are no significant rivers or lakes in the Bahamas.
Travel advice
The travel advice for the Bahamas has been on the status of being vigilant for many years. This is mainly due to the hurricane season that prevails here from June to November. During this period it is wise to keep a close eye on the weather reports and to keep a close eye on the local news channels. In addition, there is serious crime on some islands and in some cities. The island of Providence is especially known for this. If you still want to visit these islands or cities, it is wise to leave your valuables in the hotel safe. Some neighborhoods and boroughs of Nassau are known to be unsafe. Inquire with the tour leader or the hotel where it is better not to go.
Travel documents
To be able to visit the Bahamas, you must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months after arrival. A visa is not necessary if you want to stay in the country for less than three months. There are mandatory inoculations or vaccinations when you visit the island. Only if you have been to an area where there is yellow fever are you obliged to have taken a vaccination against it.
Info table
| Capital city | Nassau |
| Phone (country code) | 1-242 |
| Internetdomein | .bs |
| Language(s) (official) | Engels |
| Language(s) (colloquial) | English and Creole |
| Religion(s) | Catholic |
| Time zone(s) | UTC-5 |
| Time difference summer | In the Bahamas it is 6 hours earlier than in the Netherlands |
| Time difference winter | In the Bahamas it is 6 hours earlier than in the Netherlands |
| Daylight Saving Time Control | yes, but this is partly different from our summer and winter time. The clocks are set here on the first Sunday in November and the third Sunday in February. |
| Currency | Bahamian dollar |
