History:Columbus discovered San Salvador in 1492. Crown colony of Great Britian in 1717. Slavery abolished in 1838. Limited self-rule granted in 1964

Capital: Nassau, New Providence

Location: Starts at 50 miles off Florida’s east coast at the end of Bimini and stretches more than 500 miles southeast in a chain comprised of 700 islands and cays in the Atlantic Ocean. Total Land Mass: 5,382 sq.miles

Government: Political stability since Independence July 10th, 1973. Political system is based on the British Westminister model with a governor general, a prime minister and a Parliament. Queen Elizabeth is the nation’s sovereign.

Economy: Apart of CARICOM Caribbean Community Secretariat.

Tourism is main industry (50% on GDP) Offshore Banking & Investment (15-20% GDP) Construction (10% GDP) Agriculture & Fisheries (5% GDP)

Financial Services: VAT 12%

Population: 353,658 people (2010) projected 385,340 in 2019.

Currency: Bahamian Dollar on par to U.S dollar

Money: ATM’s on main islands, USD accepted

Language: English • Country Code: 1-242 • Emergencies: 919

Driving: Left • Electricity: 120v/60 cycles: pkus U.S. 2- and 3 prong

Time Zone: EST Eastern Standard Time

Documents: Up to 90 days with valid passport, Immigration preclearance returining to U.S.

Mobile Phone: GSM Mobile Companies: BTC & ALI

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