Choosing a Destination: Bahamas | caribbean-guide.info

Bahamian history can be misleading. A colony during the era of British imperialism; an independent nation in the mid-20th century; and a land of natural beauty that led to a booming tourism industry - The Bahamas sounds just like any other Caribbean destination.

Don't be fooled. Contrary to popular belief, The Bahamas isn't a part of the Caribbean, but lies entirely in the Atlantic Ocean, about 100 miles east of the Florida coast. The Bahamas is famed for its rich history and natural beauty, unparalleled by any other tropical getaway. A country with a romantic streak unlike any other, it can warm the hearts of even the coldest visitors. Friendly smiles and love songs sung with a distinct island lilt have helped to win over the hearts of many international visitors. More in-depth information can be found at the official website of The Bahamas and the CIA World Factbook.

Bahamas: Facts at a Glance

Currency	The official currency of The Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar which is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of $1(B) to $1(USD); as a result, there is little restriction on which currency you should use.
Electricity	The Bahamas operates on a 120-volt system that is compatible with most U.S. appliances; visitors from the U.K. and elsewhere will need to take this into consideration.
GDP Per Capita	The average annual household income is about $17,000(USD).
Island Size	The total landmass of this archipelago is about 5,397 square miles; the area of the Atlantic Ocean occupied by this nation, however, is around 100,000 square miles.
Language	English is the official language of The Bahamas, but is often spoken with a mix of accents and local words that may be unfamiliar to tourists. Creole is also widely spoken.
Population	The residential population of The Bahamas is about 325,500 people, with the majority residing in Paradise Island, Nassau, and Grand Bahama Island. In addition, the country sees about 1.5 million tourists annually, 85 percent of whom hail from the U.S.

Entry Requirements

Citizens of the U.S., U.K., and Canada need only a birth certificate and photo ID to enter The Bahamas, but a passport is highly recommended - as it always is with international travel. Citizens of other nations, including those of the Caribbean, will need a valid passport. Immigration officials require all visitors to have an onward or return ticket.

Geography

The Bahamas consists of more than 700 small coral-based islands and 2,000 cays. This archipelago nation just outside the waters of the Caribbean is mostly underwater, with only five percent of the total area above sea level. One of the most popular stories told by Bahamians is that American astronauts returning from orbit could recognize only two structures from space: the Great Wall of China and the waters of The Bahamas. (Of course, there's no telling if this tale is actually true.)

Getting There

Freeport International Airport is the main entryway into The Bahamas, but smaller flights frequently arrive through Nassau International Airport as well. Freeport hosts incoming and outgoing flights from American Eagle, Bahamasair, Continental, Delta, Gulfstream, Laker Airways, Major's Air, TWA, and Western Air, among others. Direct and connecting flights are available year round. For those coming from North America, the best bet is to travel through Miami. Resorts and hotels usually make arrangements for guest transportation to and from the airport. Otherwise, taxis are the best option since bus service is difficult to find.

Health and Safety

Crime in The Bahamas is generally restricted to the non-touristic areas of Nassau, but visitors should nonetheless remain vigilant, as the number of reported crimes has increased over the last several years. As usual, traveler's common sense has massive rewards: Don't wear expensive or flashy jewelry, don't carry large amounts of cash, and don't walk alone at night. Young women are encouraged to be especially cautious about accepting drinks and rides from strangers, as the number of reported druggings and sexual assault crimes has increased.

Tourists with sensitive stomachs are advised to drink bottled water. All visitors should be careful about consuming seafood products, as they must be carefully and properly prepared to avoid causing bacterial stomach infections.

People

The Bahamian people love their islands, and unlike many other tropical nations, the whole nation - from government to lobbies to corporations - values the environment and strives to maintain the natural beauty which has made The Bahamas internationally renown. One of the most distinct features of Bahamian culture is the well-mannered attitude of most people - almost certainly a remnant of the country's British-Caribbean colonial heritage. Visitors will undoubtedly find impeccable manners and friendly faces in The Bahamas.

Weather and Climate

The weather in The Bahamas is fairly stable across the seasons, with temperatures hardly varying from January to July. January temperatures average a low of 64 and a high of 77, while July sees average lows of 77 and average highs of 89 (all in degrees Fahrenheit). Although it may seem like hurricanes pose a threat during the official hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), statistically, hurricanes strike the U.S. mainland more frequently than The Bahamas.

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