Useful information about the Bahamas. See what “Bahamas” is in other dictionaries, completed and signed forms
The full name of the state is the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The state consists of more than 3,000 islands, reefs and islets. The Bahamas is located north of Cuba and Haiti and close to Florida.
Originally settled by the Lucayans, originally from the Arawakan tribe, the Bahamas became the first stop of Christopher Columbus back in 1492. Although the Spanish never colonized the Bahamas, they did send the Lucayans into slavery in Haiti, leaving the islands virtually deserted by 1513. In 1648, English colonists from Bermuda landed on the island of Eleuthera, and in 1718 the Bahamas became a crown colony.
Today, a constitutional monarchy remains the state's form of government, with Queen Elizabeth II represented by a governor general. The Bahamas has a parliamentary system of government, in which power is in the hands of a bicameral Parliament.
Capital |
Nassau |
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23.27 people/km 2 |
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English |
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Religion |
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Form of government |
A constitutional monarchy |
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Bahamian dollar |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
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Internet domain zone |
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Electricity |
The religious composition of the population of the Bahamas is diverse: 35.4% are Baptists, 15.1% Anglicans, 13.5% Catholics, 15.2% of the population belong to other Christian denominations, another part are Methodists, Pentecostals, the Church of God, are atheists or undecided.
The state's economy is based on tourism. It accounts for more than 60% of GDP. In addition, the tourism sector provides employment to more than half of the country's working population.
Climate and weather
The north of the Bahamas has a tropical trade wind climate, while the south has a subtropical climate. It is formed by the warm Gulf Stream, the influence of which is dangerous, as it provokes hurricanes in the summer. Precipitation falls in the form of rain from May to October.
Temperatures in summer range from +26...+32 °C. On the southern islands the temperature can reach +40 °C, but thanks to the trade winds the heat is easily tolerated. In winter, the temperature is between +18…+22.
You can go on vacation to the Bahamas at any time of the year, but in the summer it can be very hot on the southern beaches.
Nature
According to its geological structure, the Bahamas archipelago is a limestone plateau. The average altitude above sea level is 30 m, and the highest point in the Bahamas is Mount Alvernia on Ket Island, rising 63 meters above sea level. Due to the outcropping of salt-laden limestone, many of the islands have mangrove swamps, salt lagoon lakes and sandy beaches. There are practically no rivers on the islands, so there is very little fresh water.
The flora of the Bahamas is not very diverse and is represented by low-growing shrubs, cacti, and aloe. Orchids and jasmine are growing.
The fauna is also not very diverse. In the Bahamas there are snakes, frogs, bats, and flamingos in the swamps and salt lagoons. In addition, a large number of migratory birds flock here to spend the winter.
But the underwater world of the Bahamas is simply amazing. The corals on the ocean floor are home to many species of fish that divers love. In the lagoons and creeks you can find mackerel and barracuda. There are sea turtles. The reefs are home to a huge number of corals, mollusks, and sponges.
Attractions
The Bahamas are considered the richest country in the region. Each island of the archipelago has that zest that will attract any tourist.
The Bahamian capital of Nassau has many interesting places to visit. For example, you can stroll along Bay Street, a street with numerous shops and boutiques; or visit the Adastra Gardens, the Retreat Gardens reserve, an underwater aquarium or the famous Cable Beach - an area of sandy beaches, hotels, and casinos. The heart of the city is the central square with the buildings of the Supreme Court, Parliament, and Colonial Administration. The visiting card of the city is the Atlantis Hotel. The most visited places by tourists are the old water tower with a beautiful view of the city and Queen Victoria's Staircase with 66 steps carved into the rock.
The city of Freeport is suitable for lovers of water sports, outdoor activities, golf and tennis. It is also worth visiting the Garden of the Groves, monuments of the ancient culture of the Arawak Indians, and the Rand Memorial Park Reserve.
In the city of New Bight on the island of Ket there is a unique architectural monument - the Hermitage, built on the top of Mount Alvernia. The Hermitage was built by an apostate priest in 1939. The work of Father Jerome includes the Church of the Savior on the same island and many beautiful monasteries and temples built on other islands of the archipelago.
Nutrition
Seafood is the basis of Bahamian cuisine. The national ingredient of the Bahamians is the conch sea snail. All kinds of salads, appetizers, and soups are prepared from this snail.
It is impossible to imagine local cuisine without rice and pea dishes. Spiny lobster is the most expensive dish. For a very long time, various dishes and soup made from sea turtles were popular, which led this species of reptile to extinction. It is worth trying a dish of sea bass, which is served with a sauce of mushrooms, onions, spices and white wine.
Dessert is usually served with fruits (melons, pineapples, papayas, mangoes), drinks whose key ingredient is rum, and the famous Bahamian johnny cake. Non-alcoholic drinks include tea, coffee, and Pepsi-Cola.
Bahamian cuisine borrowed a lot from British, American and African cuisine, but adapted it to local conditions and opportunities.
Large cities have a large number of restaurants, cafes and bars. On average, the bill per person in an inexpensive cafe will be $10-15. At the height of the tourist season, many cafes and restaurants are crowded, so you should take care in advance so as not to be left without dinner, for example.
Accommodation
In the Bahamas there is no classification system for hotels and inns, so the assignment of a “star” level here is made either by the owner of the rental premises or by the tour operator. Holidays in the Bahamas are considered very prestigious and expensive, which is why most hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis.
As a rule, guesthouses are located on the coast, which are mainly rented to divers and surfers. Service in guesthouses may not always be at the highest level, but it corresponds to its prices.
There are also hotel complexes consisting of bungalows. There are eco-hotels that use only natural products for food and get electricity from solar panels.
If staying at a hotel is not part of the tourist’s plans, there is always the opportunity to rent a room from the local population.
Entertainment and relaxation
Most people go to the Bahamas for beach holidays, diving and surfing. The coastal area of the archipelago is replete with beautiful sandy beaches, the most famous and popular of which is Pink Beach on Harbor Island. The most expensive beach holiday destination is the island of Eleuthera.
A large number of shallow reefs attract beginner divers. There is something to see underwater - sunken ships, underwater caves. Underwater feeding of sharks on the Abaco Islands, New Providence, and Long Island is very popular. Those who like a less extreme holiday will be offered swimming with dolphins.
Most hotels include water sports in the price, while some offer them for an additional fee. There are a large number of water sports centers concentrated on the islands of New Providence, Harbor Island and Grand Bahama.
The Jonkonu Festival is held twice a year in the Bahamas. Colorful processions are accompanied by musical performances and fireworks. Freeport hosts the National Windsurfing Championships every January. The Music Fest festival takes place in the last week of May. July 10 is Independence Day. The Bahamian Wine and Food Festival takes place at the end of September.
Nassau and Freeport have a large number of bars, restaurants, and clubs for nightlife lovers.
Purchases
Shops in the Bahamas are open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 13.00, followed by a lunch break and reopening from 15.00 to 17.00.
The world famous shopping street Bay Street is located in the old part of Nassau, and next to it is the Straw Market. In these places you can buy a variety of goods, ranging from fashionable clothing from world brands to exquisite jewelry, accessories and handmade souvenirs.
The second popular shopping destination is the small island of Paradise. Here, avid shopaholics will find everything their heart desires at affordable prices.
It is better to go shopping on a weekday morning, since at this time there are fewer people there.
Prices for goods in the Bahamas are comparable to those in the United States. Lovers of the beautiful life will have to shell out about $200 a day. Those who are more modest in their needs will settle for $70-150 per day. And don’t forget that the Bahamas has a duty-free system.
Transport
The Bahamas has two major international airports - Lyndell Pindling International Airport in Nassau and Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport. In addition to these main ones, the Bahamas has about 60 smaller airports. Nassau, Freeport and Mathew Town have seaports.
There are no railway connections or public transport in the Bahamas. Transportation is carried out by cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, which can be rented. There are taxis in the capital. The fare is regulated by the government. So, the cost for a quarter mile when traveling in a taxi will cost $2, then the rate will be 30 cents per quarter mile.
Communication between the islands is carried out by ferries and boats.
The length of roads is 2,700 km, half of which are paved.
Connection
The communication system in the archipelago is well developed. Payphones are found everywhere, you can make international calls from them, and payment is made using a calling card. The rooms of almost every hotel have a telephone from which you can make local calls or make an international call through an operator, although this will be 10-15% more expensive than from a payphone.
Mobile communications are also well developed. Local telecom operators provide 100% coverage of the state territory.
Internet provider BaTelNet provides almost all types of services. The average connection cost is $5 per hour.
Safety
When traveling to the Bahamas, it is not necessary, but it is advisable, to be vaccinated against hepatitis B, diphtheria and tuberculosis. The widespread prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the region should also be taken into account.
Customs control is quite democratic. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency, but the export of local funds exceeding $70 must be accompanied by permission from the Central Bank of the Bahamas. The import ban applies to drugs, explosives, and weapons (without special permission).
The local population is quite friendly and ready to help if necessary. However, there are some restrictions and prohibitions. Fishing using underwater guns and other devices for these purposes is not permitted.
Local authorities are waging a tough fight against drug trafficking: even drug use can result in imprisonment.
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft are quite common in the Bahamas, so you need to be careful. It is not advisable for girls and women to walk alone after dark.
There is virtually no government oversight of local firms offering active sports services, which leads to frequent accidents and deaths during underwater fishing, diving, and surfing.
Road traffic in the Bahamas is on the left.
Business climate
The Bahamas are considered a paradise for businessmen. It is possible to register any offshore companies here. But it is worth keeping in mind that buying real estate imposes a ban on doing business. However, it is very profitable to invest in business real estate. There are benefits for hotel owners.
There is no income tax, corporate tax, inheritance tax, or property tax in the Bahamas.
Real estate
Foreign citizens have the right to purchase both development land and other types of real estate in the Bahamas: villas, apartments, townhouses. There is a restriction on the area of real estate purchased by foreign citizens - it should not exceed 2 hectares, otherwise a special permit is required. The application for permission to purchase real estate must include information about the buyer and seller, a description of the property and the purpose of its acquisition. After selecting the property, a purchase offer is drawn up in writing and an advance payment is made.
It is best to entrust the registration of real estate to a lawyer. The presence of the parties is not required. The purchased property is subject to mandatory insurance and registration with the Investment Council.
Average cost of 1 sq.m. comfortable housing in the Bahamas is $7,000. Buying a bungalow will cost $300,000-500,000, a villa will cost $500,000 or more, and a penthouse will cost $1,000,000-3,000,000.
To travel to the Bahamas you need to apply for a visa at the British Embassy. The visa is issued for a period of up to 90 days, unless it concerns employment.
Despite the high cost of services, you can save money in the Bahamas. Many hotels offer guests discount cards for entry to nightclubs for $5. This is a very advantageous offer, considering that on weekends entrance to the club costs from $50.
Prices for imported alcoholic drinks are very high, so if you want to save on alcohol, it is better to order local drinks, such as rum and beer.
Please note that tips in the Bahamas range from 10 to 15%, and some restaurants and hotels include this in the bill in advance.
- a state in the West Indies. Located on 700 small islands and islets and two and a half thousand coral reefs, stretching from the southeast coast of Florida to the east coast of Cuba. About 40 islands are inhabited.
The name of the country comes from the Indian name for “island” - “bahama” and the Indian name for “island” - “bahama”.
Official name: Commonwealth of the Bahamas (Bahamas)
Capital: Nassau
The area of the land: 13.9 thousand sq. km
Total Population: 310 thousand people
Administrative division: The state is divided into 21 districts.
Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.
Head of State: The Queen of Great Britain, represented by the Governor General.
Population composition: 85% are blacks and mulattoes, 12% are whites (British, Canadians, Americans), 3% are Asians and Latin Americans.
Official language: English. Bahamians speak with a local accent and use a number of words derived from the Arawak Indian language as well as African languages.
Religion: 32% are Baptists, 20% are Anglicans, 19% are Catholics, 6% are Methodists.
Internet domain: .bs
Mains voltage: ~120 V, 60 Hz
Country dialing code: +1-242
Climate
The climate here is subtropical, very mild. This is influenced by the warm Gulf Stream current, as well as the constantly blowing southeast wind from the equator (trade wind).
Throughout the year, average monthly temperatures do not fall below +20 degrees. The coolest month is January, when the temperature drops to +17 degrees at night and reaches +25 degrees during the day. The hottest time of the year is July and August. The average minimum temperature at this time drops to +24 degrees, the maximum reaches +32 degrees.
The driest months are February and March, with monthly precipitation of about 40 mm. The rainiest time of the year is the period from May to October, in which the monthly rainfall ranges from 150 to 220 mm. At this time, tropical hurricanes are possible, characteristic of the entire Caribbean region.
The water temperature in the coastal parts of the country warms up to +30 degrees from August to October, while in other months it stays at +25...+27 degrees.
Geography
The Bahamas are located in the western Atlantic Ocean, at the latitude of the Northern Tropic, near the American continent (100 km from the Florida Peninsula). These are about 700 islands, with a total area of 13.9 thousand sq. km., and only 30 of them are inhabited. Most of the islands are coral reefs.
From the east, the Bahamas are washed by the warm Gulf Stream. The islands are raised relative to sea level from a few meters to approximately 60 meters. The highest point of the country - 63 m, is located on Kat Island. The relief of the islands is flat.
On the shores facing the ocean, a series of marine terraces can be traced. On the west coast there are many salty lagoon lakes, as well as karst lakes and swamps. In some places along the coast there is a strip of sandy beaches. There are no rivers in the archipelago.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
Coconut palms, bananas, agave, oranges, and pineapples grow on the islands. Natural vegetation on the drier eastern islands is xerophytic, dominated by cacti and aloes.
Most of the islands were originally dominated by tropical forests. Currently, many of them have been removed, and low-growing shrubs are growing in their place. Where forests have been preserved (on the islands of Andros, Great and Little Abaco, Grand Bahama), valuable broad-leaved tree species such as redwood (mahogany), logwood and ironwood, as well as Caribbean pine, are common.
In broad-leaved forests, bougainvillea, jasmine, orchids and other plants with beautiful and delicately scented flowers grow in abundance. On some islands, artificial plantings of casuarina, mahogany and a number of tropical conifers have been created.
Animal world
The fauna of the Bahamas is poor. There are very few mammals, of which bats are the most numerous. Among the amphibians there are many frogs, and among the reptiles there are lizards and snakes.
The most numerous birds in the fauna of the islands are birds, including migratory birds from North America (ducks, geese, etc.), which remain for the winter. In the swamps and within the lagoons there are flamingos (more than 50 thousand red flamingos nest in the national park on Great Inagua Island alone), pelicans, spoonbills, herons and other waterfowl. Termites, mosquitoes and other insects are abundant.
In the coastal waters, near the reefs, there are many species of fish, including Atlantic sailfish, barracuda, mackerel, etc. There are sea turtles (on Great Inagua Island there are oviposition sites for the green turtle), and numerous mollusks and sponges.
Attractions
Scattered over a vast area, washed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the Bahamas have long been considered a symbol of luxury and relaxation.
Christopher Columbus first set foot on the islands of San Salvador in 1492. British settlers began to explore the islands in 1647, and already in 1783 the islands became a colony. With independence in 1973, the Bahamas began to intensively develop tourism and banking.
One of the richest countries in the region, as it is often called, the “Switzerland of the Caribbean”, a large offshore center (there are more than 400 banks on the islands), today the Bahamas is one of the largest resort areas in the Western Hemisphere.
Banks and currency
The official currency is the Bahamian dollar. Its value is equal to the American dollar.
1 Bahamian dollar = 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollars and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 cents and 1, 2 and 5 dollars.
Banks are open throughout the working week: from Monday to Thursday until 15:00, on Friday until 17:00.
It is better to change currency in banks. It is advisable to take American dollars with you on a trip; they circulate freely here.
Useful information for tourists
The traditional culture of the Bahamas is far removed from the heavily American-influenced urban centers of Nassau and Freeport. The island's folk art is reflected in a large number of fairy tales, natural medicine, music and religious rituals brought here by slaves from Africa. The islands have formed a distinctive musical culture.
The country has adopted a tipping system for services provided. The receptionist expects to receive 1 dollar for each suitcase delivered to the room; you can pay 2 dollars a day to the maid for additional services, for example, for a washed and ironed shirt or blouse. In most cases, tips for taxi drivers, waiters, and servants amount to 15% of the cost of services (in the most luxurious restaurants - 20%).
Bahamas- a state located on the archipelago of the same name in the Atlantic Ocean, 90 km southeast of Florida and approximately the same distance northeast of Cuba. It extends for 970 km from northwest to southeast, occupying an area of about 259 thousand square meters. km (land area is about 13.9 thousand sq. km). The capital is Nassau (New Providence Island).
The archipelago includes about 700 islands (of which only 30 are inhabited) and more than 2,000 coral reefs.
Climate
The climate is tropical trade wind in the north and subtropical in the south. The average temperature in summer is +26..+32°C. In winter, the average temperature is +18..+22°C, coolest on the northwestern islands. The average water temperature is usually +27°C in summer and around +23°C in winter.
The best time to visit the country is considered to be the cool season from September to May.
In winter, rain is rare, usually falling in the form of short but powerful downpours. From May to November, hurricanes and tropical storms are possible, bringing heavy rainfall and hurricane-force winds.
Last changes: 06/18/2010Population
Population of the Bahamas- 307,552 people (2009). Over 80% of the islands' population are Africans and mulattoes, up to 12% are of European origin, and about 3% are emigrants from other countries of the Caribbean and Asia.
By composition: Baptists 35.4%, Anglicans 15.1%, Catholics 13.5%, Pentecostals 8.1%, Church of God 4.8%, Methodists 4.2%, other Christians 15.2%, atheists and undecided 2.9%, others 0.8% (2000 census).
Some, especially in the southern and eastern islands, practice obeah, a religion similar to voodoo. Voodoo itself is practiced exclusively by immigrants from Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
The official language is English, immigrants from Haiti use their own dialect (based on French).
Currency
The Bahamian dollar (B$, BSD), equal to 100 cents, is firmly pegged to the US dollar.
In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 dollar (in total there are more than 40 different bills of all denominations in circulation), as well as coins of 1 and 2 dollars, 50, 20, 15, 10 and 5 cents
American coins and banknotes also circulate freely.
Currency can be exchanged at bank offices, hotels and large stores. The Bahamian dollar is tightly pegged to the US dollar, but exchange rates can vary widely between institutions. The most stable exchange rate is in the offices of international banks in Nassau and Freeport; changing money in tourist areas is most unprofitable.
All types of credit cards are accepted for payment. Travel checks can be cashed in the same place where you can change currency - at bank offices, hotels and large stores. Some hotels, restaurants and exchange offices charge large fees for check cashing, so it's always best to check the terms and conditions in advance.
Last changes: 06/18/2010Communications
Telephone code: 1 - 242.
Internet domain: .bs
Rescue service: 911.
How to call
To call from Russia to the Bahamas you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 1 - 242 - subscriber number.
To call from the Bahamas to Russia you need to dial: 011 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.
Landline communications
The communication system on the islands is quite modern and well developed. Payphones that can make international calls are located throughout the country and operate on calling cards from the national telephone company, Batelco, which are sold at post offices, telephone company offices, hotels and supermarkets. You can also make a call from a payphone through an operator.
Many hotels provide a telephone in each room from which you can make an inexpensive local call (seven-digit numbers) or access an international line through an operator (usually the cost of a call from a hotel room is 10-15% more expensive than from a pay phone).
International calls can also be made from the post office.
mobile connection
Cellular communications of the GSM 900 standard cover all the islands and are quite well developed. The operator Batelco (Bahamas Telecommunications Company Ltd) - www.btcbahamas.com - provides full coverage of the country. Handsets from foreign operators must be registered with Batelco.
Internet
Network technologies and means of servicing them are developing quite intensively on the islands. The BaTelNet provider - www.batelnet.bs - provides almost all types of network services. Internet cafes (usually open seven days a week) can be found in the capital and other major cities on Grand Bahama. The connection cost is usually about $5 per hour.
Only Bahamian postage stamps are valid in the Bahamas. In Nassau and Freeport, post offices are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and until 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays. On the outer islands, post office hours may be shorter. There is a philatelic bureau at the main post office in Nassau, which is located on East Hill Street.
Mail, however, travels slowly from the Bahamas, so for prompt delivery of correspondence, use the services of international commercial postal services.
Last changes: 06/18/2010Shopping
The country has abolished all duties on the import and export of perfumes, leather goods, jewelry, watches, photographic equipment, porcelain, and so on. Therefore, prices for the mentioned goods are 25-50% lower than in the USA. And in many areas that have the status of free trade zones, their prices are still 15 percent lower, so the Bahamas are considered one of the best shopping areas in the central part of the Atlantic.
Shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 09.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00. Many shops close for lunch at 12.00 and open their doors again only at 14.30-15.00. Despite the fact that the government insists on shops being open on Sundays, very few establishments follow this rule. Therefore, Sunday is usually a quiet day in trading.
The center of trade in the Bahamas is the world-famous Bay street. There you can buy everything at very competitive prices - watches of famous brands, jewelry, porcelain, crystal, leather bags, perfumes.
Last changes: 06/18/2010Where to stay
The hotels are very diverse: there are large high-rise complexes and small but cozy establishments. The local all-inclusive system is recognized as the best in the Caribbean.
Sea and beaches
Beaches in the Bahamas are municipal and free. However, hotels are assigned separate sections of the beach, which are diligently guarded.
Last changes: 09/01/2010Story
The first settlers in the Bahamas are considered to be the Lucayan, a branch of the Arawakan tribe who arrived here around the 9th century. The islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. One of the islands of the archipelago is Watling Island (San Salvador) - the first land of the New World, discovered on October 12, 1492. Three years later, the first Spanish colonists settled in the archipelago.
It is believed that by the time the islands were discovered by Europeans, up to 40 thousand people lived here, who settled the islands in the period from the 7th to the 12th centuries. The Spaniards exported local residents to Hispaniola (Haiti) as slaves, and after 25 years, almost all the Indians died and the Spaniards left the settlement.
For another century, the islands remained sparsely populated and unclaimed, until King Charles I of England handed them over to the attorney general. In 1650, a few English settlers from Bermuda arrived here and created settlements on the island of Eleuthera. At the same time, pirates began to settle in the Bahamas, creating bases for recreation and ship repair on several islands of the archipelago. The pirates were driven out of the Bahamas by the British in 1718.
The Bahamas became a British colony in 1718, but remained sparsely populated until about 8,000 loyalists arrived here at the end of the 18th century, exiled to the islands along with their slaves from the independence of the United States (from New York, Florida and North and South Carolina). After the American War of Independence, English Loyalists began bringing thousands of people to the islands and within three years increased the population many times over. In addition, they contributed to the introduction of slaves and cotton to the islands, which shaped the future of the islands. Plantations were built here according to the American model, but since the soil was not so good, most of the plantations ceased to exist in the first years.
In 1781, the islands were captured by Spain and returned to Great Britain in 1783.
When the slave trade was banned in Britain in 1807, the Royal Navy began intercepting slave ships and freeing slaves in the Bahamas. Many loyalists left the Bahamas after the abolition of slavery, often leaving their lands to former slaves who began to live a meager existence without their masters, engaged mainly in fishing and farming. Although equality and political rights were conditional, power on the islands belonged to the white minority. The 19th century saw the rise of smuggling in the agricultural economy. Also important for the future of the islands was the fact that rich people appeared in the United States, ready to spend money on vacation in a tropical paradise. By the end of the 19th century, Florida had become a tourist destination and the Bahamas received a small amount of additional income.
In 1920, money poured into the country like a river, after the adoption of Prohibition in the United States, and smugglers became more active in Nassau. The Bahamas was an ideal platform for illegally supplying the United States with alcohol, and Nassau soon became a huge rum warehouse. The city invested huge amounts of money in construction, and a huge number of hotels appeared.
The repeal of Prohibition in the United States in 1933 led the Bahamas to the Great Depression.
Just like in the United States, World War II marked the end of the economic recession. During the war, a lot of American military personnel came to the islands for recreation, which significantly improved the economy of the Bahamas.
After the war, wealthy Americans began to come to the islands for recreation, encouraged by the governor and his wife, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The Duke and Duchess made a major contribution to the development of tourism, as they believed that it was a great way to pull the Bahamas out of post-war devastation, and after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the islands found themselves in an advantageous position, due to the fact that many Western travelers were forced to abandon resorts in Cuba. The American Air Force base in Nassau was expanded to accommodate international flights, the port was updated, and an active advertising campaign began. The rise in prosperity provoked the development of party politics and the exacerbation of ethnic tensions, as the white elite received huge income from tourism, while the black majority remained below the poverty line.
In 1964, in accordance with the new Constitution, the islands were granted internal self-government.
The Progressive Liberal Party, supported by the black population, came to power in 1967 and ended white supremacy. The country has embarked on the path to independence.
On July 10, 1973, the Bahamas became an independent state within the British Commonwealth.
Attempts at PLP reforms led to a decline in real estate values and a halt in economic growth. Party leaders were mired in corruption, some of them were involved in the international drug trade.
After the assistance provided by the United States to stop the drug trade in the 1980s. and the election of an administration representing the interests of the business community, the Bahamas began to gradually revive.
In 1999, hurricanes Dennis and Floyd tore through the islands, destroying homes, roads, reefs and resorts. By 2001, the damage was repaired, and the Bahamas again attracted the attention of tourists.
Last changes: 06/18/2010Spearfishing using underwater guns and other devices is prohibited on the islands. Sport fishing is permitted, but a fee must be paid for one trip to the sea, provided that no more than six reels of line are installed on the vessel. Independent archaeological work on sunken ships is also prohibited. Violation of these rules can result in a substantial fine and deportation from the country.
In addition, local laws regarding drug trafficking are very strict: selling or even simply using drugs can easily result in a long prison sentence.
A separate danger is posed by regular outbreaks of conjunctivitis, which, although easily treated, still causes a lot of inconvenience in the local climate.
Tap water is usually chlorinated and is relatively safe, although it is often salty, so drinking bottled water is recommended. Drinking water outside the main cities may be contaminated and not recommended for consumption.
The pace of local life, despite the strong American influence, is leisurely and calm. Even numerous entertainment venues are famous for their relaxed atmosphere and strict opening hours.
The Bahamas is the center of the gambling business. All casinos are open 24 hours a day. The largest casino in the Caribbean is located here (at the Atlantis Hotel).
Last changes: 03/07/2013How to get to the Bahamas
There are no direct flights from Russia. The best time-consuming travel option is to fly with British Airways with a transfer in London (flights five times a week, travel time from 13 hours).
Another option is to fly to the USA, followed by a connection on American airlines to Nassau. However, this option requires a US transit visa. A flight from Miami to Nassau will take about 35 minutes, from New York - 2.5 hours, from Philadelphia - 2 hours 45 minutes, from Toronto (Canada) - 3 hours.
Another means of connecting the United States with the Bahamas is ferries departing daily from Fort Lauderdale, Florida (travel time 5 hours).
The Bahamas also has air connections with other countries in the Caribbean region, including Cuba (direct Aeroflot flights from Moscow to Havana operate five times a week, travel time is about 13 hours).
Last changes: 04/10/2017About 6 million tourists vacation in the Bahamas every year. For such a small island country these are huge numbers. Tourists can be understood, because the Bahamas has excellent conditions for a beach holiday, including diving and sailing. Some tourists are also interested in seeing the places that were once “home” to the famous pirates of the Caribbean.
Geography
The Bahamas (officially the Commonwealth of the Bahamas) is a country in the Atlantic Ocean made up of more than 3,000 islands and coral reefs. The Bahamas are north of Cuba and Haiti, northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and southeast of the Florida Peninsula. The total area of the country is 13,938 square meters. km.
The largest islands that make up this state are New Providence, Grand Bahama, Andros, Bimini, Inagua, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Long Island, San Salvador, and Acklins.
The landscape of all the Bahamas is flat. The highest local peak is Mount Alvernia, whose height reaches 63 meters.
It should be noted that the territory of the Bahamas is subject to frequent hurricanes. The last destructive hurricane occurred in 2005.
Capital of the Bahamas
Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. More than 250 thousand people now live in this city, which is located on the island of New Providence. Nassau was founded by the British in 1666.
Official language
The official language of the people of the Bahamas is English.
Religion
About 35% of the population is Baptist, about 15% is Anglican, and about 13.5% consider themselves Roman Catholic.
State structure
The Bahamas is a constitutional monarchy governed by a Governor-General appointed by the Queen of Great Britain. The head of government is the Prime Minister.
The bicameral local parliament consists of the Senate (16 senators) and the House of Representatives (38 deputies).
The main political parties are the Progressive Liberal Party and the Free National Movement.
Climate and weather
The climate is subtropical and tropical, strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream (especially in winter). The average annual air temperature is +24-29C. Hurricane season runs from June to November. However, hurricanes are actually rare in this country. The weather service warns in advance if a hurricane is expected.
The best time to holiday in the Bahamas is winter.
Sea in the Bahamas
The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is surrounded on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean. The average annual water temperature near the shore is +25C.
Culture
In the 17th-18th centuries, millions of Africans were brought to the Caribbean islands, under whose influence the modern culture of the inhabitants of the Bahamas was formed.
The main cultural events are festivals, carnivals, fishing competitions and sailing regattas. The most popular of them: in January - Junkanoo Festival, Sailing Regatta, in February - Farmer's Cay Festival, in March - Bacardi Billfish Tournament, in April - Bahamas White Marlin Open, in May - Long Island Regatta, in June - Eleuthera Festival Pineapple, July - Independence Week, August - Cat Island Regatta, September - All Abaco Sailing Regatta, October - Discovery Day, November - Guy Fawkes Day, One Bahamas Music & Heritage Festival, and December - Junkanoo Boxing Day .
Bahamian cuisine
Cuisine, unfortunately, is not one of the main reasons why tourists choose the Bahamas for vacation. Most local restaurants offer so-called dishes. international cuisine. In general, the cuisine of the Bahamas focuses on seafood and fish (mainly sea bass and oysters).
The best restaurants are in Nassau, Cable Beach, Paradise Island, and to a lesser extent Freeport.
Bahamian fish soup is most often prepared with sea bass, adding celery, onions, tomatoes and various spices and herbs (such as thyme), as well as lime juice and a little rum. Many tourists still order turtle soup in restaurants, although turtles themselves have the status of endangered animals.
The national dish of the Bahamas is oysters, which are eaten as a main dish and made into salads and appetizers. Oyster soup is very popular. Each local chef has his own recipe for making this soup. Typically, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet peppers, onions, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, and, of course, salt and pepper are added to oyster soup.
We also recommend trying the unique local oyster fritters - they are made in the shape of balls, served with spicy sauce, as well as “Cracked conch” (fried clams with Creole sauce), baked crab, “Johnnycake” (baked bread with milk, flour and sugar) .
For dessert, we recommend trying local fruits, sour cream apple ice cream, Sapodilla pudding and guava dessert “duff”. The traditional alcoholic drink is rum. The Bahamians have invented several local drinks based on rum (Yellow Bird, Bahama Mama, and Goombay Smash).
Attractions
Tourists, of course, do not expect any serious unique attractions from the Bahamas. However, this small island country also has something to see, because it was discovered by Christopher Columbus himself. After the Spaniards and the British (they captured the Bahamas in the middle of the 17th century), many beautiful houses, churches and forts remained.
Parks and reserves that are very popular among tourists are Inagua National Park, Abaco National Park, Man-O-War Reef and Embrister Creek on Cat Island.
Cities and resorts
The largest local cities are West End, Freeport and Nassau. All of these and other localities are excellent beach resorts, especially Nassau.
Some of the best local beaches include the following:
- Cable Beach (New Providence Island)
- Cabbage Beach (Paradise Island)
- Xanadu Beach (Grand Bahama Island)
- Tahiti Beach (Abacos)
- Ten Bay Beach (Eleuthera)
- Pink Sands Beach (Harbor Island)
- Saddle Cay (Exumas)
Also worth highlighting are the beaches on Stocking Island and Cat Island. All beaches of the Bahamas have snow-white sand and are surrounded by coconut palms.
Souvenirs/shopping
Tourists in the Bahamas buy handicrafts, straw baskets, linen towels, local soaps and lotions, bags, wallets, hats, guava jelly, pineapple jam, and rum as souvenirs.
Office hours
The Bahamas are located in the western Atlantic Ocean, at the latitude of the Northern Tropic, near the American continent (100 km from the Florida Peninsula).
These are about 700 islands, with a total area of 13.9 thousand sq. km., and only 30 of them are inhabited. Most of the islands are coral reefs. From the east, the Bahamas are washed by the warm Gulf Stream. The islands are raised relative to sea level from a few meters to approximately 60 meters. Highest point - 63 m, located on Kat Island. The relief of the islands is flat. On the shores facing the ocean, a series of marine terraces can be traced. On the west coast there are many salty lagoon lakes, as well as karst lakes and swamps. In some places along the coast there is a strip of sandy beaches. There are no rivers in the archipelago.
CLIMATE
The climate here is subtropical, very mild. This is influenced by the warm Gulf Stream current, as well as the constantly blowing southeast wind from the equator (trade wind). Throughout the year, average monthly temperatures do not fall below +20 degrees. The coolest month is January, when the temperature drops to +17 degrees at night and reaches +25 degrees during the day. The hottest time of the year is July and August. The average minimum temperature at this time drops to +24 degrees, the maximum reaches +32 degrees. The driest months are February and March, with monthly precipitation of about 40 mm. The rainiest time of the year is the period from May to October, in which the monthly rainfall ranges from 150 to 220 mm. At this time, tropical hurricanes are possible, characteristic of the entire Caribbean region. Water temperature in coastal parts from August to October it warms up to +30 degrees, in the remaining months it stays at +25...+27 degrees.
Best time to visit:
The most favorable time to visit the Bahamas is from November to May. At this time there is the least amount of precipitation and it is not so hot.
TYPES OF TOURISM
Beach holiday.
Most tourists go to the Bahamas to simply lie on sandy beaches that stretch for hundreds of kilometers and are protected from cold winds by coral reefs, swim in the clear waters of the ocean, and enjoy the greenery of coconut palms. The most popular resorts are located on the islands of New Providence, Paradise and Grand Bahama.
Diving.
Diving is suitable for divers of all skill levels. Visibility is 18-37 m. Most of the islands offer divers shallow reefs from 3 m to 15 m, as well as reefs at great depths from 30 m. In the ocean depths south of the Bahamas, the Gulf Stream originates, which rushes to the north, carrying with it the sea life from the Caribbean to the Atlantic. The Gulf Stream is a barrier protecting the Bahamas from river sediment and runoff from Florida. Thanks to it and the ocean trenches, in the depths of which sediment is deposited, excellent visibility is ensured. You can get acquainted with various types of underwater inhabitants on the Bahama Bank, rising from the depths of the ocean in some places up to 6 m from the surface. These are sharks, dolphins, stingrays, reef fish, angelfish, moray eels.
Scuba divers are also attracted here by the so-called “blue holes”. These places get their name because they appear dark blue when viewed from above. The array of underwater tunnels, passages and coral reefs, as well as Civil War shipwrecks containing lobsters and octopuses, allows for a combination of reef diving and cave diving, and is also of interest to underwater photographers. On the islands located further south, due to higher temperatures, night diving is common, and you can admire sleeping sharks.
The best season for diving on the islands is November - May.
Popular places for active recreation are: the islands of Andros, Berry, Bimini - fishing, described by E. Hemingway (“Islands in the Ocean”); Abacos Islands, Eleuthera - diving in coral reefs; Exuma Islands, Long Island - yacht trips; Inagua Island - swimming with dolphins and watching exotic iguanas and pink flamingos.
Fishing - thanks to the Gulf Stream, the catches here are record-breaking.
The excursion program is not of great interest. The main attractions of the Bahamas are sandy beaches, tropical vegetation and a rich underwater world. Among the attractions of the country's capital are the parliament building and the courthouse, and the Government House (built in 1801) - the official residence of the governor general. Tourists are also attracted by the “sea gardens”, Fort Charlotte (1789), Fort Fincastle (1793), the Adastra Gardens botanical garden, where many tropical and subtropical plants are presented, Jambi Village - a reconstruction of a British settlement of the 18th century.
The Bahamas is a major gambling center. All casinos are open 24 hours a day. The largest casino in the Caribbean is also located here.
VISAS, ENTRY RULES, CUSTOMS RULES
Russian citizens need a visa to visit the Bahamas.
Tourists traveling in transit can stay in the Bahamas without a visa for 3 days, if they have a ticket to the country of destination.
The visa is issued at the British Consulate General. There is a fee of approximately 70 GBP.
To obtain a visa, you must provide:
- completed and signed forms;
-valid passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months after the visa is issued;
-2 photographs 3X4;
- booking confirmation , or an invitation.
- documents confirming the availability of funds.
Russian tourists are not required to make a written customs declaration. The following are not subject to customs duties: personal belongings 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, or 1 pound (~0.450 kg) of tobacco, 1 liter of alcoholic beverages.
The import of Bahamian dollars is prohibited; export must not exceed $70.
WHAT TO SEE
, organized for tourists, are mainly related to getting to know the islands of the archipelago, their pristine nature, flora and fauna, as well as the rich underwater world of the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition, you can get to know the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau, on a sightseeing tour. around town. This is the historical part of the city, where Fort Charlotte and Parliament Square are located, ancient buildings and buildings of recent years, in includes a walk through the straw market. You can visit the Atlantis complex - one of the largest open-air aquariums.
Of great interest are excursions to the Adastra Gardens botanical garden, the Garden of the Grows, the Rand Memorial Park, the Preacher's Cave and an excursion to the international bazaar in Freeport.
A trip to an artificial coral island will leave a lot of impressions, because this is a real marine reserve.
Good for relaxation along the coastal waters and lagoons of New Providence Island. There are trips to uninhabited nearby islands where you can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, etc.
STORY
Back in 1492 The great navigator Christopher Columbus discovered the Bahamas. At that time they were inhabited by Arawak Indians. However, the Spaniards took them out and used them as labor. Until the 17th century, the islands were deserted, only pirates found this place an excellent hiding place. In 1787 The Bahamas became a British colony. Black slaves were brought here. For three centuries the territory belonged entirely to the British Empire. In 1964, the Bahamas received internal self-government. On July 10, 1973, the independence of the Bahamas was declared as part of the Commonwealth, led by Great Britain. The Bahamas is a member of a number of international organizations: the UN, the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Community.
EMBASSY
Bahamas, embassy in Moscow
Smolenskaya embankment 10
Tel.: (+7 095) 956-7200
Fax: (+7 095) 956-7420
Bahamas, embassy website: http://www.britemb.msk.ru/
Bahamas, Russian Embassy in
:
Immigration Department: P.O. Box N-831, Nassau, The Bahamas.
RELIGION
Protestants predominate among believers, including Baptists, Anglicans, Methodists, ca. 19% are Roman Catholics, part of the population adheres to African cults.
TRANSPORT
In the capital of the Bahamas - Nassau - there is a shuttle bus . , motorcycle, scooter and even a bicycle can be rented. To rent a vehicle (except a bicycle), you must have a driver's license with you. Driving experience must be at least one year, and the driver must be at least 21 years old. Driving on the islands is on the left. Ferries and boats ply between the islands.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Tropical vegetation predominates on the islands. There are redwood and ironwood trees, colorful orchids and jasmine.
The Bahamas are famous for their beautiful flamingo birds. Many reptiles live here. Coastal waters are replete with various species of fish. Turtles lay eggs here.
MINERALS
The Bahamas is home to the world's largest deposit of aragonite.
BANKS
Banks are open throughout the working week: from Monday to Thursday until 15:00, on Friday until 17:00.
MONEY
The official currency is the Bahamian dollar. Its value is equal to the American dollar.
1 Bahamian dollar = 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollars and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 cents and 1, 2 and 5 dollars.
It is better to change currency in banks. It is advisable to take American dollars with you on a trip; they circulate freely here.
POLITICAL CONDITION
On July 10, 1973, the independence of the Bahamas was declared as part of the Commonwealth, led by Great Britain. According to the 1973 constitution, the head of state is the Queen of Great Britain, who is represented by the Governor General. Legislative power is exercised by a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate and the House of Assembly. The government is headed by a prime minister - usually the leader of the party with a majority in parliament.
POPULATION
In 2003, 297.48 thousand people lived in the Bahamas, more than half of them on New Providence Island. The bulk of the Bahamian nation are blacks and mulattoes, making up more than 3/4 of the total population. There are diasporas of people from Haiti, Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The share of Europeans and North Americans is small. This is mainly a contingent of wealthy elderly citizens from the USA, Canada, and Great Britain who settled in the Bahamas after retirement.
Language:
The official language of the Bahamas is English. It is spoken by almost the entire population of the country.
KITCHEN
A large part of the Bahamian cuisine menu is made up of all kinds of seafood. Among the first courses, fish soup made from sea bass, delicious turtle soup, and conch clam chowder are in demand. In general, conch shellfish are used to prepare both first courses, salads, pates, appetizers and main courses. There are even conk burgers. Another sea creature whose meat is widely used in Bahamian cuisine is the spiny lobster. Dishes made from it are not cheap.
But the local menu is famous not only for seafood delicacies. A dish of peas and rice with spicy sauce is very popular here. Chefs have borrowed dishes made from various types of meat from the cuisines of other countries.
A local delicacy is guava pudding. This is a favorite dessert. There is also a varied selection of fruits.
Rum is the most popular drink. All kinds of cocktails are made from it.
CONNECTION
Telephone, fax, telegraph and telex communications are possible with the whole world.
The international dialing code for the Bahamas is 1242.
EMERGENCY PHONES
The general telephone number for the police and fire department is 919.
Ambulance in Nassau - 322-21-21.
USEFUL THINGS
To use electrical appliances brought with you from Europe, as well as to recharge cameras, you need an adapter, which is almost impossible to buy in the Bahamas. Therefore, it is better to worry about this in advance.
Spearfishing is prohibited in the Bahamas, but sport fishing is allowed, for which you have to pay.
THE SHOPS
The center of trade is world-famous Bay Street. Here you can buy watches of famous brands, jewelry, porcelain, crystal, leather bags, and perfumes at a good price. All these goods are exempt from taxes (duty free).
TIPS
Service personnel in
It is customary to tip around 1-2 Bahamian dollars per day. In restaurants, their size ranges from 15 to 20% of the amount indicated on the bill.
NATIONAL PECULIARITIES
The traditional culture of the Bahamas is far removed from the heavily American-influenced urban centers of Nassau and Freeport. The island's folk art is reflected in a large number of fairy tales, natural medicine, music and religious rituals brought here by slaves from Africa. Despite the fact that the Bahamas has not yet produced writers who are gaining worldwide fame, and visual art is also developing slowly, the islands have formed a distinctive musical culture. In this
Several traditional forms of music developed, with a distinctive guitar sound, accordion and rattles made from the pods of the poinciana tree.
Bahamian children enjoy playing basketball. They literally live on the basketball court, and most towns have their own small basketball court with makeshift baskets. The Bahamas follow American basketball (and baseball) teams with great zeal.
ELECTRICITY
127V, 50Hz;
HEALTHCARE
No vaccinations are required to enter the Bahamas, but medical
. Providing medical care in emergency cases is free. Doctors are highly qualified. Hospitals are located in Nassau, Freeport and Out Island.
