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The Bahamas in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Queen Conch
Bahamian Junkanoo Dancers
Swimming Pigs of Exuma
Lucayan People
Androsian Flamingos
1. Paradise Found
2. Island Hopping
3. Nassau, the Capital
4. Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
5. Swimming with Pigs
6. Pink Sands Beach
7. Andros Island
8. Junkanoo Festival
9. Bimini
10. A True Paradise
In a Nutshell
- Capital: Nassau
- Population: Approx. 393,000 (2021)
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Bahamian dollar (BSD)
Breaking Down the Country
Geographical Wonders
Discover the beauty of The Bahamas through its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Cultural Traditions
Explore the rich heritage of The Bahamas, from Junkanoo festivals and traditional music to the art of straw weaving and delicious Bahamian cuisine.
Adventure Awaits
Embark on thrilling experiences like swimming with pigs at Pig Beach, diving in underwater caves, and exploring historic shipwrecks around the islands.
Timeline of The Bahamas
Lucayan people inhabit the Bahamas islands
Christopher Columbus lands on San Salvador island
Spanish colonization of the Bahamas begins
British colonization of the Bahamas begins
The Bahamas becomes a British crown colony
American Revolution leads to influx of loyalist settlers in the Bahamas
Slavery abolished in the Bahamas
The Bahamas becomes an independent Commonwealth nation
Tourism industry begins to flourish in the Bahamas
Hurricane Dorian devastates the Bahamas
Nassau becomes the capital of the Bahamas
The Bahamas gains majority rule in government
The Bahamas hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
The Atlantis Resort opens on Paradise Island
The Bahamas gains independence from Great Britain
The Bahamas signs an agreement with the United States for mutual defense
The Bahamas becomes a popular tax haven for international businesses
The Bahamian dollar is introduced as the official currency
The Bahamas becomes a member of the United Nations
The Bahamas hosts the 2013 CARIFTA Games
Vocabulary List
- Beach
- The Bahamas is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches.
- Palm trees
- Palm trees line the streets in many cities in The Bahamas.
- Ocean
- The crystal clear waters of the ocean surround The Bahamas.
- Islands
- The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands and cays.
- Cruise ships
- Cruise ships dock in the ports of Nassau and Freeport in The Bahamas.
- Coral reefs
- The Bahamas is home to some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the world.
- Conch shells
- Conch shells can be found scattered along the beaches of The Bahamas.
- Lighthouse
- The historic Elbow Reef Lighthouse in Hope Town is a popular tourist attraction in The Bahamas.
- Tropical
- The Bahamas has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
- Resort
- Luxurious resorts line the shores of many of the islands in The Bahamas.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- The Bahamas is an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays located in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida.
- Nassau is the capital and largest city of The Bahamas, located on the island of New Providence.
- The Out Islands of The Bahamas offer a more secluded and natural landscape, perfect for those seeking a peaceful getaway.
- The Exuma Cays are a stunning chain of islands known for their crystal clear waters and abundant marine life.
- Grand Bahama Island is home to Freeport, the second largest city in The Bahamas and a popular cruise ship destination.
- The Bahamas is known for its pink sand beaches, particularly on the islands of Harbour Island and Eleuthera.
- The city of Bimini is famous for its sport fishing opportunities and is known as the 'Sport Fishing Capital of the World'.
- The Bahamas is home to the world's third largest barrier reef, the Andros Barrier Reef, which offers incredible diving and snorkeling experiences.
- The island of Abaco is known for its charming colonial architecture and quaint fishing villages.
- The Bahamas is a popular destination for yachting enthusiasts, with marinas and harbors scattered throughout the islands.
- The city of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island is home to Port Lucaya Marketplace, a vibrant shopping and dining hub.
- The Bahamas is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
- The Bahamas is known for its vibrant Junkanoo festival, a colorful celebration of music, dance, and culture that takes place on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
- The city of Nassau is home to the historic Fort Charlotte, a British colonial fortress with panoramic views of the harbor.
- The Bahamas is a popular filming location for Hollywood movies, with films such as 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Into the Blue' being shot on location.
- The city of Nassau is known for its colorful colonial architecture, including the iconic pastel-colored buildings of Parliament Square.
- The Bahamas is home to the world's largest underwater cave system, the Lucayan Caves, which offer a unique diving experience.
- The city of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island is a popular cruise ship port, with ships docking at the bustling Freeport Harbour.
- The Bahamas is a tax haven, with no income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
Why It Matters
Geopolitical Significance
The Bahamas holds a strategic location in the Atlantic Ocean, serving as a gateway between the Caribbean and North America. Its proximity to major shipping lanes and its stable political climate make it an important player in regional security and trade.
Historical Importance
The Bahamas has a rich history shaped by indigenous Lucayan people, European colonization, and the transatlantic slave trade. Its role as a British colony and later as an independent nation highlights the impact of colonialism and the struggle for self-governance.
Modern-Day Role
Today, The Bahamas is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Its economy relies heavily on tourism and financial services, making it a key player in the Caribbean economy. The country also faces challenges such as climate change and economic diversification.
The Bahamas Games
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