About BS

Official Name

The official name of the country is the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Location

The Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of more than 700 islands, cays, and islets located in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the United States, north of Cuba, and northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Capital

The capital city of the Bahamas is Nassau, located on the island of New Providence.

Population

The Bahamas has a population of approximately 393,000 people.

Language

The official language of the Bahamas is English.

Ethnicity

The majority of the population of the Bahamas is of African descent, with smaller minorities of European and mixed-race heritage.

Geography

The Bahamas is known for its stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, and coral reefs. The islands are mostly low-lying, with the highest point being Mount Alvernia on Cat Island at just 63 meters (207 feet) above sea level.

Economy

The economy of the Bahamas is heavily reliant on tourism and financial services. Tourism accounts for a significant portion of the country's GDP, with millions of visitors flocking to the Bahamas each year to enjoy its beautiful beaches, resorts, and water sports.

Currency

The currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), which is pegged to the US dollar (USD) at a 1:1 ratio.

Government

The Bahamas is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The Head of State is the Queen of the United Kingdom, who is represented in the Bahamas by a Governor-General. The Prime Minister is the Head of Government and leads the executive branch.

Culture

The culture of the Bahamas is a vibrant mix of African, European, and Caribbean influences. Junkanoo, a colorful and energetic street parade featuring music, dance, and costumes, is a significant cultural event celebrated in the Bahamas.

The national anthem of the Bahamas is called "March On, Bahamaland." Here are the lyrics in English:

Lift your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland,

March on to glory, your bright banners waving high.

See how the world marks the manner of your bearing!

Pledge to excel through love and unity.

Pressing onward, march together

to a common loftier goal;

Steady sunward, tho' the weather

hide the wide and treacherous shoal.

Lift your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland,

'Til the road you've trod lead unto your God,

March on, Bahamaland.