Bahamas
The Bahamas are an archipelago of about 700 islands and 2,400
uninhabited islets and cays lying 50 mi off the east coast of
Florida. They extend for about 760 mi (1,223 km). Only about 30 of
the islands are inhabited; the most important is New Providence (80
sq mi; 207 sq km), on which the capital, Nassau, is situated. Other
islands include Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, Andros, Cat Island,
and San Salvador (or Watling's Island).
The main economic activity is tourism, centered on New Providence.
| Capital: | Nassau |
| Government type: | Parliamentary Democracy |
| Population: | 303,770 (2006 estimate) |
| Languages: | English (official ) and Creole |
| Official Currency: | Bahamian Dollar (BSD) Current Exchange Rates |
| Climate: | Tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream; during rainy season susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms |
| National Holiday: | July 10, Independence (1973) |
| Religion: | Baptist 32%, Anglican 20% , Roman Catholic 19%; Protestant 12%, Methodist, |
| Area: | total: 10,070 sq km |
| Country Phone Code: | 242 |
