1961
22,000
Flockulation (1961-2021)
2021
6,595
Change
-15,405
Overview
Welcome to the Bahamas, where the flock flocks to turquoise waters and sun-drenched shores! This Caribbean archipelago of over 700 islands is a paradise that even the wooliest adventurer would trade their fleece for a swimsuit to visit.
Geography
The Bahamas stretches across the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Florida, comprising 700-plus islands and 2,400 cays. The terrain is flat with limestone formations, no rivers or mountains, and stunning coral reefs fringing its coastlines. Climate is warm and tropical year-round.
History
The Lucayan Taino people first settled the islands. Columbus landed here in 1492. Britain colonized the Bahamas in 1648, and the islands became a haven for pirates like Blackbeard. The Bahamas gained independence from Britain on July 10, 1973.
Culture
Bahamian culture blends African, British, and Caribbean influences. Junkanoo, a vibrant street festival with elaborate costumes and goatskin drums, is the cultural heartbeat. English is the official language, and rake-and-scrape music keeps every ewe tapping their hooves.
Economy
Tourism and financial services are the twin pillars of the Bahamian economy, contributing the vast majority of GDP. The islands attract millions of visitors annually. Offshore banking and foreign investment also play significant roles in this small but prosperous island nation.
Food
Cracked conch is the Bahamas' signature dish, alongside conch salad, conch fritters, and peas-and-rice. Grouper and lobster are local staples. Bahamian cuisine is bold, fresh, and seaside-inspired — enough to make any lamb consider a career change to seafood chef.
Tourism
Nassau, the capital on New Providence, draws millions with its colonial architecture and Cable Beach. Paradise Island hosts the famous Atlantis Resort. The Exumas offer stunning swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, and the blue holes of Andros are world-renowned dive sites.
People
The Bahamas has a population of roughly 400,000, predominantly of African descent. Bahamians are known for warmth, resilience, and strong community spirit. Notable Bahamians include actor Sidney Poitier and Olympic sprint legend Frank Rutherford, a proud flock of accomplished individuals.
Nature
The Bahamas boasts spectacular coral reefs, blue holes, and mangrove ecosystems. The Andros Barrier Reef is one of the world's largest. Rare Bahamian parrots, flamingos at Inagua National Park, and nurse sharks in the Exumas make this archipelago a nature lover's woolly wonderland.
Fun Facts
The Bahamas has no rivers and no mountains — the highest point is only 63 meters! The swimming pigs of Exuma are internationally famous. The Bahamas was a notorious pirate haven in the early 1700s, and it has more blue holes than any other country on Earth.
