Facts About The Bahamas

Bahamas Geography, Government,
History, Travel Requirements, and More!

These facts about the Bahamas will make your trip to the Bahamas more enriching and enjoyable! The Bahamas is an English speaking independent nation comprised entirely of islands. The Northern portion of the Bahamas island chain is located around 50 miles to the East of the United States at the narrowest point between the two countries. The population of the Bahamas is estimated to be around 307,000. About 60% of the population lives in the capitol city of Nassau.

This unique aquatic nation is comprised of over 700 islands and 2000 cays sprinkled across the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

All that water is why we love the Bahamas. We love to sail, surf, kayak, fish, swim, snorkel, and dive. We love pretty much anything that has to do with the ocean.

Bahamas Geology

The Bahamas archipelago are actually the tops of banks that were formed somewhere between 90,000 and 120 years ago from coral reef formation. The famous pink sand beaches of the Bahamas get their colorful appearance from the broken pieces of seashell mixed in with the sand.

The highest point in the Bahamas is Mount Alvernia on Cat Island, which is 63 meters (over 200 feet) high. Now that's a nice climb! You easily can walk the length and width of many of the smaller cays, which are usually pretty flat. If you do find a hill to climb, it will be worth it. You will be rewarded by some of the most beautiful views you have ever seen!

Who knew that because of this unique geology, we could see some of the most interesting, (and a little spooky), caves with awesome stalactites and stalagmites in them!

During the ice ages, the sea level was much lower, as low as over 250 feet below its present level! One of the most interesting Bahamas facts is that it was during this time that a lot of rainwater erosion took place in the limestone rock that forms the islands. When rain falls from the sky, it absorbs a small amount of carbon dioxide, which causes it to become a weak carbonic acid. This "acid rain" is what carved out the hundreds of vertical and horizontal cave systems that are now below the islands. The cave systems began on dry land until the ice melted, causing the sea level to rise.

Not only does the primordial limestone composition of the Bahamas islands create a favorable environment for caves on land... it also boasts the uncommon feature of submarine caves, also known as Blue Holes! Our favorite blue hole to swim and dive is Dean's Blue Hole on Long Island, Bahamas. One fun Bahamas Fact is that Dean's Blue Hole is the world's deepest blue hole. It is located in the most picturesque little spot called Turtle Cove.

For More About Bahamas Blue Holes, Click Here.

All those caves made great hiding places for pirate treasure, maybe that's why so many pirates made the Bahamas their favorite hangout. How's that for a really cool Bahamas Fact? When you see these hidden grottos, you can just imagine a pirate's delight in finding such a perfect lair!

Bahamas History

There were real life pirates in the Bahamas, but the first human settlers in the Bahamas were South American indians that first arrived in the Bahamas around ninth century AD. Other groups that helped make the Bahamas what it is today were the Spaniards who arrived with Columbus in 1492, the African slaves who were brought to the islands by the Europeans, and English settlers who migrated from Bermuda in 1648 called the Eleutherian Adventurers.

Which brings us back to the pirates, things actually got so out of control for awhile in the Bahamas that they were made into a British crown colony in 1718 just to restore order! And it worked. On July 10, 1973, the Bahamas became a fully independent country with its own government. Click here to learn what the Bahamas Flag represents

Bahamas Government

The Bahamas is a sovereign nation. Their constitution is modeled after the Westminster System, which is a democratic parliamentary system like the one used by the British government.

Bahamas Culture

The Bahamas culture is a mixture of Lucayan Indian, European, and African cultures. It is reminiscent of many Caribbean island cultures in that it has been influenced by its tropical surroundings. There are so many fun Bahamas facts on Bahamas culture. Everything from the music to the architecture to the local lore has been shaped by the surrounding sea, sultry weather, and lush landscape.

L-a-a-a-aid b-a-a-a-ack! That's the only way to describe life in the Bahamas!

Some of our favorite things about Bahamas culture are:

Cascarilla

Click here for more on Bahamas Culture.

Bahamas Climate

The Bahamas gets over 315 days of sunshine a year!The coldest weather I can remember facing there was in the Northern Bahamas one December evening. I was quite comfortable wearing jeans and a sweatshirt

Usually, I wear a bikini, or shorts and a t-shirt. And Brian practically lives in boardshorts. That is our daily attire, even in February! The air is quite humid, you can definitely tell you are in the tropics. I love the sexy, lush humidity!

For More Bahamas Facts On The Bahamas Climate, Click Here

Bahamas Plants

Most Bahamians possess an intimate knowledge of their local plant life. One of the most interesting Bahamas Facts is that the Bahamian people still use Bush Medicine today. Bush Medicine is the tradition of using local plants for medicinal purposes. It is still practiced on most of the islands. Bush Medicine is especially important in the out islands, where medical facilities are scarce. During our last trip to the Bahamas, we purchased a plant identification guide. It was great fun to learn all the names and uses for the beautiful foliage that has been nothing more than lovely scenery in past years.

Click Here To Go To The Bahamas Plants page so you can learn more.

Bahamas Wildlife

So, what kinds of wildlife thrives in the Bahamas?

Well, it used to be giant crocodiles and tortises back before humans settled there. These days you can find wild horses, donkeys, goats, and pigs. There are also iguanas, flamingos, parrots, and a small native mammal called a hutia. There are no poisonous snakes!

Find out more about Bahamas Wildlife by clicking here!

Bahamas Travel Requirements

All you need is a swimsuit and a good attitude.. well, maybe a few other things...

Entry Requirements for the Bahamas are as follows:

Passports: To enter The Bahamas, citizens of Britain and Canada coming in as visitors must carry a valid passport. In addition, the USA requires all US Citizens to carry a valid passport for re-entry back into the States. Citizens of other countries, including Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, should also carry a valid passport.

Onward or return tickets: These must be shown to immigration officials upon arrival in The Bahamas.

For Passport Resources, Click Here

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