Bahamas. Bahamas on the world map. Where are they located? What washes the Bahamas

The Bahamas is an independent country that is part of the Commonwealth, which is headed by Great Britain. The second name of the state is the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It is located on the archipelago of the same name, washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The border between the Bahamas and Florida is the Straits of Florida, and the border with Cuba is the Old Bahamas Strait. Now, I think, it has become clear to everyone where the Bahamas are located. The Bahamas simply do not have land borders, as you probably already guessed.

Yes, by the way, since 2009, Russians no longer need a visa to travel to the Bahamas. But when buying tickets, it is still worth really assessing your knowledge of the English language. After all, the official language here is English, and most vacationers are from the neighboring United States. Therefore, taking good English courses and improving your knowledge of the language will not be superfluous.

Isn't it beautiful?

The archipelago extends in a northwest direction and slightly to the southeast for 1,500 km; the area of ​​all the islands of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is 13,940 sq. km, and the inhabited islands are approximately 11,400 sq. km. It consists of about 700 islands and 2000 coral reefs. Of the seven hundred islands, only thirty are inhabited. The capital of the Bahamas is the port city of Nassau. It is Nassau that receives the first wave of vacationers, since it is here that hotel ships dock, bringing numerous tourists from all over the world. There is no shortage of vacationers, so prices for tours are in a fairly wide range. The currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar (BSD).

Bahamas on the world map, map in Russian

BAHAMAS ISLANDS(Bahamas), Commonwealth of the Bahamas (Commonwealth of the Bahamas).

General information

B.O. is a state in Latin America, in the West Indies. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Cuba, northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the island of Haiti, southeast of the Florida Peninsula (USA). Occupies b. part of the Bahamas archipelago (about 700 islands, of which 30 are inhabited, and about 2 thousand coral reefs). Area 13,939 km2; 28% falls on the water surface; largest islands (area, km 2): Andros 5957, Great Abaco 2009, Great Inagua 1679, Great Bahama 1373, Long Island 596 and Eleuthera 518. Population 382.3 thousand people. (2014, assessment). The capital is Nassau (on the island of New Providence). The official language is English (Bahamian Creole); Haitian Creole is a widely spoken language (based on French). The currency is the Bahamian dollar. Administrative division: New Providence Island (under direct government control) and 31 districts (on other islands).

B.O. is a member of the UN (1973), IMF (1973), OAS (1982), Caribbean Community (1983; does not participate in the common market).

Political system

B.O. – unitary state. The Constitution has been in force since July 10, 1973. The form of government is a constitutional monarchy.

The head of state is the British monarch, who is represented by the governor general.

The highest legislative body is the bicameral parliament, consisting of the Senate (upper house) and the House of Assembly (lower house). The House of Assembly consists of 38 members elected by universal suffrage. 16 members of the Senate are appointed by the Governor General (9 on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, 4 by the leader of the opposition and 3 by agreement between the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties). The Senate has the right to delay the adoption of laws (with the exception of those related to finance). The term of office of both chambers is 5 years, but early dissolution of parliament is possible.

Executive power is vested in the government, headed by the prime minister, usually the leader of the party with a majority in parliament. The government is responsible to the House of Assembly.

Population

82.7% of the population (2010 census) are Bahamian creoles (blacks and mulattoes), whose language was formed on the basis of English. There are also Haitians (11.1%), immigrants from Jamaica (1.6%) and other Caribbean islands, US Americans (1.2%), British, Canadians, etc.

In 1950–2014, the population of B. O. increased by more than 4.8 times (79.0 thousand people in 1950; 169.4 thousand people in 1970; 256.3 thousand people in 1990; 297 ,8 thousand people in 2000; 353.7 thousand people in 2010, census), with the fastest growth in the 2000s and 1950s. Population growth is mainly due to migration. In 2014, the population increased by 0.87% solely due to natural population growth. The birth rate is 15.7 per 1000 inhabitants. (2014), mortality 7.0 per 1000 inhabitants. Fertility rate approx. 2.0 children per 1 woman (2014), infant mortality 12.5 per 1000 live births (the same for boys and girls). The average life expectancy of the population is 71.9 years (2014, including men - 69.5, women - 74.5 years). The average age of the population is 31.2 years (2014; including men - 30.1 years, women - 32.3 years). In the age structure of the population, the share of children (under 15 years old) is 23.2% (2014), people of working age (15–65 years old) – 69.8%, elderly people (over 65 years old) – 7.0%. There are 104.2 women per 100 men (2014).

Average population density is 27.4 people/km 2 (2014). Over 70% of the population lives on the island of New Providence, over 15% on the island of Grand Bahama. The share of the urban population is 82.8% (2014). The largest city is Nassau (248.9 thousand people; 2010 census). Economic active population 196.9 thousand people. (2013). Among those employed, 86% (2011) are employed in the service sector, 11% in industry and construction, and 3% in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Official unemployment rate is 16.2% (2013). 9.3% of the population lives below the poverty line (2010).

Religion

About 95% of the residents of B.O. are Christians, including about 82% - representatives of various Protestant denominations (35% - Baptists, 14% - Anglicans, etc.), about 12% - Catholics; followers of other religions (Bahais, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, adherents Caribbean syncretic cults) are few in number; 4.4% do not identify themselves with any religious group (2010 census).

There is 1 metropolitanate of the Roman Catholic Church. Anglican parishes are included in the diocese of the B.O. and Turks and Caicos Church of the Province of the West Indies. There is 1 Orthodox parish in the jurisdiction of Constantinople Orthodox Church. Religious legislation: in Art. Chapter 22 3 of the B.O. Constitution proclaims freedom of conscience and religion, prohibition of discrimination against any religion.

Historical sketch

Before the discovery of the islands by Europeans, they were inhabited by Arawaks, similar in culture to the Tainos. The Bahamas became the first land discovered by H. Columbus during his expedition to America. 10/12/1492 Columbus landed on the island, which the locals called Guanahani, and gave it the name San Salvador. The exact location of Guanahani has not been established; now its most common identification is with the island of San Salvador (from the 17th century until 1925 it was called Watlings Island), other possible candidates are the islands of Samana Cay, Plana Cays, Cat, etc. The Spaniards did not base it on The Bahamas had permanent settlements, but raided the islands, capturing Indians to work in the mines and plantations in their American colonies. In 1565 the French made an unsuccessful attempt to establish a colony on the Abaco Islands. In 1629, England formally claimed the Bahamas as its possession, and the first settlement was founded in the 1640s. on the island of Eleuthera by a group of English Puritans who fled Bermuda due to conflicts with local authorities. In the 2nd half of the 17th century. colonies also appeared on the islands of Harbor Island, New Providence, etc. The population grew due to immigrants from Europe, English colonies in North America, a significant number of blacks (both slaves and freed) were imported to work on the plantations. In addition to agriculture, salt production, fishing, whaling, and the extraction of turtles and shellfish developed. From 1670 the islands were administratively subordinated to the English colony of Carolina (British America; from 1712 it was divided into North Carolina and South Carolina). At the end of the 17th - beginning of the 18th centuries. There were also pirate bases in the Bahamas; the island of New Providence, depopulated after the attacks of the Spanish-French fleet (1703, 1706), became the center of a kind of “pirate republic”. Former privateer W. Rogers, appointed by the British authorities as the 1st governor of the Bahamas, in 1718 established control over the port of Nassau on the island of New Providence and took measures to destroy pirate bases, while simultaneously recruiting pirates for the war against Spain. In 1782 the Spaniards captured the archipelago, but already Treaty of Versailles 1783 returned it to Great Britain. After graduation North American Revolutionary Wars 1775–83 Up to 3 thousand people moved to the Bahamas. from among the supporters of the British king (the so-called loyalists). They set up cotton plantations on the islands, for which they imported slaves from Africa. After the British government banned the slave trade (1807) and the abolition of slavery (1838), the plantations fell into disrepair, and their owners began to leave the islands. The economy of the islands deteriorated until the end of the 19th century, then the resort and tourism business began to develop in the Bahamas, which contributed to its rise. An additional impetus to economic development was given by the industrial production of rum, which brought especially large incomes to distillery owners during the period of Prohibition in the United States (1919–33). In 1940–45, Governor of the Bahamas was former king Great Britain Edward VIII(held the title Duke of Windsor). During World War II, there were American naval bases on the islands. The flow of tourists increased significantly in the late 1950s and early 1960s. after the opening of Nassau International Airport (1957) and the US conflict with Cuba, which had previously been a popular holiday destination for Americans. Since the 1950s Political parties began to emerge in the Bahamas; in 1964, Great Britain granted the islands self-government. From 10.7.1973 – independent state B.O. within the Commonwealth. In the country, while maintaining the position of governor-general, a modern party-political system has developed. In 1973–92 and 2002–07, the center-right Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) was in power, and in 1992–2002 and 2007–12, the center-left Free National Democratic Movement (FNDM) party was in power. Following the election results on May 7, 2012, the PLP returned to power. The islands have repeatedly suffered from devastating tropical hurricanes (1999, 2004, 2012). Since the 1990s Due to changes in legislation, B.O. became one of the world's main offshore zones.

Bahamian-Russian relations

Diplomatic relations between B.O. and Russia were established on January 14, 2004. Political contacts are maintained and interaction is carried out in the UN and other international organizations. Russian-Bahamian trade turnover in 2011 amounted to 17.2 million US dollars. Due to numerous offshore companies, B.O. are one of the leaders in the volume of direct investments in Russia (at the end of 2015 - 1st place, 5.2 billion US dollars, which is 42.9% higher than the corresponding figure for 2014).

Farm

GDP volume (at purchasing power parity, 2013) $11.4 billion; per capita $30.2 thousand. Human development index 0.789 (2013; 51st place among 187 countries). 90.6% of GDP is created in the service sector (2014), in industry and construction - 7.3%, in agriculture, forestry and fishing - 2.1%.

Industry

The main industrial area was formed in the western part of the island of Grand Bahama near the city of Freeport - a free trade zone (1955); specializes in repairs sea ​​vessels and containers (including TEU), production of pharmaceuticals (enterprises of the American company Sintex Corporation and the British company GlaxoSmithKline), beer, paper, etc. On the island of New Providence there are food processing enterprises (including Bermuda Bacardi company – production of rum of the same name), textile and clothing industries. On the island of Great Abaco there is a wood pulp production plant of the American company Owens-Illinois. Evaporation of rock salt from sea water on the islands of Great Inagua and Long Island (American companies Diamond Crystal Salt Company and Morton Salt) and extraction of aragonite (calcium carbonate; over 1 thousand tons per year) near the island of Ocean Key (American company Aragonite Enterprises). Electricity production approx. 2 billion kWh (2013) at thermal power plants. Handicraft production of jewelry, batik, sisal souvenirs, sea shells and sea turtle shells.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Agriculture is poorly developed, and a significant portion of food is imported. Less than 1% of the territory is cultivated. They grow sugar cane, citrus fruits (mainly on the islands of Great Abaco and Grand Bahama), tropical fruits (on the islands of Eleuthera and Big Abaco), coconut palms, early vegetables (on Great Abaco Island), flowers and ornamental trees and shrubs (mainly for export to USA). Gross harvest (thousand tons, 2012): sugar cane 57.5; grapefruits and pomelo 20.4, oranges 3.7, lemons and limes 3.1, bananas 9.5, mangoes and guavas 2.4, avocados 1.2, other tropical fruits (including papaya and pineapples) 6.6; coconuts 2.6; tomatoes 5.8, zucchini and squash 2.1, cabbage 1.3, onions 1.1, other vegetables and herbs 18.0. Livestock farming is poorly developed, the main industry is poultry farming (mainly on the islands of Great Abaco and Eleuthera; 3.0 million heads, 2013); They also raise goats (15 thousand heads), sheep (6.6 thousand), pigs (over 5 thousand) and cattle. Production (thousand tons, 2013): poultry meat 6.6, goat milk 2.2, cow milk 0.7; eggs 2.2 million pcs. In coastal waters - fishing (tuna, etc.), sea turtles and seafood (lobster, etc.). Since the 1990s Artificial shrimp farming is being developed (for export). Timber harvesting (mainly Caribbean pine) on the islands of Andros and Great Abaco.

Services sector

The basis of the country's economic sector is foreign tourism (60% of GDP and 49% of employment, 2013), financial services (offshore banking) and business services (including registration of foreign ships under a “cheap” flag; in total, about 35 % of GDP); E-commerce is actively developing. Foreign tourism has been developing since the beginning. 1960s (the flow of American tourists from the island of Cuba was redirected here). Tourists arrive by sea ( cruise ships) and air transport. In 2013, B.O. was visited by 5.9 million. foreign tourists(from the USA – approx. 85%, from European countries– 7%, from Canada – 5%); net income from tourism amounted to $2.4 billion. Types of tourism: beach, cruise, sports (diving, yachting, surfing, kayaking, fishing and golf), event (Junkanoo, Bahamian music, Bimini Islands, Bahamian culinary festivals and winemaking; carnival, sailing regatta and fishing tournaments), cultural and educational (visiting historical forts, traditional villages, the 18th century British settlement “Gambier Historical Village”, botanical garden and the Ardastra zoo, a rum factory, etc.), entertainment (casino and water park), health (spa centers), environmental ( National parks, bird watching, etc.). Mass tourism is developed on the islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence (large modern hotels operate here, beach areas, yacht clubs, golf courses, casinos, etc.; new resort areas have been created - near Freeport and on Paradise Island, connected to Nassau by a dam), specific types of tourism - on the islands of Andros, Eleuthera and Great Inagua (luxury holidays) , extreme diving, treasure hunting, etc.).

B.O. is one of the world's largest centers of offshore banking and insurance business. Its development is facilitated by a preferential tax regime (including the abolition of many taxes). There are a total of 430 registered offshore commercial banks from 36 countries (mainly subsidiaries of the world's leading banks, 200 of which have offices in Nassau and Freeport), as well as offshore trust, investment, insurance, shipping and email domain companies. There are 1,063 foreign sea vessels assigned to the B.O. (2010), the bulk of them belong to shipowners from Norway, Greece, the USA and Great Britain. The main capital market operators are the B.O. Central Bank (1974) and the Bahamas International Stock Exchange (1999; both have their head offices in Nassau). Among the largest commercial banks are British American Bank, Bank of The Bahamas (both have headquarters in Nassau), Barbadian First Caribbean Bank, American Citibank, Canadian Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Nova Scotia and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Australian Commonwealth Bank. In the free trade zone near Freeport, there is a storage and transhipment base for petroleum products (capacity 20 million tons), serving mainly the areas of the Atlantic coast of the United States; under the control of Bahamas Oil Refining Company International, since 2011 in the structure of the American Buckeye Partners.

Transport

The total length of roads is 2.7 thousand km (2013), of which paved roads are approx. 1.6 thousand km. Its own marine fleet includes 97 vessels (mainly bulk carriers, tankers, refrigerators and chemical tankers). The largest sea ​​ports: Freeport (includes oil terminals for receiving tankers and refueling sea vessels and containers) and Nassau (passenger terminal for receiving cruise ships, cargo container terminal and parking for yachts and small vessels). The freeport is connected to Palm Beach (USA) by regular hydrofoil flights, and Nassau to Miami (USA) by sea catamarans. All inhabited islands The Bahamian archipelago is connected by sea. International airports operate in Nassau [named after Lynden Pindling International Airport); 3 million passengers, 2009] and Freeport ["Grand Bahama" (" Grand Bahama International Airport» )], local airlines connect Nassau with b. including islands of the archipelago (24 airports with paved runways and 37 airports with unpaved surfaces). Airlines: SkyBahamas, Pineapple Air, Southern Air Charter (all scheduled and charter international and domestic flights) and Bahamasair (charter and cargo international and domestic flights).

International trade

The balance of foreign trade in goods is chronically deficit. Foreign trade turnover of St. $4 billion (2014), including exports of $960 million, imports of $3.05 billion. Main commodity exports (including re-exports from the free trade zone near Freeport - mainly refurbished sea vessels): petroleum products, seafood, pharmaceuticals, aragonite, rock salt, rum and wood pulp; imports: petroleum products, machinery and equipment, chemicals, consumer and food products. Main trading partners: USA, Germany, Spain and France.

Healthcare

There were 163 doctors, 230 paramedical personnel, and 25 dentists per 100 thousand inhabitants (2001). Expenditures on health care (2002) amounted to 5.14% of GDP (budget financing - 64.5%, private sector - 35.5%). Health care is decentralized: the public sector regulates hospital and primary health care, targeted programs; the private sector is limited to individual practice. The working population is covered by the national health insurance system. The main causes of death in the adult population are cardiovascular diseases, infections (including HIV), cancer, and injuries. The incidence of tuberculosis is 82 cases, HIV infection is 320 cases (2002).

Sport

The Olympic Association was founded and recognized by the IOC in 1952. Athletes have been participating in the Olympic Games since 1952 (Helsinki). Most popular types sports - boxing, wrestling, athletics, sailing, diving, windsurfing, volleyball, tennis. The first Olympic award for the country was won by the yachtsmen, taking 3rd place in the Star class in 1956 (Melbourne). In 1964 in Tokyo, the crew of the Star class yacht, consisting of D. Knowles (participant in the 8th Olympic Games in 1948–72, 1988; nickname Sea Wolf) and S. Cook, won the first gold medal at the Olympic Games. In 2000 in Sydney, B.O. athletes won 2 gold medals (both women) in the 200 m race (1999 world champion in the 4x100 m relay and silver medalist in the same discipline at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics - P. Davis-Thompson) and in the women's 4x100 m track and field relay (P. Davis-Thompson, D. Ferguson, S. Fiennes, C. Starrup) and 1 bronze medal; after 4 years in Athens - 1 gold (400 m runner T. Williams-Darling) and 1 bronze medal. At the Beijing Olympics (2008), Bahamian athletes were awarded 1 silver and 1 bronze medal. At the London Olympics (2012), the men's four runners (R. Miller, D. Pinder, M. Mathieu, K. Brown) achieved historical success, winning the 4x400 m relay. 4 years later in Rio de Janeiro (2016 ) a sensational victory in the 400 m race was won by S. Miller (before this competition, her best results were 2nd place at the World Indoor Championships in Sopot, 2014 and 4th place at the World Championships in Moscow, 2013) - unexpected " diving” at the finish line she was ahead of the main favorite of the race, American E. Felix. In total, as of January 1, 2017, B.O.’s athletes had 6 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze medals. The largest sports arena in the capital of B. O. Nassau - Tomas Robinson Stadium (built in 1981, reconstructed in 2005 and 2014, about 15 thousand seats) hosted the first two world championships in the history of athletics in relay running (2014, 2015) and the third one is due (2017); Bahamian runners won two silver medals in the 4x400m relay (2014, 2015). The stadium is named after the famous sprinter T. Robinson (1938–2012) – participant in 4 Olympics (1956–68), winner of the Commonwealth Games (1958). In addition to the Olympic champions, professional Bahamian boxers have achieved international fame - S. Williams (performs in the super heavy weight category; had 56 fights, won 38 victories and 20 of them by knockout), who fought with E. Holyfield, R. Chagaev, T. Fields and etc.; Ch. Edner (performs in the weight category up to 60 kg; had 44 fights, won 34 victories and 19 of them by knockout). In 2011 and 2012, Nassau hosted the B.O. Women’s Open Tennis Championship (ITF series, prize fund 100 thousand). dollars), in the singles category of which A. Ekimova (Bulgaria) and A. Vozniak (Canada) respectively won. Representatives of B.O. played in the doubles of both competitions - N. Fountain, L. Russell. B.O. athletes participate in such traditional international forums as the Commonwealth Games (1954–70, 1978–82, since 1990) and the Pan American Games (since 1955); In the first of them, 24 gold, 24 silver and 32 bronze medals were won, in the second, 7, 13, 11, respectively.

Education. Scientific and cultural institutions

The management of educational institutions is carried out by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The main regulatory document in the field of education is Education Act 1996. The education system includes: pre-school education (optional; mainly run by religious organizations and individuals), 6-year primary education, 3-year incomplete and 3-year complete secondary education, higher education. Education for children from 5 to 16 years old is compulsory and free. 97.5% of students are enrolled in primary education, about 83% are enrolled in secondary education (2010, data from the UNESCO Institute of Statistics). The literacy rate of the population over 15 years of age is over 95% (2015). Higher education given by the University of the West Indies Branch (founded in 1965), B.O. College (1974), Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Agricultural and Maritime Institute (2014). Public Library (founded 1873; building 1798–99) - all in Nassau. The first museum was founded in 1847 (the collection was subsequently transferred to the National Archives). Museums: in Jambi Village [founded in 1975 on the basis of the private Bahamia Museum ( Bahamia ) – a collection of household items of the 19th century, works of traditional crafts, national clothes, etc.]; Bahamas Historical Society (founded 1959; collection by naval history countries); slavery and emancipation "Pompi" ("Pompey" founded in 1992), pirates - all in Nassau; histories of the Indians in Lucay; historical W. Malone in Hope Town (1977, Abaco Island), etc. Park and zoo center "Ardastra" (1937, modern status since 1982), National Art Gallery (NAGB; 1996) - both in Nassau.

Mass media

B.O.'s leading newspapers are the oldest, The Nassau Guardian (1844), which publishes local supplements in several cities (the largest is The Freeport News), The Bahama Journal, The Tribune, and The Punch. Weeklies are published on the islands of Abaco, Andros, Cat, Long Island, Exuma and Eleuthera. Publications aimed at foreign tourists are widespread. Radio broadcasting has been carried out since 1936. There are more than 20 radio stations. Television since 1977. Two public and 4 private, including 2 religious channels. The state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB) owns the television and radio broadcasting company ZNS Bahamas, which operates several radio stations, including the oldest in B.O. ZNS-1 (1937), and the leading television channel of B. ZNS- TV 13. Cable television is available on 11 islands, its largest operator is the national company Cable Bahamas. The Internet penetration level in B.O. is 90.5% (2015).

Bahamas– a fabulous corner of our planet that every tourist probably dreams of visiting. The Bahamas are an archipelago in the middle of a blue expanse Atlantic Ocean, which is the center of world tourism. The Bahamas is washed by the warm Gulf Stream, thanks to which a mild climate reigns here all year round. This state includes two and a half thousand reefs and seven hundred islands, although only thirty of them are inhabited. The Bahamian coast delights sophisticated tourists with hundreds of kilometers of snow-white beaches, beautiful coral reefs, crystal clear coastal waters and picturesque Caribbean nature. About an amazing holiday Bahamas, we will tell you in our article.

Prices for tours and flights to the Bahamas. Holidays in the Bahamas are considered elite, so you need to be prepared that trips will be expensive. When choosing tours online, please note that many travel agencies offer tours to the resorts of the Bahamas, without the cost of air travel. Approximately, a week-long tour to the Bahamas for two adults will cost from eight hundred euros. The price includes accommodation in a three-star hotel, with breakfast, and transfer from the airport to the hotel and back. All-inclusive meals, so beloved by Russians, are rare in the Bahamas. It is very convenient that a visa to the Bahamas is not needed for our compatriots planning to vacation there for less than ninety days. It is quite possible to buy relatively cheap air tickets to the Bahamas, but you should know that ticket prices vary depending on the time of year, the city of departure, and the availability of promotions and discounts from a given airline at that time. It is most profitable to purchase an air ticket to the Bahamas from Moscow or St. Petersburg, then a one-way economy class ticket will cost you about fifty thousand rubles. But you can find even more profitable options, for example, with Delta airline, a one-way flight will start from twenty-three thousand rubles, and with Transaero airline, departing from Vnukovo, you can go to the paradise islands for twenty-eight thousand rubles. But there are practically no direct flights to Freeport Airport; you will still have to make one or two transfers. Most transplants take place in or to the USA.

When and where is the best time to vacation in the Bahamas? There are two main seasons for the Bahamas: summer, when the air temperature warms up to thirty-three degrees and the water to twenty-eight, and winter, when the outside temperature is twenty-five degrees and the water is twenty-three degrees. Prices for tours to the Bahamas are always higher in winter, especially on holidays, but during the summer holidays, the cost of the tour will also increase. Although, it is at this time that you can find a lot of last-minute trips to the Bahamas with significant discounts. When choosing a holiday destination, it is worth knowing that the northwestern islands of the archipelago are cooler. The hottest islands of the Bahamas are the southern ones: Greater and Lesser Inagua, Mayaguana. In winter, there are rains here, but very rarely, and winds, high waves, and hurricanes are also very rare on these islands. That is why winter is more preferable for a holiday in the Bahamas. But in the period from May to October, the rainy season, typhoons and storms begins here. In all hotels, warnings are posted at the reception desk about all weather disasters predicted for the day. Relaxing in the Bahamas in the summer is quite romantic, because it is during this period that bright tropical flowers begin to bloom on the islands and shrubs begin to bloom, everything is green all around, exotic birds and insects flutter.

Resorts of the Bahamas. It is clear that all the islands of this archipelago are divided into resort areas, and each of them is attractive in its own way; here, everywhere, tourists are offered a lot of interesting excursions and the most various entertainments. Each resort has several restaurants, bars, cabarets, casinos, and shops.

Resorts and beaches of New Providence Island is the most densely populated Bahamian island, where the capital is located - the beautiful city of Nassau, which combines all the best that it has given local nature. Calm - during the day, and capable at night, of turning anyone, even the most passive tourist, into an untied reveler. In the city one can trace a vivid mixture of architectural styles: colonial, modern - and this can be explained by the fact that this sea harbor has always been an area of ​​​​someone's interests and each people who took possession of it contributed to the urban architectural component.

Connoisseurs of snow-white beaches and clear oceans, who are not ready to leave civilization and find themselves alone with nature, prefer to relax in Nassau. It is worth noting that along the entire coast of the Nassau resort there are hotel complexes, shopping centers and parks that make tourists' vacation more eventful and interesting. And also, Nassau - real paradise for connoisseurs of excellent shopping. Here are the most luxurious boutiques, numerous shops " duty free" The city of Nassau is one of the world's largest offshore centers, where four hundred banks and trust funds are located, it is not for nothing that it is called the “Zurich of the tropics”. The islands located near New Providence are home to luxury hotels designed for elite holiday in the Bahamas, there are a lot of upscale restaurants and the Crystal Palace casino. The most popular beaches on New Providence Island are: Cable Beach – Cable Beach is the most best beach Caribbean islands, as well as the opposite resort islands, with Long Cay Beach and North Cay Beach.

Resorts and beaches of Grand Bahama Island –largest island With international airport, accepting flights from America and Europe. Connoisseurs of noise and fun come to relax on this Bahamian island, because the music does not stop here, there is a lot entertainment centers, discos, night clubs, and every shopping center has a duty-free point. The island has an excellently developed infrastructure. The main natural advantages of this island are its extensive snow-white beaches, huge pine forests. Most popular resort Grand Bahama - Freeport or Lucaya is a modern city with free morals. And the best beach is Gold Rock, with romantic palm trees leaning towards the water, vine bushes around and beautiful lush orchids. For those who like to tickle their nerves, we advise you to get to Tiger Beach - the habitat of tiger sharks, and then you will have enough impressions to last a lifetime. Very popular place holiday in the Grand Bahamas - the luxurious Paradise Bay beach, which is photographed on many booklets advertising an exclusive holiday in the Bahamas.

Resorts and beaches of Andros Island- this is the most uninhabited Bahamian island, with centuries-old pine groves, fragrant pine needles, beautiful mangroves and palm trees, located along snow-white sandy beaches, smoothly extending into the turquoise sea surface. Supporters of relaxed life come here to relax beach holiday in the lap of nature, with pleasure, strolling along the turquoise ocean, to the melodic accompaniment of birds chirping: ibises, flamingos, spoonbills, hummingbirds, Bahamian parrots. Weddings are often held here Honeymoon. But this island is no less popular among eco-tourists, amateur kayakers, ornithologists, snorkelers, divers, and just those who like to fish. The three main resorts of Andros Island: Nicholls Town, Andros Town, Congo Town. But due to the small population of the island, there is almost no developed infrastructure and public transport, and traveling by taxi will cost you a pretty penny. The most popular beach in Andros is Somerset Beach. By the way, many local hotels, knowing that newlyweds are trying to come to this Bahamian island to relax, offer a “wedding package”.

Resorts and beaches of Eleuthera is the fourth largest island of the Bahamas, and an elite vacation spot, with the most expensive and luxurious hotels and restaurants. It is only two kilometers wide, but stretches one hundred and eighty kilometers in length. Locals, live thanks to generous seafood and rich pineapple plantations, and, of course, tourism.

The island of Eleuthera is a quiet but well-developed resort, with picturesque nature: high cliffs leading into the bright blue sea, numerous mysterious caves and grottoes, beautiful coral reefs, wide beaches with pink sand. The water here is very clean and transparent, and the entrance is gentle. The main beaches: “French Leave Beach”, “Lighthouse Beach”, “Surfers Beach”, “Winding Bay Beach” - are very popular among tourists vacationing on this Bahamian island. Divers love to relax on the island of Eleuthera, who have long appreciated its beautiful undersea world.

Resorts and beaches of Great Abaco Island is the second largest island of the Bahamas, and a favorite vacation spot for people crazy about sailing. Yachtsmen from all over the world meet here, during the “sailboat season,” which begins with the arrival of spring and lasts almost until the end of autumn. Travelers vacationing here will certainly be delighted by the local coast with cozy bays and beautiful reefs, clear turquoise sea water, by the way, the local waters are calm and rather shallow, with a gentle entrance. The most popular sandy beaches: Ocean Beach, Tahiti Beach, Guana Cay Beach, Abaco Beach Resort", "Sandy Point Beach". On Abaco you can do excellent fishing, because the local coastal waters are simply teeming with fish. For lovers of eco-tours, we recommend visiting the picturesque Abaco National Park.

Long Island Resorts and Beaches- the most picturesque Bahamian island, where there are very few tourists, but many natural places, completely untouched by civilization. The island stretches in a long, narrow strip along the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is divided in two by the ridge of an ancient reef, so Long Island has completely different shores, on the one hand dominated by high cliffs and deep caves washed by raging ocean waves, and on the other hand there are ideal white-sand beaches with a gentle entrance to calm and quiet waters . It is this contrast that makes a holiday on this Bahamian island more interesting and exciting. The main resort town here is Stella Maris, all boat excursions and other tours around the island start from here. At the northern tip of the island, the most beautiful Cape Santa Maria in the Western Hemisphere is located.

Exuma Island Resorts and Beaches is an archipelago of three hundred and sixty-five coral reefs and small islets, the largest of which are Great Exuma and Little Exuma, washed by the sapphire waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Great Exuma Island offers tourists plenty of opportunities to have an interesting holiday, since there are excellent resorts here, with hotels offering high-quality service, but you can also rent a modest fishing lodge, thus saving on accommodation. Local cozy bays, quiet bays and harbors attract numerous yachtsmen and fans of sport fishing. Here, since 1957, the world's most famous marine park was created - Exuma Case Land and Sea Park. The most popular beaches on Exuma Island among tourists are “Tropic of Cancer Beach”, “Three Sisters Beach”, “Jolly Hall Beach”, “Coco Plum Beach”, “Hamburger Beach”. No less beautiful beaches are Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Staniel Cay, Saddle Cay, Stocking Island - all of them are sandy with a gentle entrance into clear sea water.

Resorts and beaches of Bimini island – picturesque archipelago of several islands, the largest of which are North Bimini and South Bimini. This picturesque archipelago is located on the edge of a powerful sheer underwater cliff, immersed thousands of meters into the sea abyss. The Bimini Islands are a very attractive place for people interested in the unusual and unknown, because it is here that there are several unique places planets and natural monuments, the properties of which have not yet been solved or explained by scientists. The most controversial place is the “Bimini Road”, which, back in the forties of the twentieth century, was discussed by the famous predictor Edgar Cayce, who said that in 1968, the ruins of one of the lost cities of the drowned Atlantis would be found here. And so it happened: in September 1968, near the shores of Paradise Point in North Bimini, neatly laid out huge limestone blocks, seven hundred meters long, were found, which were called “Bimini Road”. Long-term underwater archaeological expeditions and research began, after which it was concluded that these megaliths were actually laid by people - representatives of a long-vanished highly developed civilization, but there were other opponents who argued that these were just sea sediments - coastal rock.

Another very controversial place in Bimini is the “Fountain of Youth” - a rejuvenating source that Juan Ponce de Leon was looking for, who heard a story about it from representatives of the Arawak people, related to the Taino Indians. Many of the island's indigenous inhabitants say that their distant ancestors passed on by word of mouth the legend that this miraculous fountain is located in the shallow backwaters of South Bimini. Following mysterious place islands - “Healing Grotto”, located in the backwaters of the mangrove forest covering North Bimini, this place is the end of a mysterious labyrinth of underground tunnels through which, at low tide, cool fresh water, rich in mineral salts - lithium and sulfur, penetrates into this backwater. for which, it has a powerful healing effect. After bathing here, people experience physical rejuvenation and phenomenal mental clarity.

The main resort of the Bimini Islands is Alice Town, with the best restaurants, shops, hotels. Fishing enthusiasts often come here, as well as fans of eco-tourism, who enjoy getting acquainted with natural beauties islands, observe the numerous representatives of the marine and aerial fauna that live here. Schools of dolphins and giant turtles swim right to the shores of the island. The most popular beaches of Bimini, with clean sea ​​water, white sandy shore and gentle entrance: “Radio Beach”, “Blister Beach”, “Spook Hill Beach”, “Tiki Hut Beach”.

Resorts and beaches of Greater Inagua- the southernmost island of the Bahamas, the third largest, with several lakes and a large ornithological reserve, home to eighty thousand species of birds. The island's main resort is Matthew Town, and Inagua's most popular beach is Iron Badge Beach. Fans of eco-tours, divers, as well as simply supporters of a quiet, contemplative holiday will enjoy relaxing on the island. Here you can watch life in natural environment pink flamingos, swim with dolphins.

Harbor Island Resorts and Beaches- a small island, five kilometers long and a kilometer wide, with a single resort town - Dunmore Town. Here is famous beach with pink sand - “Pink Sands Beach”, which, thanks to the coastal reefs, protects vacationers from huge waves. Harbor Island - considered the best Caribbean island and the most elite holiday destination in the Bahamas, for the richest people in the world. Holidays here are calm, since there are no noisy entertainment centers on the Harbor; lovers of silence and solitude in the lap of picturesque nature will like it here. Here are the most luxurious villas and luxury holiday homes in the Bahamas.

Resorts and beaches of the Berry Islands– here you will find the most economical holiday in the Bahamas. This cluster of thirty small reef islands is located southeast of Bimini. They are completely covered with greenery, there are many beautiful sandy beaches, snow-white, like flour. Thanks to their gently sloping entrance, these beaches are ideal for families traveling to the Bahamas with children. So, seven miles of the best sandy beaches await you: Dannenberg Beach, Queen's Beach, Sand Dollar Hill, Shark Creek, Shelling Beach, Sugar Beach, The Ship Yard Beach. There are also completely uninhabited islands, with pristine nature and beautiful deep sea, which have long been chosen by divers and snorkelers. Sports fishing championships are held on Berry.

Paradise Island Resort- is located northeast of New Providence, and is connected to this island by a bridge. On Paradise there is a huge Atlantis hotel complex, with amazing beaches, white sand and palm trees on the shore, excellent golf courses, a huge park water activities, casino, and numerous shops. Here you will find mental relaxation and entertainment for every taste.

The Bahamas are essentially one large resort and a place for elite beach holidays. Most resort areas have a well-developed infrastructure and a lot of entertainment for vacationers, here you can go diving, fishing, snorkeling, yachting, and get acquainted with interesting sights.

The name of the country comes from the Indian name for “island” - “bahama” and the Indian name for “island” - “bahama”.

Capital of the Bahamas. Nassau.

Area of ​​the Bahamas. 13,935 km2.

Population of the Bahamas. 388,000 people (

Bahamas GDP. $8.511 billion (

Location of the Bahamas. The Bahamas is a state in the West. Located on 700 small islands and two and a half thousand coral reefs stretching from the south- east coast Florida to the East Coast. About 40 islands are inhabited.

Administrative divisions of the Bahamas. The state is divided into 21 districts.

Form of government of the Bahamas. .

Head of State of the Bahamas. The Queen, who is represented by the Governor-General.

Supreme legislative body of the Bahamas. Bicameral Parliament: Senate and House of Assembly.

Supreme executive body of the Bahamas. Government.

Major cities of the Bahamas. New Providence, Freeport.

Official language of the Bahamas. English.

Religion of the Bahamas. 32% are Baptists, 20% are Anglicans, 19% are , 6% are Methodists.

Ethnic composition of the Bahamas. 85% are Africans, 15% are British, Americans.

Currency of the Bahamas. Bahamian dollar = 100 cents.

Flora of the Bahamas. The vegetation on the islands is tropical. Thickets of evergreen shrubs and pine forests predominate, with groves on the coast coconut trees. Here in Nassau Harbor is the world famous Paradis Island (Paradise Island).

Fauna of the Bahamas. Lives on the islands a large number of birds and virtually no mammals. Many tropical fish species.

The Bahamas are synonymous with luxury beach holidays: wide white sandy beaches, clear waters The Atlantic Ocean and excellent coral reefs, as well as profitable duty-free shopping and hundreds of casinos. All about the Bahamas from the subtleties of tourism: prices, tours, photos and hotels.

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Great Abaco is the second largest island of the Bahamas, well known to all yachtsmen in the world. The sailing season here lasts from spring to autumn. The vast coastal shallows are teeming with fish. Here you can practice any of the existing water sports, fishing, or visit the duty-free shops of the city itself. large city Islands - Marsh Harbor.

Long Island is hardly visited by tourists. But in vain - this is the most picturesque island The Bahamas, with beautiful nature and many places completely untouched by civilization. At the northern tip of the island, Cape Santa Maria is a long snow-white sand beach, one of the most beautiful in the Western Hemisphere. The main city of the island, Stella Maris, is small but quite modern locality, starting point for diving and fishing expeditions.

The Exuma island chain includes over 360 small islands, and in its southern part there are two quite big islands- Great and Little Exuma, where all local civilization is concentrated. This archipelago is a real paradise for yachtsmen, because these places are considered one of the most beautiful in the world: constant ebbs and flows, changing the depth of the coastal shallows, make the sea unusually beautiful. Diving enthusiasts will also have great fun here. All the details about the cities and resorts of the Bahamas are on the “Tourism Subtleties” page

Paradise holiday in the Bahamas

Customs

There are no exchange controls or restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. To export local currency in excess of 70 BSD per person, permission must be obtained from the Central Bank of the Bahamas.

Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 450 g of tobacco is allowed; up to 0.94 liters of strong alcoholic beverages and up to 0.94 liters of wine, as well as any other goods and products with a total value of up to 100 USD.

The transit of narcotic and explosive substances, items of historical and cultural value and weapons is prohibited - without the appropriate permits. The export of agricultural products, plants of all types and wood carvings requires permission from the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Bahamas phone numbers

The nearest Russian Embassy is in Cuba.

Rescue service: 911

Ambulance: 322-21-21 (New Providence), 352-26-89 (Freeport)

Air Ambulance Service at Sea (BASRA): 322-38-77

Cities do not have their own telephone codes. Payphones that allow you to make international calls are located everywhere and work with calling cards, which are sold at post offices, telephone company offices, hotels and supermarkets. You can also make a call from a payphone through an operator. As a rule, the cost of a call from a hotel is 10-15% more expensive than from a pay phone. You can also call another country from a post office.

Long Island is hardly visited by tourists. But in vain - this is the most picturesque island of the Bahamas, with beautiful nature and many places completely untouched by civilization.

Tourist safety

All popular tourist areas are quite safe, but petty crimes are common: theft in hotel rooms and pickpocketing. With the onset of darkness, tourists, and especially women, should avoid walking alone.

Spearfishing using underwater guns and other devices is prohibited on the islands. Sport fishing is permitted, but a fee of 20 USD must be paid for one trip to the sea, provided that no more than six reels of line are installed on the vessel. Independent archaeological work on sunken ships is also prohibited. Violation of these rules can result in a substantial fine and deportation from the country.

Don't forget to tell tourists that local laws regarding drug trafficking are very strict: selling or even simply using drugs can easily result in a long prison sentence.

Climate of the Bahamas

The climate is tropical trade wind in the north and subtropical in the south. average temperature in summer +26...+32 °C. On the southern islands (Great and Little Inagua, Mayaguana) the summer is much warmer than in the central part of the archipelago. In winter, the average temperature is +18...+22 °C, the coolest on the northwestern islands. The average water temperature is usually +27 °C in summer and around +23 °C in winter. The best time The cool season for visiting the country is from September to May.

Bahamas Hotels

Hotels in the Bahamas are very diverse: there are large high-rise complexes and small cozy establishments. The local all-inclusive system is recognized as the best in the Caribbean.

Mains voltage: 120 V, 60 Hz. American standard plugs with two flat pins are used.

Money

The country's currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), divided into 1 dollar. Current rate: 1 BSD = 75.12 RUB (1 USD = 1 BSD, 1 EUR = 1.1 BSD).

Currency can be exchanged at bank offices, hotels and large stores. The Bahamian dollar is firmly pegged to the US dollar, but exchange rates can vary widely between institutions. The most stable rate is in the offices of international banks in Nassau and Freeport, the most unfavorable is in tourist areas.

All types of credit cards are accepted for payment. Travel checks can be cashed in the same place where you can change currency - at bank offices, hotels and large stores. Some hotels, restaurants and exchange offices charge large fees for check cashing, so it's always best to check the terms and conditions in advance.

Tips are usually 15% in most places, including taxis. Some hotels and restaurants include them in the bill. Bellhops, guides, porters and porters usually expect about 1 USD per piece of luggage or excursion, and maids, depending on the hotel, 1-2 USD per day. Many hotels add a government tax of 10% (Nassau and Grand Bahama) to 8% (Family Islands).

Banks are usually open from 9:00-9:30 to 15:00 from Monday to Thursday, on Fridays from 9:30 to 17:00. However, opening hours may vary on different islands. Some banks in the periphery are often open only one or two days a week.

US dollars circulate freely in the country.

Holidays in the Bahamas

It is in the Bahamas that you can rent an entire beach and throw a fabulous party. The newlyweds do not crawl out of the warm nests of their hotels, gorging themselves on the famous local aphrodisiac - the conch shellfish, which is mixed here in almost every dish. Families with children fill Instagram feeds with selfies against the backdrop of pink and white sand. Beautiful ladies enjoy amazing spa treatments while their boyfriends storm the “Caribbean Vegas”, sitting at a gambling table not in a smoky room, but on a wooden terrace overlooking the sea. Will it not be enough? Then get ecotourism in nature reserves, diving at sunken ships, snorkeling with dolphins, fishing for giant sea reptiles, learning about the heritage of pirates, as well as the hospitality and cordiality of always smiling locals.

Cuisine and restaurants

Local delicacies: seafood salads, spiny lobsters and shrimps, charcoal-grilled crabs, red snapper fillets, shells of all kinds, etc.

The most popular non-alcoholic drinks are tea (English style) and coffee (mostly very strong Colombian or Brazilian). The islands produce classic rum, the best variety of which is Nassau Royal, and you can also buy imported alcohol everywhere. Local beer “Kalik” tastes good and is sold everywhere on the islands.

Entertainment and attractions of the Bahamas

There are about 25 protected areas on the islands. Great Inagua Island - excellent place for bird watching; Abaco National Park, Man o' War Reef (Abaco Cay), the protected area around Love Hill on the northeast coast of North Andros and Embrister Creek north of New Harbor on Cat Island are also famous for their rich wildlife -Island.

Every Bahamian resort has an abundance of nightlife restaurants, bars, cabarets and casinos. In addition, the islands have everything for active recreation and activities aquatic species sports The largest number of sports centers are on the island of New Providence, as well as on the islands of Grand Bahama and Harbor Island.

Andros, Berry, Bimini islands - fishing. Abacos and Eleuthera Islands - diving in coral reefs. Exuma Islands and Long Island - yacht trips. Inagua Island - pink flamingos, exotic iguanas, swimming with dolphins and even the opportunity to feed sharks. Grand Bahama Island is for those who are interested in scuba diving and fishing.

Prices on the page are as of November 2019.