Lucayan Indians inhabited the Bahama islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Piracy thrived in the 17th and 18th centuries because of The Bahamas’ close proximity to shipping lanes. Since gaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas has prospered through tourism, international banking, and investment management, which comprise up to 85% of GDP. Because of its proximity to the US — the nearest Bahamian landmass is only 80 km (50 mi) from Florida — the country is a major transshipment point for illicit trafficking to the US mainland, as well as to Europe. US law enforcement agencies cooperate closely with The Bahamas; the Drug Enforcement Administration, US Coast Guard, and US Customs and Border Protection assist Bahamian authorities with maritime security and law enforcement through Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, or OPBAT.
Geography
Location
chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba; note – although The Bahamas does not border the Caribbean Sea, geopolitically it is often designated as a Caribbean nation
Geographic coordinates
24 15 N, 76 00 W
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area
total : 13,880 sq km
land: 10,010 sq km
water: 3,870 sq km
comparison ranking: total 160
Area – comparative
slightly smaller than Connecticut
Area comparison map:
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
3,542 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream
Terrain
long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills
Elevation
highest point: 1.3 km NE of Old Bight on Cat Island 64 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Natural resources
salt, aragonite, timber, arable land
Land use
agricultural land: 1.3% (2022 est.)
arable land: 0.8% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 0.3% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 0.2% (2022 est.)
forest: 50.9% (2022 est.)
other: 47.8% (2022 est.)
Irrigated land
10 sq km (2012)
Population distribution
most of the population lives in urban areas, with two thirds living on New Providence Island where Nassau is located
Natural hazards
hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage
Geography – note
strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain of which 30 are inhabited
People and Society
Population
total: 410,862 (2024 est.)
male: 190,100
female: 220,762
comparison rankings: total 176; female 175; male 177
Nationality
noun: Bahamian(s)
adjective: Bahamian
Ethnic groups
African descent 90.6%, White 4.7%, mixed 2.1%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2010 est.)
note: data represent population by racial group
Languages
English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)
Religions
Protestant 69.9% (includes Baptist 34.9%, Anglican 13.7%, Pentecostal 8.9% Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, Methodist 3.6%, Church of God 1.9%, Plymouth Brethren 1.6%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13% (includes Jehovah’s Witness 1.1%), other 0.6%, none 1.9%, unspecified 2.6% (2010 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 21.4% (male 41,675/female 46,363)
15-64 years: 70% (male 132,626/female 154,866)
65 years and over: 8.6% (2024 est.) (male 15,799/female 19,533)
2024 population pyramid:
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 42.9 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 30.6 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 12.3 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 8.1 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 30.7 years (2024 est.)
male: 30.6 years
female: 30.7 years
comparison ranking: total 133
Population growth rate
1.07% (2024 est.)
comparison ranking: 88
Birth rate
13.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
comparison ranking: 132
Death rate
5.6 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
comparison ranking: 175
Net migration rate
3.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
comparison ranking: 34
Population distribution
most of the population lives in urban areas, with two thirds living on New Providence Island where Nassau is located
Urbanization
urban population: 83.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas – population
280,000 NASSAU (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.86 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female
total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
77 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)
comparison ranking: 77
Infant mortality rate
total: 9.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 10.5 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.2 deaths/1,000 live births
comparison ranking: total 138
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 76.7 years (2024 est.)
male: 75.1 years
female: 78.4 years
comparison ranking: total population 104
Total fertility rate
1.44 children born/woman (2024 est.)
comparison ranking: 209
Gross reproduction rate
0.71 (2024 est.)
Drinking water source
improved:
total: 98.9% of population
unimproved:
total: 1.1% of population (2017 est.)
Health expenditure
7.1% of GDP (2021)
15.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.9 physicians/1,000 population (2017)
Hospital bed density
2.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved:
total: 98.2% of population
unimproved:
total: 1.8% of population (2017 est.)
Obesity – adult prevalence rate
31.6% (2016)
comparison ranking: 21
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 9.48 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 1.43 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
comparison ranking: total 29
Tobacco use
total: 10.8% (2025 est.)
male: 20.8% (2025 est.)
female: 1.9% (2025 est.)
comparison ranking: total 123
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
38.9% (2023 est.)
Education expenditure
2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
10.6% national budget (2025 est.)
comparison ranking: Education expenditure (% GDP) 161
Literacy
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA
Environment
Environment – current issues
coral reef decay; solid waste disposal
Environment – international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream
Land use
agricultural land: 1.3% (2022 est.)
arable land: 0.8% (2022 est.)
permanent crops: 0.3% (2022 est.)
permanent pasture: 0.2% (2022 est.)
forest: 50.9% (2022 est.)
other: 47.8% (2022 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 83.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Air pollutants
particulate matter emissions: 5.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
carbon dioxide emissions: 1.79 megatons (2016 est.)
methane emissions: 0.23 megatons (2020 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 264,000 tons (2015 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 30 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Total renewable water resources
700 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
Government
Country name
conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamas
conventional short form: The Bahamas
etymology: name may be derived from the Spanish baha mar, meaning “low sea,” which describes the shallow waters of the Bahama Banks; alternatively, it may be a form of the local name Guanahani, which is of unknown origin and meaning
Government type
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital
name: Nassau
geographic coordinates: 25 05 N, 77 21 W
time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November
etymology: named after King WILLIAM III of England (1650-1702), who was a member of the House of Orange-Nassau
Administrative divisions
31 districts; Acklins Islands, Berry Islands, Bimini, Black Point, Cat Island, Central Abaco, Central Andros, Central Eleuthera, City of Freeport, Crooked Island and Long Cay, East Grand Bahama, Exuma, Grand Cay, Harbour Island, Hope Town, Inagua, Long Island, Mangrove Cay, Mayaguana, Moore’s Island, North Abaco, North Andros, North Eleuthera, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, South Abaco, South Andros, South Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, West Grand Bahama
Legal system
common-law system based on the English model
Constitution
history: previous 1964 (pre-independence); latest adopted 20 June 1973, effective 10 July 1973
amendment process: proposed as an “Act” by Parliament; passage of amendments to articles such as the organization and composition of the branches of government requires approval by at least two-thirds majority of the membership of both houses of Parliament and majority approval in a referendum; passage of amendments to constitutional articles such as fundamental rights and individual freedoms, the powers, authorities, and procedures of the branches of government, or changes to the Bahamas Independence Act 1973 requires approval by at least three-fourths majority of the membership of both houses and majority approval in a referendum
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of The Bahamas
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 6-9 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General Cynthia A. PRATT (since 1 September 2023)
head of government: Prime Minister Philip Edward DAVIS (since 17 September 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor-general on recommendation of prime minister
elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor-general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following parliamentary elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is appointed prime minister by the governor-general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: bicameral
note: Parliament sits for 5 years from the date of the last general election: the government may dissolve the parliament and call elections at any time
Legislative branch – lower chamber
chamber name: House of Assembly
number of seats: 39 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 9/16/2021
parties elected and seats per party: Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) (32); Free National Movement (FNM) (7)
percentage of women in chamber: 17.9%
expected date of next election: September 2026
Legislative branch – upper chamber
chamber name: Senate
number of seats: 16 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 10/6/2021
percentage of women in chamber: 31.3%
expected date of next election: October 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 6 justices, organized in 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 19 justices)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
subordinate courts: Industrial Tribunal; Magistrates’ Courts; Family Island Administrators (can also serve as magistrates)
note: The Bahamas is a member of the 15-member Caribbean Community but is not party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as its highest appellate court; the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
Political parties
Coalition of Independents Party or COI
Democratic National Alliance or DNA
Free National Movement or FNM
Progressive Liberal Party or PLP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Wendall Kermith JONES (since 19 April 2022)
chancery: 600 New Hampshire Ave NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660
FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668
email address and website:
[email protected]
https://www.bahamasembdc.org/
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly FURNISH (since June 2024)
embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau
mailing address: 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC 20521-3370
telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181
FAX: [1] (242) 356-7174
email address and website:
[email protected]
https://bs.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Independence
10 July 1973 (from the UK)
National holiday
Independence Day, 10 July (1973)
Flag description
three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; the band colors represent the golden beaches of the islands surrounded by the aquamarine sea; black represents the vigor and force of a united people, and the triangle stands for the enterprise and determination of the Bahamian people
National symbol(s)
blue marlin, flamingo, yellow elderflower
National colors
aquamarine, yellow, black
National coat of arms
the motto on the Bahamas coat of arms is “Forward, Upward, Onward Together;” the flamingo and marlin supporting the shield are national animals that represent respectively the land and sea; the pink conch shell symbolizes the marine life of the islands, and the green palm fronds represent the natural vegetation; the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus’s flagship, also appears; the sun signifies the world-famous climate and the bright future of the islands
National anthem
name: “March On, Bahamaland!”
lyrics/music: Timothy GIBSON
note: adopted 1973; as a Commonwealth country, in addition to the national anthem, “God Save the King” serves as the royal anthem (see United Kingdom)
Economy
Economic overview
high-income tourism and financial services economy; major income inequality; strong US bilateral relations; several tax relief programs; targeted investment in agriculture, energy, light manufacturing, and technology industries
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$13.224 billion (2023 est.)
$12.884 billion (2022 est.)
$11.63 billion (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
comparison ranking: 160
Real GDP growth rate
2.64% (2023 est.)
10.78% (2022 est.)
15.4% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
comparison ranking: 120
Real GDP per capita
$33,100 (2023 est.)
$32,400 (2022 est.)
$29,300 (2021 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
comparison ranking: 73
GDP (official exchange rate)
$14.339 billion (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
3.1% (2023 est.)
5.6% (2022 est.)
2.9% (2021 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
comparison ranking: 98
GDP – composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 0.4% (2023 est.)
industry: 8.8% (2023 est.)
services: 80.8% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
comparison rankings: services 14; industry 202; agriculture 200
GDP – composition, by end use
household consumption: 67.5% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 13% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 19.5% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.2% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 39.7% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -43% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, grapefruits, vegetables, bananas, tomatoes, chicken, tropical fruits, oranges, coconuts, mangoes/guavas (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
tourism, banking, oil bunkering, maritime industries, transshipment and logistics, salt, aragonite, pharmaceuticals
Industrial production growth rate
10.34% (2023 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
comparison ranking: 17
Labor force
237,100 (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
comparison ranking: 175
Unemployment rate
8.5% (2024 est.)
8.6% (2023 est.)
9.3% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
comparison ranking: 149
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 17.8% (2024 est.)
male: 17.8% (2024 est.)
female: 17.8% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
comparison ranking: total 71
Remittances
0.44% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.44% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.47% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
revenues: $2.606 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $3.102 billion (2022 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
78.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
comparison ranking: 39
Taxes and other revenues
17.3% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
comparison ranking: 112
Current account balance
-$1.075 billion (2023 est.)
-$1.233 billion (2022 est.)
-$2.434 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments – net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
comparison ranking: 142
Exports
$6.005 billion (2023 est.)
$5.425 billion (2022 est.)
$3.33 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments – exports of goods and services in current dollars
comparison ranking: 132
Exports – partners
USA 36%, Zimbabwe 16%, Cote d’Ivoire 14%, Germany 8%, Guyana 8% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports – commodities
refined petroleum, ships, aluminum, shellfish, plastics (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
$6.273 billion (2023 est.)
$5.843 billion (2022 est.)
$4.947 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments – imports of goods and services in current dollars
comparison ranking: 144
Imports – partners
USA 60%, Germany 13%, China 5%, Japan 3%, Brazil 2% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports – commodities
refined petroleum, ships, aircraft, cars, crude petroleum (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$2.512 billion (2023 est.)
$2.609 billion (2022 est.)
$2.433 billion (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
comparison ranking: 127
Exchange rates
Bahamian dollars (BSD) per US dollar –
Exchange rates:
1 (2023 est.)
1 (2022 est.)
1 (2021 est.)
1 (2020 est.)
1 (2019 est.)
Energy
Electricity access
electrification – total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 608,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 2.036 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 10 million kWh (2023 est.)
comparison rankings: transmission/distribution losses 15; consumption 149; installed generating capacity 148
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 99.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
imports: 600 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 20,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas
consumption: 14.13 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 14.13 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
2.99 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 2.966 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 23,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
comparison ranking: total emissions 150
Energy consumption per capita
104.409 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
comparison ranking: 45
Communications
Telephones – fixed lines
total subscriptions: 97,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2023 est.)
comparison ranking: total subscriptions 135
Telephones – mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 400,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 99 (2022 est.)
comparison ranking: total subscriptions 177
Broadcast media
4 major TV providers; 1 TV station is operated by government-owned, commercially run Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB) and competes with 4 privately owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV subscription service is widely available; 32 licensed broadcast (radio) service providers, with 31 privately owned FM radio stations; the BCB operates a multi-channel radio network with national coverage; the sector is regulated by the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (2019)
Internet country code
.bs
Internet users
percent of population: 95% (2023 est.)
Broadband – fixed subscriptions
total: 95,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2023 est.)
comparison ranking: total 136
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
C6
Airports
54 (2025)
comparison ranking: 86
Heliports
9 (2025)
comparison ranking: 77
Merchant marine
total: 1,274 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 345, container ship 39, general cargo 58, oil tanker 193, other 639
comparison ranking: total 19
Ports
total ports: 6 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 1
small: 1
very small: 4
ports with oil terminals: 4
key ports: Clifton Pier, Cockburn Town, Freeport, Matthew Town, Nassau, South Riding Point
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF): includes land, air, maritime elements; Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) (2025)
note: the RBPF maintains internal security; both the RBDF and the RBPF, as well as the Department of Corrections, report to the Minister of National Security
Military expenditures
0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.9% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 1,700 active RBDF (2024)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
most of the RBDF’s major equipment inventory has been acquired from the Netherlands or the US (2024)
Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for voluntary service for men and women (18-60 for Reserves); no conscription (2025)
Military – note
the RBDF was established in 1980; its primary responsibilities are maritime security and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Bahamas, providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and supporting internal law and order in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies; the RBDF is a naval force with a few light aircraft, coastal patrol craft, and patrol boats, as well as a lightly-armed marine infantry/commando squadron for base and internal security; the RBDF has training relationships with the UK and the US (2025)
Transnational Issues
Illicit drugs
a transit point for illegal drugs bound for the United States; small scale illicit production of marijuana continues
