Student Example: Nassau, Bahamas First Element-The World in Spatial Terms This is a picture of a map of the Bahamas Islands, and the red dot is where Nassau is on the island of New Providence Nassau, Bahamas sits between 24° 15' The geographical coordinates are 76° 0’ 0” west and 24° 15’ 0” north

Second Element- Places and Regions The Bahamas Islands where Nassau is located is in the Atlantic Ocean off the east coast of Florida. There are sandy beaches with shallow light blue/clear water. Nassau is a big tourist destination place. Lots of cruise ships come in. http://www.bahamascountry.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/bahamas.jpg http://dolphinswimtours.com/images/nassau-atlantis.jpg

Third Element- Physical Systems The climate is subtropical and in between June and November is hurricane season. The Bahamas Islands have over 500 miles of the clearest water in the world. The islands rise out of the Atlantic ocean and are separated by deepwater channels. There are areas of flatland, a few feet in elevation. They have ranges that are formed by sand washing inland. http://www.virtualtripping.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/nassau-bahamas-450x230.jpg

Fourth Element- Human Systems The government is a constitutional, parliamentary democracy The population of Nassau, Bahamas is 227,940 The biggest business is tourism Most people are Christians Vendors produce straw, shells, and wooden items for tourists and residents http://www.bahamas4u.com/junkanoo1.jpg http://www.everyculture.com/images/ctc_01_img0084.jpg

Fifth element- Environment and Society When Christopher Columbus discovered the islands on his way to America, there was nothing other than water, sand, and trees. He claimed the islands for Spain. The British took the islands in the 1600’s. African slaves were brought here and pirateering happened. Today, cruise ships bring tourists from all over the world. People enjoy music, dance, and food. http://www.cruiselawnews.com/uploads/image/Nassau-2.jpg http://dolphinworld.org/images/bimini-bahamas-dolphin-swim.jpg

Sixth Element-The Uses of Geography Past: The first residents were the Lukku-Cairis, or Lucayans, part of the Taino Arawak Indians. Present: Nassau has neighborhoods that are very rich to very poor, where people live who don’t have jobs. The rich are wealthy business owners, corporate managers, professionals, high-ranking government officials, and some foreign citizens. The middle class is made up of small business owners, some professionals, civil servants, and lower-level corporate managers. The poor include fishermen, farmers, laborers, and skilled trades people. Future: The government has started efforts to bring different kinds of jobs. The government’s efforts will help shape the future of the Bahamas.

How do people live in Nassau, Bahamas? Most people live in city areas, with over half the people living in the capital city, Nassau. Usual meals include fish, fruit and vegetables. Most people either work in government or in tourism. Many people live in the lower class and have not received a high school diploma.

Why do they live this way? Most people live in city areas because the major industry is tourism. Cities are where many of the hotels are. People eat fish, fruit and vegetables because they are cheap and easy to get. Many people are poor because there are not many different kinds of jobs and many do not have high school diplomas.

Sources www.the-bahama-islands.com www.Brittannica.com www.everyculture.com www.google.com www.mnh.si.edu/livingfossils/thebahamas.htm