The Bahamas Researched via: Student: Vanessa Polin Date:

Where is Bahamas located? The Bahamas officially the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is an English-speaking country consisting of 29 islands, 661 cays and 2,387 islets (rocks). It is located at the north-east of the Caribbean Sea in the Atlantic Ocean north of Cuba, Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) and the Caribbean Sea northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and southeast of the United States of America(nearest to the state of Florida). Its total land area is almost km², with an estimated population of 330,000. Its capital is Nassau.

Flag, Motto, Anthem: Motto :"Forward, Upward, Onward, Together" Anthem: Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland, March on to glory, your bright banners waving high, See how the world marks the manner of your bearing; Pledge to excel thro' love and unity. Pressing onward, march together, to a common loftier goal; Steady sunward tho' the weather hide the wide and treacherous shoal. Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland, 'til the road you've trod lead unto your God, March on Bahamaland.

History: The Arawak Indians were the first inhabitants of the Bahamas. Columbus's first encounter with the New World was on Oct. 12, 1492, when he landed on the Bahamian island of San Salvador. The British first built settlements on the islands in the 17th century. In the early 18th century, the Bahamas were a favorite pirate haunt. The Bahamas were a Crown colony from 1717 until they were granted internal self- government in The islands moved toward greater autonomy in 1968 after the overwhelming victory in general elections of the Progressive Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Lynden O. Pindling, over the predominantly white United Bahamians Party. With its new mandate from the black population (85% of Bahamians), Pindling's government negotiated a new constitution with Britain under which the colony became the Commonwealth of the Bahama Islands in On July 10, 1973, the Bahamas became an independent nation.

Economy: Once heavily reliant on agriculture and fishing, the Bahamas has diversified its economy into tourism, financial services, and international shipping. While the nation enjoys a per capita income that is among the top 30 in the world, there is a big gap between the urban middle class and poor farmers. In addition, the nation is vulnerable to hurricanes, which regularly inflict serious damage. Hubert Ingraham became prime minister in May 2007 after his Free National Movement, an opposition party, won parliamentary elections.

Famous people/role model: Jimmy Curry, producer and director Lenny Kravitz, musician Sidney Poitier, actor Al Roker, meteorologist and television personality Roxie Roker, actress Esther Rolle, actress Joanne Smith, model Persia White, actress and singer Kimbo Slice, Mixed Martial Arts fighter Tony McKay "Exuma the Obeah Man" Musician, Performer, Artist; Sir Sidney Poitier, Actor and Ambassador. Shakara Ledard, Super Model. Sir Lynden Pindling, former Prime Minister Debbie Ferguson, Bahamian Olympian and sprint athlete. "King" Eric Gibson is a Bahamian musician and entrepreneur. He is also the semi-official Ambassador of Bahamian Goodwill.

What do you like the most about Bahamas? I like that bahamas has a brief an intice history And I h would love to visit.