More Bahamas Maps
Background:
The earliest inhabitants of the Bahamas were the Siboney Indians. This is proven by the radiocarbon dating of human skulls excavated at various sites across the country. The indigenous Siboneys were followed by the Lucayans, believed to have migrated from Hispaniola and Cuba around the 11th Century A.D. Christopher Columbus landed at the San Salvador Islands of the Bahamas in 1492 during his voyage to find a sea route to India. This expedition led to incessant stream of Spanish conquistadors who forcefully captured the Lucayans for slavery. This eliminated a sizeable chunk of the Lucayan population.
In late 1640s, Eleutheran adventurers, under the leadership of William Sayle migrated to the Bahamas after expulsion from the Bermudas by English royalists. They settled in the Cigateo Island which was later renamed Eleuthera. In 1670, the Bahamas fell into the hands of the Lord Proprietors of Carolina and the infamous history of piracy began which is marked with names like Edward Teach, Calico Jack Rackham, Henry Morgan, and Bartholomew Roberts. To contain piracy and restore order, The Bahamas passed under the British Crown in 1718. The Governor-General Woodes Rogers, after a tough struggle, successfully contained piracy. Till the abolition of slave trade in 1807, the country was ravaged by the American Naval Forces and the Spanish fleet. Political parties were formed in the country after the World War II and Sir Roland Symonette became the first premier. The Bahamas gained complete independence in 1973.
Economy
The Bahamas is one of richest countries of the Caribbean with a GDP of $9.093 billion and a real growth rate of 0.95%. It has a labor force of 175,500 of which 50% is employed by the tourism sector alone. The unemployment rate of the nation is 7.6% and 9.3% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Tourism drives the economy of the Bahamas by contributing to about 60% of the GDP. Tourism is followed by the financial services sector which contributes to 17% of the annual GDP. The financial sector of the Bahamas is largely propped up by offshore banking. The nation has more than 400 licensed banks and trust companies.
Agriculture and fisheries contribute a mere 5% to the GDP. Large scale agricultural practices are rare and about 80% of the food is imported every year from United States, Venezuela, Italy, and Spain. Major exports of the country include rum, fruits and vegetables, salt, and animal products.
The Bahamas does not impose any income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, value-added tax (VAT), or wealth tax on the citizens. The contribution of tax revenue to GDP is 17.2%.
Tourism is the backbone of economy of the Bahamas. The country has numerous beaches, reefs, cays, and underwater parks. Being the origin of Gulf Stream, the Bahamas is home to a number of thriving marine species. The Bahamas are the home of rare and endangered species like the Abaco Parrot and the Bahamian Iguana. To complete the experience, the Bahamas has preserved its history in the forts of Fort Nassau, Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle, and Fort Montagu. Almost 80% of the visitors to the Bahamas are from the United States. In 2009, The Bahamas saw a decline in revenues from tourism due to the global recession. This phase, however, is spent and in the last two years the situation is back to normal.
Art and Culture
Bahamian art and culture is best expressed in the region's indigenous crafts, vibrant music, and lively dance. The country is a home to famous painters including Amos Fergusson, Maxwell Taylor, and Stan Burnside. The famous musical group, the Baha Men are from the Bahamas. Junkanoo; their musical style is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the country and depicts the heritage of the nation.
The Bahamas is also known for its straw craft, much of which is available to tourists at the straw markets of Freeport or Lucaya. A favorite local drink of the Bahamians is the Kalik Beer. Bahamian cocktails have taken the world by storm and are international favorites. Seafood and coconuts are a staple part of the local cuisine. Local foods are made by combining rich spices and local produce.
Outline Map of Bahamas
The outline map of Bahamas indicates the Atlantic Ocean and Cuba. Situated on the northeastern side of Cuba, the Bahamas falls under the Carribean chain of islands surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean. Covering a total area of 13, 940 sq km, The Bahamas has a 3542 km long coastline.
Political Map of Bahamas
The political map of Bahamas highlights the capital of the country - Nassau. Other cities having political significance are also indicated in this map of the Bahamas. Such cities that are prominently marked in the Bahamas political map include:
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Location Map of Bahamas
The Bahamas location map points out the exact position of the nation with respect to other countries of the world. According to the location map of Bahamas, the nation is positioned on the Southeastern part of Florida and on the Northeastern corner of Cuba. The chain of Islands in Carribean that lie in the North Atlantic Ocean accommodates The Bahamas. Consisting of around 700 islands, Bahamas has 30 islands that are fully inhabited.
The Map of Bahamas, with all its three segments, helps to provide a complete overview of the nation that covers political structure, surrounding places and location details.
