10 Interesting Facts about the Bahamas

One of you who love to travel around the world might consider one of these following facts about the Bahamas really worth to read. The Bahamas is an island country consisting of more than 700 islands, cays, and islets in the Atlantic Ocean: north of Cuba and Hispaniola (the Dominican Republic and Haiti); northwest of the Turks and Caicos Islands; southeast of the U.S state of Florida and east of the Florida Keys. Its capital is Nassau on the island of New Providence. The designation of “Bahamas” can refer to either the country or the larger island chain that it shares with the Turks and Caicos Islands. To get to know more about this country, here are some facts about the Bahamas you might like.

Facts about the Bahamas 1: Name

The name Bahamas comes from the Spanish term «Baja Mar», which means “shallow sea.” As can be seen on any satellite image, the water around the Bahamas as if divided into smaller parts and has turquoise color. Turquoise obtained from a mixture of white sand, calcium carbonate, and reflections of light that is reflected from the bottom.

Facts about the Bahamas 2: Christopher Columbus’ Landing Place

he Bahamas were Christopher Columbus’s landing place. It is widely believed that the first halt to the coast to the New World Columbus made on the island of San Salvador. In 1986, National Geographic reported that he landed at Samana Cay. In any case, the development of the lands of the New World by Europeans began with the Bahamas.

Facts about the Bahamas 3: GDP Per Capita

The Bahamas has the third highest GDP per capita in the entire Western Hemisphere. After the United States and Canada, the Bahamas is the third richest country in the Western Hemisphere. The largest sector in the country is tourism, which accounts for 60% of the country’s income and half of all jobs. Bahamian dollar is equal to one U.S. Dollar.

Facts about the Bahamas 4: Snow Falling

In the Bahamas, once the snow fell. On 17 January 1977 cold wave came from South Florida and brought the unnatural winter weather. On this day, the only time in history, snow fell on the city of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Snow drifts were observed, but really falling snowflakes.

Facts about the Bahamas 5: Great Blue Hole Dean

The great Blue Hole Dean (the deepest in the world) is located in the Bahamas. It is located on Long Island. In contrast to the blue hole in Belize, the Bahamas hole is right next to the shore. You can enter the water on the knee – and suddenly fail at 202 meters, that is how much of its depth. This is the place where many free-divers are attempting to break the world record.

Facts about the Bahamas 6: Topic of Cancer

The Bahamas are one of only two countries in the Western Hemisphere, which lies on the Tropic of Cancer. Tropic of Cancer bisects Long Island and Exuma in the Bahamas. The only country in the Western Hemisphere, which it crosses, in addition to the Bahamas, is Mexico.

Facts about the Bahamas 7: Highest Point

The highest point in the Bahamas just 63m above sea level. The highest point is at the “mountain” Alvernia, which is a lifting of a coral reef. There are only four countries in the world are located even lower than the Bahamas, Gambia, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and the Maldives.

Facts about the Bahamas 8: The Commonwealth of the Bahamas

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas has made limited internal self-government in 1964 and the full – in 1969. July 10, 1973 was proclaimed the independence of the Bahamas to the Commonwealth, led by Britain. According to the constitution in 1973, the head of state – the British monarch, who is the Governor-General.

Facts about the Bahamas 9: Nassau

Nassau – the capital of the Bahamas, is located on the island of New Providence. The city itself is very modern, which combines cutting-edge building designs and old colonial architecture. Nassau was formerly a small village, founded by pirates. But nowadays there are plenty of colorful buildings that surround the harbor and the Portside promenade.

Facts about the Bahamas 10: Versailles Garden

Versailles Gardens – one of the most popular locations for weddings on the island. The park is decorated with bronze and marble statues, fountains, picturesque ponds and waterfalls. The snow-white, like a lacy gazebo for ceremonies is located on a hill with a footpath leading to the monastery.

Hope you would find those Bahamas facts really interesting, helpful and useful for your reference on traveling around the world.