The Probert Encyclopaedia of Places of the World

BAHAMAS

The Bahamas, Bahama Islands or Lucayos are a group of 700 islands and more than 2000 cays and rocks in the North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean. They have a total area of 13,940 km2 extending 960 km northwards. The principal islands are Grand Bahama, Great and Little Abaco, Andros Islands, New Providence, Eleuthera, San Salvador, Great Exuma, Watling Island, Long Island, Crooked Island, Acklin Island, Mariguana Island, Grand Inagua.The climate is tropical marine; moderated by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The terrain is comprised of long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills. Natural resources are salt, aragonite, timber, and tourism. The religion is Baptist 29%, Anglican 23%, Roman Catholic 22%, smaller groups of other Protestants, Greek Orthodox, and Jews The language is English with some Creole spoken among the Haitian immigrants.

The Bahamas were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and settled by the British in 1647 - the first British settlement being made on New Providence. In 1650 they were given to the duke of Albermarle as a proprietory colony. The Bahamas then became a haven for pirates, most notably Blackbeard, until in 1717 they reverted to British rule. During the American War of Independence Spain invaded and took the islands in 1782, returning them to Britain in 1783. A number of loyal Americans settled in the islands after the American War Of Independence. In 1964 the Bahamas were granted internal autonomy, and in
1973 independence.
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