|
Motto: |
Forward, Upward, Onward Together |
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Location: |
An archipelago of 700 islands and more
that 2,000 islets spread over a total area of approximately 161,000
square km (100,000 square miles), 80 km (50 miles) off the southeast
coast of Florida at its closest point and extending in a 1,200 km
(750miles) arc towards the northern edge of the Caribbean Sea. Land size
area : 5,353 square miles - 13,939 kilometers.
|
Geographic
coordinates: |
longitudes 72.35W and
80.30W and latitudes 20.50N and 27.30N |
|
|
History: |
The islands were
colonized by the English
in the 16th century and was a British Crown Colony from 1717 until
internal self-rule in 1964. It gained independence on 10 July 1973. |
|
Elections: |
Last elections were held
May 2, 2002. |
|
Ruling Party: |
Progressive
Liberal Party (PLP) |
|
Major Political Parties: |
Free National Movement
(FNM) and Progressive
Liberal Party (PLP) |
|
Economic Summary: |
Tourism is the mainstay of the economy,
accounting for approximately 50% of Bahamas Gross Domestic Product
(GDP). The industry is oriented
mainly towards short-stay visitors and is concentrated in Nassau and
Grand Bahamas. There is a strong offshore financial services sector
which contributes an estimated 7% to GDP. There is a container
trans-shipment port on Grand Bahamas, as well as some export
manufacturing. Agriculture is limited to about 3% of GDP. |
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Airport: |
Nassau International & Freeport |
|
Status: |
Independent 10 July 1973 |
|
Capital: |
Nassau, on the
Island of New Providence. |
|
Government: |
The Bahamas has
a Parliamentary system of Government with a 16 member appointed Senate
or Upper House and a 40 member elected House of Assembly or Lower House.
Elections are held every five years. The major parties being the
Free National Movement (FNM) and the Progressive
Liberal Party (PLP). |
|
Head
of State: |
Her Majesty,
Queen Elizabeth 11 |
|
Governor
General |
The Honourable
Dame Dr. Ivy L. Dumont, D.C.M.G, D.P.A |
|
The
Prime Minister |
The
Hon. Perry Christie M.P. Prime Minister |
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Population: |
305,000 (2000
census) |
|
Currency: |
Bahamian dollar |
|
Per
Capita GDP |
B$ 15,774 (
2000 est.) |
|
Total Exports: |
B$535.8 million
(2000 est.) |
|
Total Imports: |
B$1,881.8
million (2000 est.) |
|
Gross
Domestic Product: |
B$5 billion
(2000 est.) |
|
Major
Industries: |
Tourism and
Financial Services |
|
Language: |
English |
|
Business Hours: |
Commercial: 09:00 hrs-17:00 hrs Monday to Saturday.
Government: 09:00 hrs-17:30 hrs Monday to Friday
|
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National Holidays: |
New Year's Day (01 January); Good Friday;
Easter Monday; Whit Monday; Labor Day (02 June); Independence Day (10
July); Emancipation Day is observed the first Monday in August. Discovery Day (12 October);
Christmas Day (25 December); Boxing Day (26 December)
Holidays that fall on Saturday or Sunday
are observed on the following Monday
|
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Date of CARICOM Membership: |
4 July 1983 |
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National Anthem: |
March on Bahamaland
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 treach'rous shoal
Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland;
'Til the road you've trod lead unto your God, MARCH ON, BAHAMALAND!
(Words and music by Timothy Gibson)
|
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Highest National Award: |
Governor General Award |
|
Favourite Dish: |
Peas n rice
with meat or fish. |
