Bahamas Country Insight

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Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA: $29,600 (2008 est.)
Inflation Rate: 2.4% (2007 est.)
Population: 309,156
Country Risk Ratings: -
Ease of Doing Business: 55/181
Global Competitiveness: -/134

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Bahamas : Introduction

Lucayan Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher Columbus first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas have prospered through tourism and international banking and investment management. Because of its geography, the country is a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly shipments to the US and Europe, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal migrants into the US.

Capital City: Nassau (-5 GMT)

Currency: Bahamian dollar (BSD) (convert)

Languages: English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)

Calling Code: 1-242

Voltage: 120

Religions: Baptist 35.4%, Anglican 15.1%, Roman Catholic 13.5%, Pentecostal 8.1%, Church of God 4.8%, Methodist 4.2%, other Christian 15.2%, none or unspecified 2.9%, other 0.8%

quick links

Bahamas: Country Commercial Guide
Bahamas: BBC Country Profile
Bahamas: MSU Global Access

Bahamas: The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB): The Bahamas Financial Services Board represents the financial services industry and the government of The Bahamas and intends to promote the country as an "international financial center." It features links to industry news, events and special reports about the economic environment of the country, as the BSFB also "promotes the development of all sectors of the industry." Within its resources section there can be found links to associations, government, legislation, etc.

Bahamas: The Central Bank of The Bahamas: As the major financial institution in the country, the Central Bank of the Bahamas upholds the value of the Bahamian dollar, credit regulations and note issue, administration of exchange control regulations and banks and trusts legislation, and financial statistics. The site also offers news, press releases and information regarding Open Market Operations.

Bahamas: The Commonwealth of The Bahamas: Official site of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. This site provides information about the government, e-commerce, business and finance as well as local newspapers and radio stations.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (June 2009)