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Bahamas
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Capital Nassau

Area 13,939 sq km (5,382 sq miles)

Population 305,655 (2007)

Language The official and national language is English.

Time GMT ‑5 (GMT ‑4 from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October).

Electricity 120 volts AC, 60Hz. An adaptor is required for 220V appliances.

Description

The 'Bahamas' gets its name from the Spanish, 'baja mar', meaning 'shallow sea'. The turquoise waters that lap this land are as calm and warm as its people. Throughout the 700‑plus islands that constitute The Bahamas, residents tend to abide by 'island time', an affectionate term used to describe the Bahamians' laid back demeanor and their slow‑moving way of life. It isn't too hard to fall into this habit: many of islands are either uninhabited or sparsely populated and from beaches strewn with beautiful seashells to homes painted in soft pastel shades, serenity is easy to find on The Bahamas. Yet many forget that this mammoth archipelago is twice the size of Spain. For those who want a destination, which offers something a bit more than just peaceful seclusion, they will find The Bahamas is large enough to accommodate everyone's taste. From shopping in the bustling straw market, to golfing on world‑class courses, to diving amidst shipwrecks and coral reefs, to windsurfing and para sailing, and then some dancing the night away to the bubbly sounds of goombay, calypso and Junkanoo music, The Bahamas will not let you get bored if you do not want to be.

Climate

The Bahamas are slightly cooler than other Caribbean island groups owing to their proximity to the continental North American cold air systems. May to October is the rainy season. The hurricane season is from June to the end of November.

Geography

The Bahamas consist of 700 low‑lying islands, mostly islets (cays or keys) and rocks. The whole archipelago extends 970 km/500 miles southeastward from the coast of Florida, surrounded by clear, colorful waters. The soil is thin, but on the more developed islands, cultivation has produced exotic flowers. On other islands are large areas of pine forest, rocky and barren land, swamp and unspoiled beaches. The Bahamas are divided into two oceanic features, the Little Bahama Bank and the Great Bahama Bank.

Money

Currency

Bahamian Dollar (BSD; symbol B$)

Credit Cards

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and VISA are widely accepted.

Travelers Checks

Travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in US Dollars.

Banking Hours

Mon‑Thurs 9:30AM‑3/4PM, Fri 9:30AM‑5PM