Anthem
Recording: United States Navy Band · Public domain (U.S. government work) · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visitor guide
History
The Lucayan people lived here when Columbus made landfall in 1492. The islands became a British colony, a haven for pirates in the early 1700s, and an independent nation in 1973.
Culture
Junkanoo, a street parade of goatskin drums, cowbells and huge crepe-paper costumes, takes over Nassau on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Rake-and-scrape music and straw markets are part of daily life.
Languages & Creoles
English is the official language. Bahamian Creole is widely spoken.
Currency
The Bahamian dollar (BSD), at par with the US dollar. US dollars are accepted everywhere.
Popular Attractions
Clear shallow water makes the Bahamas a boating and diving paradise, from the swimming pigs of the Exumas to the blue holes of Andros. Eleuthera's pink-sand beaches and Nassau's resorts draw visitors year round.
Food
Conch is king: in fritters, salads and chowder. Peas 'n' rice, johnnycake and guava duff are classics.
Places to Visit
Nassau and Paradise Island, the Exumas, Eleuthera and Harbour Island, Andros, Grand Bahama and the Abacos.
More of the Caribbean
English-speaking Caribbean
Spanish-speaking Caribbean
French-speaking Caribbean
Dutch-speaking Caribbean
Additional Caribbean Coastal Areas
Colombia—Caribbean coast; San Andrés and Providencia
Venezuela—Caribbean coast and islands
Panama—Caribbean coast; Bocas del Toro
Costa Rica—Caribbean coast; Limón
Nicaragua—Caribbean coast; Corn Islands
Honduras—Caribbean coast; Bay Islands
Guatemala—Caribbean coast; Livingston
Mexico—Caribbean coast; Cozumel and Isla Mujeres