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The Spanish were the first Europeans to explore that area and, in
communicating with their New World territories, they were the first to
use it as a maritime highway. But they found little time to marvel at
nature's wonders. They looked with awe at a sea-bed which often seemed
to rise beneath them. Coral growths of fantastic shapes and abundance
reached for the surface and threatened their ships and lives at every
turn. Appropriately, they called it bajamar, shallow sea. And from
this word derives the name Bahama Islands- islands of the shallow sea.* 1. Area: 13,940
sq. km.
2. Population: 305,655
(July 2007 est.)
3. Capital: Nassau
4. Language: English
(official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)
6. Date of OAS membership: 1982
7. Description of The Bahamas*:
North of the Greater
Antilles and east of southern Florida there is a region of great natural
beauty, abounding in islands, reefs and Shoals, banks and deep water
channels.
Much of the mystery and danger has gone from the Bahama sea. And even
though the reefs and shallows are as numerous as ever, the safe
passages through and around them are now well charted. Many
lighthouses have been built and seagoing craft are now equipped with
an assortment of safety devices. Present day explorers cruise the
Bahamas with delight and leave it with genuine regret.*
8.
History
9.
Government
10.
Economy
11. Photographs
*Source: Permanent Mission of
The Bahamas to the OAS
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Updated:
29 February 2008 |
