Country Profile: Bahamas, The

The Bahamas, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, is comprised of over 700 islands and cays, with a total area of approximately 13,880 sq km. Home to a population of around 415,306 people, the majority live in urban areas, especially on New Providence Island where the capital, Nassau, is located. The economy thrives largely on tourism and financial services, which account for about 85% of its GDP. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, The Bahamas gained independence from the UK in 1973.

Geography

The Bahamas is situated southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba, featuring a strategically important location adjacent to major shipping lanes. The country consists of 30 inhabited islands across a vast expanse of water, with a total coastline of 3,542 km. The climate is tropical marine, influenced by the warm Gulf Stream, and the terrain is characterized by flat coral formations and low hills.

Total land area: 10,010 sq km
Water area: 3,870 sq km
Highest point: 64 m (Cat Island)
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean (0 m)
Natural hazards: Hurricanes and tropical storms

People and Society

The Bahamas has a diverse population with the majority being of African descent (approximately 90.6%). English is the official language, and Protestant Christianity is the predominant religion, with 69.9% of the population belonging to various Protestant denominations. The country has a youthful demographic, with a median age of 31.1 years and a growing urban population constituting 83.6% of residents.

Population (2025 est.): 415,306
Urbanization rate: 1.02% annual increase
Life expectancy: 76.7 years (2024 est.)
Birth rate: 13.1 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate: 5.44 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Economy

The economy of The Bahamas is classified as high-income, heavily reliant on tourism and financial services. The GDP per capita is estimated at $36,200 for 2024, and the economy faces challenges such as income inequality and external dependency. The country has a stable economic growth rate of about 3-3.4% in recent years, with a diverse range of industries that include agriculture, tourism, and maritime services.

GDP (2024 est.): $15.833 billion
Unemployment rate: 8.5% (2024 est.)
Major export partners: USA (36%), Zimbabwe (16%)
Public debt: 73.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Inflation rate: 0.4% (2024 est.)

Government

The Bahamas is governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with the King of the United Kingdom as the head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General. The legislative framework is bicameral, consisting of the House of Assembly and the Senate. Citizens gain the right to vote at 18 years of age.

Capital: Nassau
Independence: July 10, 1973
Suffrage: Universal for citizens aged 18 and over
Current Prime Minister: Philip Edward Davis (since September 17, 2021)
Next general election expected: September 2026

Military and Security

The Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) serves to protect the nation’s territorial integrity and provide disaster relief. The country's military expenditures account for 0.7% of GDP in 2024. The RBDF is supported by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, which maintains internal security.

Active personnel (RBDF): Approximately 1,500-1,800
Military service age: 18-30 years for voluntary service
RBDF established: 1980
Military expenditure: 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Primary role: Maritime security and internal law enforcement

Energy

The Bahamas benefits from 100% electricity access for its population, primarily generated from fossil fuels. The installed electricity capacity is 608,000 kW, and energy consumption is significant, reflecting its tourism-dependent economy.

Electricity consumption: 2.036 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Fossil fuel share in capacity: 99.1% (2023 est.)
Solar energy share: 0.9% (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 20,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas consumption: 14.13 million cubic meters (2023 est.)

Environment

The Bahamas faces environmental challenges such as coral reef decay and issues related to solid waste disposal. The country is party to several international environmental agreements aimed at biodiversity and climate change mitigation, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development despite its vulnerabilities.

Urban population: 83.6% (2023)
Total water resources: 700 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 264,000 tons (2024 est.)
CO2 emissions: 2.99 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Percentage of waste recycled: 24.9% (2022 est.)

Transportation

With an extensive network of airports and maritime facilities, The Bahamas has developed infrastructure critical for its tourism and trade. The country features 54 airports and a merchant marine fleet that facilitates international trade.

Total ports: 6 (2024)
Merchant marine vessels: 1,274 (2023)
Airports: 54 (2025)
Heliports: 9 (2025)
Civil aircraft prefix: C6

Communications

The Bahamas has a well-developed communications infrastructure with a high level of internet penetration at 95% of the population. The country hosts numerous broadcasting and telecommunications providers, ensuring accessibility and competitiveness in the sector.

Fixed telephone subscriptions: 93,100 (2024)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 388,000 (2024)
Internet users: 95% of the population (2023)
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 95,000 (2023)
Telecommunications regulator: Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	415,306	2025 estimate
Area	13,880 sq km	Total area
GDP	$15.833 billion	2024 estimate (official exchange rate)
Energy consumption	2.036 billion kWh	2023 estimate
Birth rate	13.1 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Unemployment rate	8.5%	2024 estimate
Life expectancy	76.7 years	2024 estimate
Inflation rate	0.4%	2024 estimate
Debt as % of GDP	73.7%	2023 estimate
Urban population	83.6%	2023 estimate