Country Profile: Bahamas, The
The Bahamas is a tropical archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba. It consists of over 700 islands, with the majority of its population residing on New Providence Island, home to the capital, Nassau. The economy heavily relies on tourism and financial services, which together account for up to 85% of its GDP. The governance structure is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with strong ties to the United Kingdom and the United States.
Geography
The Bahamas is composed of a chain of islands featuring a total area of 13,880 sq km, with a coastline measuring 3,542 km. The islands have a tropical marine climate moderated by warm waters, primarily consisting of flat coral formations with some low hills. The geographical positioning makes it a strategic location adjacent to the US and Cuba, with no land boundaries with other countries.
- Area: 13,880 sq km (2023)
- Coastline: 3,542 km
- Highest point: 64 m on Cat Island
- Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean (0 m)
- Natural Hazards: Hurricanes and tropical storms
People and Society
As of 2025, the population of The Bahamas is estimated at 415,306, with a majority of 83.6% living in urban areas, primarily on New Providence Island. The society is diverse, with a predominant ethnic composition of 90.6% of African descent, and English is the official language. The median age is approximately 31.1 years, and the country has a relatively high urbanization rate.
- Population: 415,306 (2025 est.)
- Urban Population: 83.6% (2023)
- Life Expectancy: 76.7 years (2024 est.)
- Birth Rate: 13.1 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- Literacy Rate: Approximately 95%
Economy
The Bahamian economy is classified as a high-income economy predominantly driven by tourism and financial services, reflecting a real GDP purchasing power parity of $14.544 billion in 2024. Major industries include tourism, banking, and maritime services. Despite its prosperity, the country faces significant income inequality. As of 2024, the unemployment rate was 8.5%.
- GDP (official exchange rate): $15.833 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita: $36,200 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 8.5% (2024 est.)
- Inflation Rate: 0.4% (2024 est.)
- Labor Force: 237,100 (2024 est.)
Government
The Bahamas is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with the current chief of state being King Charles III, represented by Governor-General Cynthia A. Pratt. Governance is facilitated through a bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Assembly and the Senate. The country has a robust legal framework based on English common law and gained independence from the UK on 10 July 1973.
- Capital: Nassau
- Independence: 10 July 1973
- Suffrage: Universal at age 18
- Total Districts: 31
- Political Parties: Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Free National Movement (FNM)
Military and Security
The Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) provides national defense, while the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) maintains internal security. In 2024, military expenditures were estimated at 0.7% of GDP. The RBDF is responsible for maritime security and establishing cooperation with US law enforcement agencies.
- Military Expenditures: 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Active Personnel: Approximately 1,500-1,800 (2025)
- Service Age: 18-30 years for voluntary service
- Major Equipment: Primarily from the US and Netherlands
Energy
The Bahamas has achieved a 100% electrification rate for its population as of 2022. The country heavily relies on fossil fuels, which account for 99.1% of its electricity generation capacity. In 2023, electricity consumption reached 2.036 billion kWh.
- Installed Generating Capacity: 608,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity Consumption: 2.036 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 104.409 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Environment
Environmental challenges in The Bahamas include coral reef decay and solid waste disposal. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, including the Climate Change Paris Agreement. Urbanization has increased significantly, with the urban population reaching 83.6% of the total population.
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 2.99 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Municipal Solid Waste Generated: 264,000 tons (2024 est.)
- Recycling Rate: 24.9% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)
Transportation
The Bahamas is well-connected through air and sea transport, with 54 airports and a merchant marine fleet totaling 1,274 vessels. Key ports include Nassau and Freeport, which play significant roles in the nation's economy.
- Airports: 54 (2025)
- Merchant Marine: 1,274 vessels (2023)
- Total Ports: 6 (2024)
Communications
Communications infrastructure in The Bahamas is robust, with 95% of the population being internet users as of 2023. Mobile cellular subscriptions reached 388,000 in 2024, showcasing an expanding telecommunications sector.
- Internet Users: 95% of population (2023 est.)
- Fixed-line Telephone Subscriptions: 93,100 (2024 est.)
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 388,000 (2024 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 415,306 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 13,880 sq km | 2023 |
| GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) | $14.544 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 104.409 million Btu | 2023 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 13.1 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 76.7 years | 2024 estimate |
| Urban Population | 83.6% | 2023 |
| Military Expenditures | 0.7% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
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