Country Profile: Bahamas, The
The Bahamas, a chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, is situated southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba. With a population estimated at 410,862 in 2024, this nation boasts a vibrant economy largely driven by tourism and financial services, contributing approximately 85% of GDP. Since gaining independence from the UK in 1973, the Bahamas operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, fostering close ties with the United States, particularly in maritime security cooperation.
Geography
The Bahamas consists of a strategic island chain featuring a tropical marine climate, characterized by long, flat coral formations and low rounded hills. The total land area is 13,880 sq km, with a coastline stretching 3,542 km. The location serves as a crucial transshipment point due to its proximity to the U.S. and Cuba. Most of the population resides in urban areas, particularly on New Providence Island where Nassau is located.
- Total area: 13,880 sq km
- Coastline length: 3,542 km
- Highest elevation: 64 m on Cat Island
- Climate type: Tropical marine
- Urban population: 83.6% of total population (2023)
People and Society
The Bahamas is home to a diverse population, with approximately 90.6% of its residents of African descent. The official language is English, and the predominant religion is Protestantism, which encompasses various denominations. As of 2024, the median age is 30.7 years, and the population growth rate is 1.07%.
- Population (2024 est.): 410,862
- Urbanization rate: 1.02% annual change (2020-25 est.)
- Life expectancy: 76.7 years (2024 est.)
- Infant mortality rate: 9.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
- Birth rate: 13.1 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Economy
The Bahamian economy is classified as high-income, heavily reliant on tourism and financial services. As of 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $14.544 billion with a projected growth rate of 3.4%. Major industries include tourism, banking, and oil bunkering, while approximately 77.2% of the economy is attributed to the services sector.
- Real GDP: $14.544 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP per capita: $36,200 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 8.5% (2024 est.)
- Labor force size: 237,100 (2024 est.)
- Exports: $6.771 billion (2024 est.)
Government
The Bahamas operates as a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth realm, with its capital in Nassau. The government is headed by Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis and functions under a legal system based on English common law. Citizens have the right to vote at 18 years of age, and the constitution was adopted on 10 July 1973.
- Government type: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy
- Constitution adopted: 10 July 1973
- Current Prime Minister: Philip Edward Davis (since 17 September 2021)
- Suffrage age: 18 years
- Parliamentary structure: Bicameral
Military and Security
The Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) are the primary security agencies responsible for maintaining internal and external security. The RBDF has approximately 1,700 active personnel and focuses on maritime security and territorial integrity. Military expenditures account for 0.7% of GDP in 2024.
- Active personnel in RBDF: 1,700 (2024)
- Military expenditures: 0.7% of GDP (2024)
- Military service age: 18-30 years for voluntary service
- RBDF establishment year: 1980
Energy
The Bahamas has attained 100% electrification of its population as of 2022. The electricity generation primarily relies on fossil fuels, constituting 99.1% of the installed capacity. Total electricity consumption was recorded at 2.036 billion kWh in 2023.
- Installed generating capacity: 608,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 2.036 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 2.99 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Environment
The Bahamas faces environmental challenges such as coral reef decay and solid waste disposal issues. The country is proactive in international environmental agreements concerning biodiversity and climate change. About 50.9% of the land is forested, highlighting the nation's natural resources.
- Land use for agriculture: 1.3% (2022 est.)
- Urban population: 83.6% of total population (2023)
Transportation
The Bahamas is served by 54 airports and a merchant marine fleet totaling 1,274 vessels. The key ports include Clifton Pier and Nassau, which facilitate extensive maritime activity crucial for the economy.
- Airports: 54 (2025)
- Merchant marine total: 1,274 (2023)
- Total ports: 6 (2024)
Communications
The telecommunications sector in the Bahamas is well-developed, with 95% of the population using the internet as of 2023. The country has a robust broadcast media system with multiple providers for TV and radio services.
- Internet users: 95% of the population (2023)
- Fixed-line telephones: 97,000 subscriptions (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 410,862 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 13,880 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $14.544 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy consumption | 2.036 billion kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Birth rate | 13.1 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 8.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 76.7 years | 2024 estimate |
| Urban population | 83.6% | 2023 estimate |
| Youth unemployment rate | 17.8% | 2024 estimate |
Explore more about this country: