Sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean, starting approximately 50 miles off the coast of South Florida, the islands of The Bahamas, its 700 islands and 2,400 cays and rocks have long been highly attractive and sought after locale for vacationers. In the last half century, the island nation has become a magnet for those seeking investment opportunity and second home residency.
The capital of The Bahamas is Nassau, located on the island of New Providence, where approximately two-thirds of the country’s population of nearly 400,000 resides. Grand Bahama, in the north, is home to the country’s second city and is considered its industrial capital.
Because of its attractiveness to individuals and investors, The Bahamas has a strong cadre of ambassadors and honorary counsel representing most countries of the world, a testament to the international composition of residents and investors. The official language is English, the legal system is based on English jurisprudence though the country’s proximity to the United States has led to a cultural blend of diverse and highly contemporary lifestyle expectations.
On July 10, 1973, The Bahamas achieved independence from Britain and enjoys a democratically elected government led by a prime minister, Cabinet, House of Assembly and Senate. It has a legacy of continuous Parliamentary governance for over 300 years. A fully independent, self-governing member of the Commonwealth, The Bahamas is a member of the United Nations, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of American States (OAS).