Country Profile: Bahamas, The
The Bahamas is an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, characterized by its tropical marine climate and extensive coastal areas. With a population of approximately 415,000, the majority resides in urban centers, particularly on New Providence Island where the capital, Nassau, is situated. The economy relies heavily on tourism and international financial services, contributing to a high GDP per capita, while governance is structured as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy.
Geography
The Bahamas consists of a chain of islands situated southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba. Despite not bordering the Caribbean Sea, it is often politically classified as a Caribbean nation. The country covers a total area of 13,880 sq km, with a coastline extending 3,542 km. Its terrain is primarily flat with coral formations and it experiences natural hazards such as hurricanes.
- Total land area: 10,010 sq km
- Water area: 3,870 sq km
- Highest point: 64 m on Cat Island
- Urban population: 83.6% (2023 est.)
- Strategic location: Adjacent to the US and Cuba
People and Society
The population of The Bahamas is estimated at 415,306 as of 2025, predominantly of African descent. The country has a median age of 31.1 years and a growth rate of 1.08%. English is the official language, and the majority of the population practices various forms of Protestant Christianity.
- Population (2025 est.): 415,306
- Urbanization rate: 1.02% annual change (2020-25 est.)
- Life expectancy: 76.7 years (2024 est.)
- Birth rate: 13.1 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- Infant mortality rate: 9.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Economy
The Bahamas boasts a high-income economy focused on tourism and financial services, which together account for up to 85% of GDP. The GDP was estimated at $15.833 billion in 2024, with a per capita GDP of $36,200. The economy also faces significant income inequality and relies on foreign investments.
- GDP (2024 est.): $15.833 billion
- Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.): 3.4%
- Unemployment rate (2024 est.): 8.5%
- Labor force: 237,100 (2024 est.)
- Exports (2024 est.): $6.771 billion
Government
The Bahamas operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. It gained independence from the UK on July 10, 1973. The government consists of an executive branch led by the Prime Minister, a bicameral Parliament, and an independent judiciary. Citizens are granted universal suffrage at the age of 18.
- Capital: Nassau
- Independence: 10 July 1973 (from the UK)
- Current Prime Minister: Philip Edward Davis (since September 2021)
- Number of administrative divisions: 31 districts
- Legal system: Based on English common law
Military and Security
The Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) oversees the country's maritime security, supported by the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The military is relatively small, with about 1,500-1,800 active personnel. The military budget accounts for 0.7% of GDP in 2024.
- Active military personnel: 1,500-1,800 (2025)
- Military expenditures (2024 est.): 0.7% of GDP
- Primary responsibilities: Maritime security and disaster relief
- Training relationships: With the UK and the US
Energy
The Bahamas has achieved 100% electrification for its population. Its energy generation is primarily dependent on fossil fuels, with renewable sources making up a minimal portion. The country consumes about 2.036 billion kWh of electricity annually.
- Installed capacity: 608,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity production from fossil fuels: 99.1% of total installed capacity
- Electricity consumption: 2.036 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Daily refined petroleum consumption: 20,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Environment
The Bahamas faces environmental challenges such as coral reef decay and solid waste disposal. It is a party to several international environmental agreements, including those related to climate change and biodiversity.
- Forested area: 50.9% of land (2023 est.)
- Municipal solid waste generated: 264,000 tons annually (2024 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 2.99 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Transportation
The transportation infrastructure includes 54 airports and 6 major ports. The Bahamas has a significant merchant marine fleet, which supports its tourism and shipping industries.
- Total merchant marine vessels: 1,274 (2023)
- Total number of airports: 54 (2025)
- Ports with oil terminals: 4
- Civil aircraft registration code: C6
Communications
The Bahamas has a well-developed communication system, with a high internet penetration rate and a number of media outlets. Approximately 95% of the population uses the internet.
- Internet users: 95% of the population (2023 est.)
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 388,000 (2024 est.)
- Fixed line subscriptions: 93,100 (2024 est.)
- Broadband subscriptions: 95,000 (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 415,306 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 13,880 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $15.833 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 8.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 13.1 births/1,000 population | 2025 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 76.7 years | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Energy consumption | 2.036 billion kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Total number of airports | 54 | 2025 estimate |
| Total merchant marine vessels | 1,274 | 2023 estimate |
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