Bahamian

Bahamian is a term used to describe something related to The Bahamas, an independent island nation in the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas consists of about 700 islands and 2,400 cays, located northeast of Cuba and southeast of Florida. The Bahamian people, culture, and institutions share a common national identity. The official language is English, with Bahamian English and Bahamian Creole spoken in various communities.

The archipelago was originally inhabited by the Lucayan people before European colonization. It became a British colony in the 18th century and gained full independence on July 10, 1973, as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth. The head of state is the monarch, represented locally by a governor-general. The Bahamas has a bicameral Parliament and a prime minister as head of government, reflecting its liberal democratic system.

As of recent estimates, the population is around 400,000. Nassau, on New Providence Island, is the capital and largest city; Freeport is a major secondary center. The economy relies heavily on tourism and financial services. The Bahamian dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at parity, and U.S. currency is widely accepted. The majority of Bahamians identify as of African descent, with minorities of European and mixed heritage. Christianity is the dominant religion.

Cultural traditions include Junkanoo parades and rake-and-scrape music. Bahamian cuisine emphasizes seafood such as conch, grouper, and lobster. The country is known for its clear waters, coral reefs, and pink-sand beaches, as well as environmental vulnerability to hurricanes. The Bahamian identity emphasizes hospitality and a maritime heritage.