Bahamians

Bahamians are citizens or inhabitants of The Bahamas, a sovereign island nation in the Caribbean. The Bahamas comprises about 700 islands and 2,400 cays, with a population of around 400,000 and Nassau, on New Providence Island, serving as the capital.

Most Bahamians are of African descent, with communities of mixed and European origin, and smaller groups from Haiti and other Caribbean nations. English is the official language, and Bahamian English is commonly spoken, with local dialects shaping everyday speech.

History and politics: The Lucayan Taíno inhabited the archipelago before European contact. Spanish explorers claimed the islands in the 15th century, but the Bahamas developed under British colonial rule for centuries. The country attained independence in 1973 and remains a constitutional monarchy with a Governor-General representing the monarch. The prime minister is the head of government and leads a parliamentary system.

Economy: The Bahamas has a service-based economy dominated by tourism and offshore financial services. The sector centers on Nassau and the Family Islands, with cruise tourism and resort development playing major roles, along with financial and maritime services.

Culture and society: Cultural expressions include Junkanoo street parades, rake-and-scrape music, and calypso influences. Bahamian cuisine emphasizes seafood such as conch, grouper, and johnnycake. Sports like cricket, basketball, sailing, and track are popular, and family and church affiliations are important in daily life.

Geography and demographics: New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) house the majority of residents. The climate is tropical, with vulnerability to hurricanes influencing building and policy decisions. The Bahamian diaspora remains active in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.