GeoFroggy

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Background

Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas have prospered through tourism and international banking and investment management. By the early 1980s, the islands had become a major center for drug trafficking, particularly shipments to the US.

Location

Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida

Area Comparative

Slightly smaller than Connecticut

Maritime Claims

Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate

Tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Natural Hazards

Hurricanes and other tropical storms that cause extensive flood and wind damage

Environment Current Issues

Coral reef decay; solid waste disposal

Environment International Agreements

Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

Signed, but not ratified: None of the selected agreements

Geography Note

Strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain

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Map Reference

Central America and the Caribbean

Irrigated Land

NA sq km

Area 2000

Total

13,940 sq km
Land

10,070 sq km
Water

3,870 sq km

Coastline

3,542 km

Geographical Coordinates

24 15 N, 76 00 W

Land use 2000

Arable Land
1%
Permanent Crops
0%
Permanent Pastures
0%
Forests And Woodland
32%
Other
67%

Terrain

Long
Flat coral formations with some low rounded hills

Elevation

Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Highest Point: Mount Alvernia, on Cat Island 63 m

Land Boundaries

0 km

Natural Resources

Salt
Aragonite

Timber

Bahamas, The