Lucayan Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Piracy thrived in the 17th and 18th centuries because of The Bahamas close proximity to shipping lanes. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas has prospered through tourism, international banking, and investment management, which comprise up to 85% of GDP. Because of its proximity to the US - the nearest Bahamian landmass being only 80 km (50 mi) from Florida - the country is a major transshipment point for illicit trafficking, particularly to the US mainland, as well as Europe. US law enforcement agencies cooperate closely with The Bahamas, and the US Coast Guard assists Bahamian authorities in coastal defense through Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, or OPBAT.
Location
Chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba
Area Comparative
Slightly smaller than Connecticut
Maritime Claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate
Tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream
Population Distribution
Most of the population lives in urban areas, with two-thirds living on New Providence Island where Nassau is located
Natural Hazards
Hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage
Geography Note
Strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain of which 30 are inhabited
