World · permanent entity record · BF

Bahamas, The

Thirty-second orientation

Bahamas, The at a glance

Capital: Nassau; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 403,033; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 13,880 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Bahamian(s); adjective: Bahamian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Bahamas, The through time

1973-09-18
Admitted to the United Nations
Bahamas, The became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	403,033World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 415,306 (2025 est.) male: 192,055 female: 223,251CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-20

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $15.8 billion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $39,455; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 74.7 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 81.3%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 100.0%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 92.5%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Nassau; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 13,880 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 403,033; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: Bahamian dollars (BSD); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Bahamian(s); adjective: Bahamian; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1973-09-18; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: North America; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Central America and the Caribbean.”
Coastline: 3,542 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Protestant 69.9% (includes Baptist 34.9%, Anglican 13.7%, Pentecostal 8.9% Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, Methodist 3.6%, Church of God 1.9%, Plymouth Brethren 1.6%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13% (includes Jehovah's Witness 1.1%), other 0.6%, none 1.9%, unspecified 2.6% (2010 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: gold, black; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: blue marlin, flamingo, yellow elderflower; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: 1.3 km NE of Old Bight on Cat Island · 210 ft (64 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-20 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: Lucayan Indians inhabited the Bahama islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World 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 gaining 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 is only 80 km (50 mi) from Florida -- the country is a major transshipment point for illicit trafficking to the US mainland, as well as to Europe. US law enforcement agencies cooperate closely with The Bahamas; the Drug Enforcement Administration, US Coast Guard, and US Customs and Border Protection assist Bahamian authorities with maritime security and law enforcement through Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, or OPBAT.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Geography17 fields

Location: chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba; note - although The Bahamas does not border the Caribbean Sea, geopolitically it is often designated as a Caribbean nation; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geographic coordinates: 24 15 N, 76 00 W; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area: total : 13,880 sq km land: 10,010 sq km water: 3,870 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Connecticut; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land boundaries: total: 0 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coastline: 3,542 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Terrain: long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Elevation: highest point: 1.3 km NE of Old Bight on Cat Island 64 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural resources: salt, aragonite, timber, arable land; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 1.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 0.2% (2023 est.) forest: 50.9% (2023 est.) other: 47.8% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Irrigated land: 10 sq km (2012); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: most of the population lives in urban areas, with two thirds living on New Providence Island where Nassau is located; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural hazards: hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geography - note: strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain of which 30 are inhabited; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

People and Society29 fields

Population: total: 415,306 (2025 est.) male: 192,055 female: 223,251; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Nationality: noun: Bahamian(s) adjective: Bahamian; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Ethnic groups: African descent 90.6%, White 4.7%, mixed 2.1%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2010 est.) note: data represent population by racial group; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Languages: English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Religions: Protestant 69.9% (includes Baptist 34.9%, Anglican 13.7%, Pentecostal 8.9% Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, Methodist 3.6%, Church of God 1.9%, Plymouth Brethren 1.6%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13% (includes Jehovah's Witness 1.1%), other 0.6%, none 1.9%, unspecified 2.6% (2010 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 21.4% (male 41,675/female 46,363) 15-64 years: 70% (male 132,626/female 154,866) 65 years and over: 8.6% (2024 est.) (male 15,799/female 19,533); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 43.2 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 30.2 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 13 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 7.7 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Median age: total: 31.1 years (2025 est.) male: 30.6 years female: 30.7 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population growth rate: 1.08% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Birth rate: 13.1 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Death rate: 5.44 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Net migration rate: 3.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population distribution: most of the population lives in urban areas, with two thirds living on New Providence Island where Nassau is located; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 83.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major urban areas - population: 280,000 NASSAU (capital) (2018); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.86 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 76 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 9.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 10.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 8.2 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.7 years (2024 est.) male: 75.1 years female: 78.4 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total fertility rate: 1.45 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 0.71 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Drinking water source: total: 98.9% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Health expenditure: 7.1% of GDP (2021) 15.8% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Physician density: 1.9 physicians/1,000 population (2017); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Hospital bed density: 2.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 31.6% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 9.48 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 3.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 1.43 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 4.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Tobacco use: total: 10.8% (2025 est.) male: 20.8% (2025 est.) female: 1.9% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Education expenditure: 2.7% of GDP (2023 est.) 10.6% national budget (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Environment10 fields

Environmental issues: coral reef decay; solid waste disposal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International environmental agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, 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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 1.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 0.2% (2023 est.) forest: 50.9% (2023 est.) other: 47.8% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 83.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 2.99 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 2.966 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 23,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 5.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 264,000 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.9% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 31 million cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total renewable water resources: 700 million cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Government25 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamas conventional short form: The Bahamas etymology: name may be derived from the Spanish baha mar, meaning "low sea," which describes the shallow waters of the Bahama Banks; alternatively, it may be a form of the local name Guanahani, which is of unknown origin and meaning; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Government type: parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Capital: name: Nassau geographic coordinates: 25 05 N, 77 21 W time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November etymology: named after King WILLIAM III of England (1650-1702), who was a member of the House of Orange-Nassau; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Administrative divisions: 31 districts; Acklins Islands, Berry Islands, Bimini, Black Point, Cat Island, Central Abaco, Central Andros, Central Eleuthera, City of Freeport, Crooked Island and Long Cay, East Grand Bahama, Exuma, Grand Cay, Harbour Island, Hope Town, Inagua, Long Island, Mangrove Cay, Mayaguana, Moore's Island, North Abaco, North Andros, North Eleuthera, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, South Abaco, South Andros, South Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, West Grand Bahama; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legal system: common-law system based on the English model; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Constitution: history: previous 1964 (pre-independence); latest adopted 20 June 1973, effective 10 July 1973 amendment process: proposed as an "Act" by Parliament; passage of amendments to articles such as the organization and composition of the branches of government requires approval by at least two-thirds majority of the membership of both houses of Parliament and majority approval in a referendum; passage of amendments to constitutional articles such as fundamental rights and individual freedoms, the powers, authorities, and procedures of the branches of government, or changes to the Bahamas Independence Act 1973 requires approval by at least three-fourths majority of the membership of both houses and majority approval in a referendum; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of The Bahamas dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 6-9 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General Cynthia A. PRATT (since 1 September 2023) head of government: Prime Minister Philip Edward DAVIS (since 17 September 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor-general on recommendation of prime minister election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor-general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the governor-general appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: Parliament legislative structure: bicameral note: Parliament sits for 5 years from the date of the last general election: the government may dissolve the parliament and call elections at any time; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch - lower chamber: chamber name: House of Assembly number of seats: 39 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 9/16/2021 parties elected and seats per party: Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) (32); Free National Movement (FNM) (7) percentage of women in chamber: 17.9% expected date of next election: September 2026; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch - upper chamber: chamber name: Senate number of seats: 16 (all appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 10/6/2021 percentage of women in chamber: 31.3% expected date of next election: October 2026; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 6 justices, organized in 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 19 justices) judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67 subordinate courts: Industrial Tribunal; Magistrates' Courts; Family Island Administrators (can also serve as magistrates) note: The Bahamas is a member of the 15-member Caribbean Community but is not party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as its highest appellate court; the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Political parties: Coalition of Independents Party or COI Democratic National Alliance or DNA Free National Movement or FNM Progressive Liberal Party or PLP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Wendall Kermith JONES (since 19 April 2022) chancery: 600 New Hampshire Ave NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660 FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668 email address and website: embassy@bahamasembdc.org https://www.bahamasembdc.org/ consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Miami, New York; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Herschel WALKER (since 9 December 2025) embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau mailing address: 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC 20521-3370 telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181 FAX: [1] (242) 356-7174 email address and website: acsnassau@state.gov https://bs.usembassy.gov/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International organization participation: ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Independence: 10 July 1973 (from the UK); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National holiday: Independence Day, 10 July (1973); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Flag: description: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the left side meaning: the band colors represent the islands' golden beaches surrounded by the aquamarine sea; black stands for the vigor and force of a united people, and the triangle for the people's enterprise and determination; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National symbol(s): blue marlin, flamingo, yellow elderflower; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National color(s): aquamarine, yellow, black; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National coat of arms: the motto on the Bahamas coat of arms is “Forward, Upward, Onward Together;” the flamingo and marlin supporting the shield are national animals that represent respectively the land and sea; the pink conch shell symbolizes the marine life of the islands, and the green palm fronds represent the natural vegetation; the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus’s flagship, also appears; the sun signifies the world-famous climate and the bright future of the islands; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National anthem(s): title: "March On, Bahamaland!" lyrics/music: Timothy GIBSON history: adopted 1973 _____ title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Economy27 fields

Economic overview: high-income tourism and financial services economy; major income inequality; strong US bilateral relations; several tax relief programs; targeted investment in agriculture, energy, light manufacturing, and technology industries; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $14.544 billion (2024 est.) $14.069 billion (2023 est.) $13.653 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 3.4% (2024 est.) 3% (2023 est.) 10.9% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP per capita: $36,200 (2024 est.) $35,200 (2023 est.) $34,300 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $15.833 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.4% (2024 est.) 3.1% (2023 est.) 5.6% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 0.5% (2024 est.) industry: 9.6% (2024 est.) services: 77.2% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 64.3% (2024 est.) government consumption: 12.9% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 25.7% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 1.1% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 37.8% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -41.5% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Agricultural products: sugarcane, grapefruits, vegetables, bananas, tomatoes, chicken, tropical fruits, oranges, coconuts, mangoes/guavas (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industries: tourism, banking, oil bunkering, maritime industries, transshipment and logistics, salt, aragonite, pharmaceuticals; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 12.5% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Labor force: 237,100 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Unemployment rate: 8.5% (2024 est.) 8.7% (2023 est.) 9.3% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 17.8% (2024 est.) male: 17.8% (2024 est.) female: 17.8% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Remittances: 0.4% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Budget: revenues: $2.855 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $3.389 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Public debt: 73.7% of GDP (2023 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 16.2% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Current account balance: -$1.053 billion (2024 est.) -$1.069 billion (2023 est.) -$1.233 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports: $6.771 billion (2024 est.) $6.011 billion (2023 est.) $5.425 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - partners: USA 36%, Zimbabwe 16%, Cote d'Ivoire 14%, Germany 8%, Guyana 8% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - commodities: refined petroleum, ships, aluminum, shellfish, plastics (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports: $7.069 billion (2024 est.) $6.273 billion (2023 est.) $5.843 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - partners: USA 60%, Germany 13%, China 5%, Japan 3%, Brazil 2% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, ships, aircraft, cars, crude petroleum (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $2.512 billion (2023 est.) $2.609 billion (2022 est.) $2.433 billion (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exchange rates: Bahamian dollars (BSD) per US dollar - 1 (2024 est.) 1 (2023 est.) 1 (2022 est.) 1 (2021 est.) 1 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Energy7 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 608,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 2.036 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 10 million kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 99.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coal: imports: 600 metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Petroleum: refined petroleum consumption: 20,000 bbl/day (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural gas: consumption: 14.13 million cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 14.13 million cubic meters (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 104.409 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 93,100 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 388,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 97 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadcast media: 4 major TV providers; 1 TV station is operated by government-owned, commercially run Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB) and competes with 4 privately owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV subscription service is widely available; 32 licensed broadcast (radio) service providers, with 31 privately owned FM radio stations; the BCB operates a multi-channel radio network with national coverage; the sector is regulated by the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (2019); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet country code: .bs; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 95% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 95,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transportation5 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: C6; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Airports: 54 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Heliports: 9 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Merchant marine: total: 1,274 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 345, container ship 39, general cargo 58, oil tanker 193, other 639; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Ports: total ports: 6 (2024) large: 0 medium: 1 small: 1 very small: 4 ports with oil terminals: 4 key ports: Clifton Pier, Cockburn Town, Freeport, Matthew Town, Nassau, South Riding Point; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Military and Security6 fields

Military and security forces: Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF): includes land, air, maritime elements; Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) (2025) note: the RBPF maintains internal security; both the RBDF and the RBPF, as well as the Department of Corrections, report to the Minister of National Security; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military expenditures: 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.9% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.9% of GDP (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: approximately 1,500-1,800 active RBDF (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: most of the RBDF's major equipment inventory has been acquired from the Netherlands or the US (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military service age and obligation: 18-30 years of age for voluntary service for men and women (18-60 for Reserves); no conscription (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military - note: the RBDF was established in 1980; its primary responsibilities are maritime security and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Bahamas, providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and supporting internal law and order in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies; the RBDF is a naval force with a few light aircraft, coastal patrol craft, and patrol boats, as well as a lightly-armed marine infantry/commando squadron for base and internal security; the RBDF has training relationships with the UK and the US (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transnational Issues2 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 30 (2024 est.) IDPs: 30 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Illicit drugs: USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.

Bahamas, The at a glance

Bahamas, The through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile