Capital: Nassau.
Bahamas have long been considered a symbol of luxury and relaxation and are one of the largest resort areas in the western hemisphere.
Customs and traditions: The traditional culture of the Bahamas is far removed from the heavily American-influenced urban centers of Nassau and Freeport. Folk island creativity is reflected in a large number of fairy tales, natural medicine, music and religious rites brought here by slaves from Africa. Despite the fact that the Bahamas does not yet give birth to writers who are gaining world fame, and the visual arts are also slowly developing, the islands have formed a distinctive musical culture. Several traditional forms of music were born in this country, including gumbay, a synthesis of calypso, juice and English folk songs, as well as a working-class scratch-and-scrape style, with a distinctive guitar sound, accordion and rattles made from poinciana tree pods.
Bahamian children enjoy playing basketball with great pleasure. They literally live on the basketball field, and most towns have their own small basketball court with makeshift baskets. The Bahamas follow the American basketball (and baseball) teams with great zeal.
Holidays and non-working days: New Year(January 1), Good Friday (in different time), Second Day after Easter (various times), Spirits Day (seven weeks after Easter), Labor Day (first Friday in June), Independence Day (July 10), Liberation Day (first Monday in August), America's Discovery Day (October 12 ), Christmas (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26).
One of the most colorful celebrations coinciding with the celebration of Christmas and New Year is the Junkanoo festival. This is a carnival, a theatrical procession, and a folk festival at the same time. Participants demonstrate fantastic costumes that delight the public. Big attractions are the regatta, held annually in April at Elizabeth Harbor on Family Island, and The Goombay Summer Festival, held for tourists in June.
Geography: In the western part of the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the Florida peninsula, is the vast Bahamas archipelago. It has more than 700 islands, of which only 30 are inhabited. Most of the islands are small and are coral reefs. These are the northernmost islands in the Caribbean. total area islands - 13.9 thousand square meters. km. The largest islands are Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera, New Providence, Big Inagua.
Climate: Beautiful beaches, luscious vegetation, colorful coral reefs make the Bahamas one of the most popular in the Western Hemisphere winter resorts. The Bahamas has a tropical and subtropical climate. West Coast The islands are washed by the warm Gulf Stream, a soft equatorial wind constantly blows from the southeast. Therefore, in winter the temperature rarely drops below +15C, and in summer it does not rise above +32C. The temperature of the crystal clear sea winter time usually around +23C, and in summer around +27C. Rainfall is most likely from May to October, although there is no distinct rainy season.
Population: The population of the island is about 280 thousand people, most of them are the descendants of black slaves and mulattoes (85%), the white minority is from England, Canada, and the USA. Residents of the islands under the age of 15 make up 15% of the population, over 60 - 5%. The population density per square mile is about 50 people.
Language: Official language- English. The Bahamians speak with a local accent and use a number of words from the Arawak Indians as well as African languages.
Religion: Freedom of religion, the majority of the population belongs to the Christian church.
Currency: The national currency is the Bahamian dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar. Both currencies are in circulation on the islands. In circulation are coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 cents and 1, 2 and 5 dollars; banknotes in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.
Currency exchange: It is better to change money in banks. Opening hours: from Monday to Thursday - from 9.30 to 15.00, on Friday - from 9.30 to 17.00. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, etc.) are accepted in many places. Traveler's checks are also widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange transactions, take checks in US dollars.
Customs regulations: In addition to personal items, you can bring 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, or 1 pound (~0.450 kg.) of tobacco, as well as 1 liter of alcoholic beverages. Only persons departing on flights to the United States (US Customs) go through customs at the exit. When departing from the Bahamas, an airport tax of $15 will be charged.
Transport: The easiest way to get to the Bahamas is from the USA. The flight from Miami to Nassau will take about 35 minutes, from New York to Nassau - 2.5 hours, from Philadelphia - 2 hours 45 minutes, from Toronto (Canada) - 3 hours. If the cost of air tickets seems too high for you, you can buy tickets for charter flights or use the services of rebators, which provide discounts of up to 30% of the cost of tickets and hotel rooms. Air tickets for charter flights are available from Nassau/Paradise Island Express and Carnival Airlines. Discounted tickets and rooms - at Travel Avenue, Smart Treveller, Travel Management International.
Car rent: Movement is left-handed. Dudget Rent-a-Car rental rates range from $42 to $54 per day, depending on the car class and transmission type. All car rental rates include:
- unlimited mileage;
- third party liability insurance;
- a document on the waiver of obligations to pay compensation in the event of a collision;
- insurance in case of an accident;
- insurance in case of theft;
- airport surcharges and all local taxes.
Required requirements:
- the age of the driver is at least 21 years old;
- the presence of an international driver's license;
- Driving experience of at least one year.
Electricity: Voltage and frequency in electrical network in the Bahamas they correspond to the US standard and are 120 volts and 60 hertz. The sockets and plugs are also American, so tourists from Europe need a special converter and adapter to use European-made electrical appliances.
Connection: International code Bahamas - 809. If you are calling from Russia, you should dial 8, then 10, followed by 1809, the area code and the local number. You can also order a conversation through the operator, tel. in Moscow - 8-194, 8-196. Telephone calls to travel agencies, cruise lines, and airlines that serve travelers to the Bahamas are free of charge within the United States. The phone number for AT&T in the US is 800/874-4000.
Accommodation: Hotels in the Bahamas at the cost of a two-room suite in the winter season can be divided into expensive (from $190 to $300), medium (from $95 to $190) and cheap (from $65 to $95). All hotels and guesthouses under $55 are categorized as "budget".
Prices: Bahamas - a test of the strength of your wallet. Moderate expenses will cost you about $100 per night (inexpensive hotel room - $30-75, dinner at an inexpensive restaurant - $25). In winter, hotel accommodation costs 30% more.
Tips: The country adopted a system of "tipping" for the services provided. The receptionist expects to receive 1 dollar for each suitcase delivered to the room, 2 dollars a day you can pay the maid for additional service, for example, for a washed and ironed shirt or blouse. In most cases, "tips" to taxi drivers, waiters, servants make up 15% of the cost of services (in the most luxurious restaurants - 20%).
Emergency Phones: If you are in danger, call the police or fire brigade on 919. The Bahamas has a well-established system for protecting the health of Bahamians and visitors. The islands have hospitals and clinics equipped with modern medical equipment. Ambulance call:
New Providence, tel: 322-2121;
Freeport, tel: 352-2689.
The Bahamas are islands in the Atlantic Ocean located between the island of Cuba and the Florida peninsula. Of almost 700 islands and 2,500 coral reefs, only 30 have been developed by man.
The Bahamas are one of the richest countries in the region.
The total area of the country is 259,000 sq. km, of which 13,900 sq. km.
The capital is the city of Nassau, located on the island of New Providence.
Holidays in the Bahamas are considered a luxury and a symbol good taste. Therefore, the epithet "chic" is suitable for any kind of recreation here. A chic beach holiday on endless white sandy beaches with clear warm water and coral reefs, chic conditions for active sports, many chic restaurants and gaming establishments working around the clock.
New Providence Island is the most favorite place of the entire archipelago. The tourism industry is well developed here, many excellent hotels, pristine beaches, shopping centers, bars and restaurants, casinos. The Atlantis complex houses one of the largest open-air aquariums. 
Near the territory of the island there are famous dive sites: Clifton Wall, Balmoral Island, Razorback coral arcs. New Providence is home to the Bacardi Distillery, where you can take a free tasting tour.
Grand Bahama is the most north island archipelago. Apart from beach holiday, here you can also go diving, visit the Tiger Beach with striped sharks or Paradise Bay, the glorious dead man's coral reef and black corals.
Andros is one of the few islands on the world map where it is quiet and calm, where you can really relax from the bustle of megacities in the shade of mangroves, palm trees and fragrant pines, lying on the white sand and peering into the endless blue distance.
How to get to the Bahamas
There is no direct road from Minsk to the Bahamas.
Delta and British Airways operate regular flights to the cities of Nassau, Freeport and Mash Harbor with transfers in Europe. If the flight will be through the United States, you will need a transit American visa.
If you contact travel company"Thank you - travel", our experienced managers will select a travel option that is convenient for you.
You can find our contacts.
The climate of the Bahamas
The territory of the Bahamas is influenced by a subtropical climate in the south and a tropical trade wind in the north.
The average summer air temperature is +26 - +32 degrees (on the southern islands it is somewhat warmer than on the central ones), winter - +18 - +22 degrees (it is warmer on the northwestern islands). The average summer water temperature is +27 degrees, winter - +23 degrees.
Precipitation usually falls in the summer in amounts up to 800 mm in the form of short but heavy showers. From May to November, hurricanes and tropical storms occur in the country.
The best time to visit the Bahamas is from September to May.
Very gorgeous beaches located on the island of New Providence. The most popular is Cable Beach, where you can relax while sunbathing on the ocean, you can scuba dive, admiring the beauty of the sea depths, you can hit the "jackpot" in the local casino, and if you wish, admire the unsurpassed landscapes of Paradise Island, get which can be reached by the original bridge.
On the island of Grand Bahama, Gold Rock Beach is famous, surrounded by coconut trees, orchids and sea grapes. But lovers of drive are recommended to visit Tiger Beach, where striped sharks “registered”, and Paradise Bay, famous for Dead Man's Reef and black corals.
The wildest island of the Bahamas - Andros invites guests to relax on Somerset Beach, surrounded by fishing villages. Here, relaxing on the beach can be combined with diving and fishing. And the newlyweds fell in love with Andros Island, because it is here that wedding ceremonies are held in the national style, and local hotels They even offer special "wedding packages".
Beautiful beaches are located on other islands of the Bahamas archipelago - it all depends on which place you choose to relax.
Bahamas Hotels
It is believed that the most best hotels of the world are represented precisely in the Bahamas. Here you will find both huge fashionable tourist complexes and small cozy establishments for a measured family vacation. Most hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis, which is considered the most advanced in the Caribbean.
Hotels are classified from 3 * and above. In any of the hotels you will have a beautiful view from the window and air conditioning.
There are hotels located in historical buildings, there are boutique hotels with designer interiors, there are hotels located far from entertainment centers, there are ecological, powered by the energy of the sun, - tourism infrastructure The Bahamas offers a wide range of services.
In some hotels in the system additional services water activities included.
The tip is 15% of the bill if the service is not included in the check.
Other accommodation options include guesthouses and renting rooms from the local population.
Banks, money, exchange offices
The currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar, equal to 100 cents. However, US dollars also circulate freely throughout the archipelago.
Banking hours:
From Monday to Thursday - from 9.00–9.30 to 15.00
Fridays - from 9.30 to 17.00 (working hours may vary on the islands)
In small towns, banks can only open a day or two a week.
Currency exchange is carried out in banks, hotels and large shops. The most stable exchange rate is in Nassau and Freeport, in other busy resorts it is less profitable.
All types of credit cards of world payment systems are accepted for payment. ATMs are available in all major cities.
Travel - checks (preferably in US dollars) can be cashed in banks, hotels and large stores. A large percentage of the transaction may be charged, so it is recommended to find out the conditions for cashing out in advance.
Tipping is 15% on all services. In some hotels and restaurants, service is included in the bill.
Tourist safety
All major resorts in the Bahamas are safe for recreation, but it is still recommended that you follow basic safety rules so that nothing overshadows your stay in this fabulous country.
- Valuables, money and documents should be kept in a hotel safe.
- at night, do not walk through the streets of cities alone (this is especially true for women).
- when doing active sports, you need to take care of your own safety - local firms pay little attention to this.
- spearfishing is prohibited.
- independent archaeological work on sunken ships is prohibited.
- For the sale or use of drugs, you can get a serious prison sentence.
Transport
Domestic flights are operated by Bahamasair between large islands. But it is more profitable to hire a small plane on an individual basis.
There is no public transport in the Bahamas. A fixed-route taxi runs in Nassau, and communication between the islands is carried out using boats and ferries.
Nassau and Freeport have private fixed-route taxis, which move only around the city, but not to airports. During the trip, bargaining is possible.
Those who wish can rent a car, motorcycle, scooter, scooter and bicycle. For driving everyone Vehicle, except for a bicycle, you will need an international driver's license (driving experience - more than a year), age - more than 21 years and a credit card.
You can rent a boat, boat and yacht.
Movement is left-handed.
Entertainment, excursions, sights of the Bahamas
In addition to the beach and active rest, there are many places in the Bahamas that are recommended to visit in order to have a better understanding of the country. There are 25 protected areas with rich flora and fauna on the islands. For example, in national park"Abaco" (on the island of Great Inagua) you can watch rare animals and birds in a relaxed atmosphere.
And the Crystal - Kay - Marine - Park Aquarium is considered the world's largest artificially created coral reef with an underwater observatory. barrier reef off the island of Andros is recognized as the third longest in the world.
Each island has its own specifics, and the choice is yours alone. On the islands of Andros, Berry, Bimini - excellent fishing, on Abakos and Eleuthera - diving in coral reefs, on Exuma and Long Island - yachting, on Inagua live pink flamingos, iguanas, dolphins and sharks.
Shopping and shops
Shop opening hours:
From Monday to Saturday - from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 17.00
Many shops take a break for lunch from 12.00 to 14.30–15.00
Day off - Sunday
Bay Street is the world famous trade center of the Bahamas. At reasonable prices, you can buy watches, jewelry, porcelain, crystal, leather bags, perfumes here - all these goods are not taxed. And in places that have the status of free trade zones, the cost of goods is another 15% lower.
Cuisine and restaurants
The basis national cuisine Bahamas - seafood. These are shells baked on coals, and fried fish cakes, and all kinds of salads, and lobsters, and shrimp, and sea snail dishes. Peas are very common both as a separate side dish and mixed with rice.
It is worth trying the local exotic soup made from onions, water, lime juice, celery, peppers and meat - all this is salted, mixed and practically not boiled.
Not alien to the Bahamian cuisine and toast with jam, and fried bacon with scrambled eggs, and pasta, and fried chicken, and schnitzels.
Those with a sweet tooth will love Caribbean coconut johnny cakes, coconut crumble cakes, rice puddings, gingerbread and fruit salads. Fresh fruits are always on the table - pineapples, guava, mango, papaya, breadfruit.
From drinks, tea and coffee, fruit juices, Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola are popular.
From alcohol, this, of course, is Nassau Royal rum and local Kalik beer.
Customs
Import and export of foreign currency is allowed in unlimited quantities. To export local currency, you must obtain permission from the Central Bank of the Bahamas (the export of local money is allowed in the amount of 70 Bahamian dollars per person).
Allowed to import to persons over 18 years of age:
- up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 450 g of tobacco.
- up to 0.94 liters of strong alcohol. We can send you anywhere in the world!
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It is no secret that the Bahamas have long been a popular holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. And even the Russians fly there to relax. The truth scares away many distance. Which has to be flown. But when you get to the islands, you will immediately forget about everything that happened to you before. After all, the Bahamas is a paradise for relaxation on earth. It has everything you need and even what you never dreamed of! If you look at the Bahamas on a world map, you will see where they are. And they are in the Atlantic Ocean.
And if you look closely, you will see that the Bahamas are located somewhere in the middle between Cuba and Miami, which is located in the US state of Florida. This means that the Bahamas are hot and dry.
The Bahamas includes more than 700 islands, but only 30 of them are inhabited and inhabited. Why are the other islands empty? Some are too small to build on. And some islands are constantly flooded with water, so you can’t build there either.
But there are separate islands where you can go on an excursion. You will be a modern-day Robinson Crusoe, and this journey will be remembered for a long time.
The Bahamas is washed by the ocean from all sides. But there are no rivers on the islands at all! But there are lakes that are connected to the ocean and have salt water. The mountains are also almost non-existent. They simply have nowhere to take, because there is so little space.
But the islands are full of green vegetation. And it is always green, because there is no cold winter here. And vegetation grows here for a reason. Every bush and tree is under state protection! And all because there are few of them on the islands. Therefore, there are nature reserves and parks everywhere, where you can hide from the sun and watch animals.
See where the Bahamas are located on the world map. And then you definitely want to fly here.
The Bahamas is synonymous with a luxurious beach holiday: wide white sandy beaches, clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and excellent coral reefs, as well as profitable duty-free shopping and hundreds of casinos. Everything about the Bahamas from the Subtleties of tourism: prices, tours, photos and hotels.
- Hot tours Worldwide
Great Abaco is the second largest island in the Bahamas, well known to all yachtsmen in the world. The sailing season here lasts from spring to autumn. Vast coastal shallow waters are teeming with fish. Here you can do any of the existing water sports, fishing, or visit the duty-free shops of the largest city of the island - Marsh Harbor.
Long Island is almost never visited by tourists. But in vain - this is the most picturesque island of the Bahamas, with beautiful nature and many places completely untouched by civilization. At the northern tip of the island, Cape Santa Maria is a long white sandy beach, one of the most beautiful in the western hemisphere. Main city Stella Maris Islands - small but quite modern locality, starting point for diving and fishing expeditions.
The Exuma island chain includes over 360 small islands, and in its southern part there are two quite big islands- Greater and Lesser Exuma, where the entire local civilization is concentrated. This archipelago is real paradise for yachtsmen, because these places are considered one of the most beautiful in the world: constant tides, changing the depth of coastal shallows, make the sea extraordinarily beautiful. Diving enthusiasts will also have great fun here. All the details about the cities and resorts of the Bahamas - on the page "Subtleties of tourism"
Paradise holidays in the Bahamas
Customs
There are no foreign exchange controls and restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. The export of local currency over 70 BSD per person must be authorized by the Central Bank of the Bahamas.
Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 450 g of tobacco is allowed; up to 0.94 liters of strong alcoholic beverages and up to 0.94 liters of wine, as well as any other goods and products with a total value of up to 100 USD.
The transit of narcotic and explosive substances, objects of historical and cultural value and weapons is prohibited - without appropriate permits. The export of agricultural products, plants of all kinds and wood carvings requires permission from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of the country.
Bahamas phone numbers
The nearest Embassy of Russia is located in Cuba.
Rescue Service: 911
Ambulance: 322-21-21 (New Providence), 352-26-89 (Freeport)
Air Ambulance Service at Sea (BASRA): 322-38-77
Cities do not have their own telephone codes. Payphones for making international calls are ubiquitous and work with calling cards sold at post offices, telephone company offices, hotels and supermarkets. You can also make a call from a payphone through an operator. As a rule, the cost of a call from a hotel is 10-15% more expensive than from a pay phone. You can also call to another country from the post office.
Long Island is almost never visited by tourists. But in vain - this is the most picturesque island of the Bahamas, with beautiful nature and many places completely untouched by civilization.
Tourist safety
All popular tourist areas are quite safe, but petty crimes are not uncommon: theft in hotel rooms and pickpocketing. With the onset of darkness, tourists, and especially women, are better off walking alone.
Spearfishing with the use of spearguns and other devices is prohibited on the islands. Sport fishing is allowed, but a fee of 20 USD must be paid for one trip to the sea - provided that no more than six reels of fishing line are installed on the vessel. Independent archaeological work on sunken ships is also prohibited. Violation of these rules can result in a hefty fine and deportation from the country.
Do not forget to tell tourists that local laws regarding drug trafficking are very strict: for the sale and even just the use of drugs, it is quite possible to get a long prison term.
The climate of the Bahamas
The climate is tropical trade winds in the north and subtropical in the south. average temperature+26...+32 °C in summer. On the southern islands (Big and Small Inagua, Mayaguana) in summer it is much warmer than in the central part of the archipelago. In winter, the average temperature is +18...+22 °C, the coolest is in the northwestern islands. The average water temperature is usually +27 °C in summer and around +23 °C in winter. best time to visit the country is considered a cool season from September to May.
Bahamas Hotels
Hotels in the Bahamas are very diverse: there are large high-rise complexes and small cozy establishments. The local all-inclusive system is recognized as the best in the Caribbean.
Mains voltage: 120 V, 60 Hz. American standard plugs with two flat pins are used.
Money
The country's monetary unit is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), in 1 dollar. Current exchange rate: 1 BSD = 62.27 RUB (1 USD = 1 BSD, 1 EUR = 1.1 BSD).
Currency can be exchanged at bank offices, hotels and large stores. The Bahamian dollar is firmly pegged to the US dollar, but the exchange rate can vary widely between institutions. The most stable exchange rate is in the offices of international banks in Nassau and Freeport, the most disadvantageous is in tourist areas.
All types of credit cards are accepted for payment. Traveler's checks can be cashed in the same place where you can change currency - at bank offices, hotels and large stores. Some hotels, restaurants, and money changers charge high commissions for cashing checks, so it's always best to find out the terms and conditions in advance.
Tipping is usually 15% in most places, including taxis. Some hotels and restaurants include them on the bill. Messengers, guides, porters and porters usually expect around USD 1 per piece of luggage or excursion, and maids, depending on the hotel, USD 1-2 per day. A government tax is added to the bills of many hotels, from 10% (Nassau and Grand Bahama) to 8% (Family Islands).
Banks are usually open from 9:00-9:30 to 15:00 from Monday to Thursday, on Fridays - from 9:30 to 17:00. However, opening hours on different islands may vary. Some banks in the periphery are often only open one or two days a week.
US dollars are freely circulating in the country.
Holidays in the Bahamas
It is in the Bahamas that you can rent an entire beach and throw an awesome party. The newlyweds do not crawl out of the warm nests of their hotels, having eaten the famous local aphrodisiac - the conch mollusk, which is mixed here with almost every dish. Families with children bombard the Instagram feed with their selfies against the backdrop of white and pink sand. Beautiful ladies enjoy amazing spa treatments while their boyfriends storm the "Caribbean Vegas", sitting at a gambling table not in a smoky room, but on a wooden terrace overlooking the sea. Will it be too little? Then get more ecotourism in reserves, diving at sunken ships, snorkeling with dolphins, fishing for giant marine reptiles, acquaintance with the heritage of pirates, as well as the hospitality and cordiality of always smiling locals.
Cuisine and restaurants
Local delicacies: seafood salads, spiny lobsters and shrimp, charcoal grilled crabs, red snapper (reef perch) fillets, shells of all kinds, etc.
Of the soft drinks, tea is the most popular (in English style) and coffee (mostly very strong Colombian or Brazilian). The islands produce classic rum, the best variety of which is Nassau Royal, and you can also buy imported alcohol everywhere. The local beer "Kalik" tastes good and is sold everywhere on the islands.
Entertainment and attractions of the Bahamas
There are about 25 protected areas on the islands. Great Inagua Island is an excellent birdwatching destination; are also famous for their rich wildlife national park"Abaco", Man-o-Var Reef (Abaco Cay), protected area around Love Hill on northeast coast North Andros and Embryster Creek north of New Harbor on Cat Island.
Every Bahamian resort has an abundance of nightlife restaurants, bars, cabarets and casinos. In addition, the islands have everything for outdoor activities and water sports. Most sports centers on the island of New Providence, as well as on the islands of Grand Bahama and Harbor Island.
Islands Andros, Berry, Bimini - fishing. Abacos and Eleuthera islands - diving in coral reefs. Exuma and Long Island - yacht trips. Inagua Island - pink flamingos, exotic iguanas, swimming with dolphins and even the opportunity to feed the sharks. Grand Bahama Island - for those who are fond of scuba diving, fishing.
Prices on the page are for November 2019.
The full name of the state is the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The state consists of more than 3,000 islands, reefs and islets. The Bahamas are located north of Cuba and Haiti and not far from Florida.
Originally inhabited by Lucayans, originally from the Arawak tribe, the Bahamas became the first stop of Christopher Columbus back in 1492. Although the Spanish never colonized the Bahamas, they sent the Lucayans into slavery in Haiti, with the result that the islands were almost empty by 1513. In 1648, English colonists landed on the island of Eleuthera. Bermuda, and in 1718 the Bahamas became a crown colony.
Today, the constitutional monarchy remains the form of government in the state, Queen Elizabeth II is represented by the Governor General. The Bahamas has a parliamentary system of government, in which power is in the hands of a bicameral Parliament.
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A constitutional monarchy |
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Bahamian dollar |
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The religious composition of the population of the Bahamas is diverse: 35.4% are Baptists, 15.1% Anglicans, 13.5% Catholics, 15.2% of the population belong to other Christian denominations, another part represent Methodists, Pentecostals, the Church of God, are atheists or undecided.
The economy of the state is based on tourism. It accounts for more than 60% of GDP. In addition, the tourism sector provides employment for more than half of the country's working population.
Climate and weather
The north of the Bahamas is in the zone of a tropical trade wind climate, and in the south the climate is subtropical. It is formed by the warm current of the Gulf Stream, the influence of which is dangerous, as it provokes hurricanes in summer. Precipitation falls as rain from May to October.
The temperature in summer fluctuates between +26…+32 °C. On the southern islands, the temperature can reach +40 ° C, but thanks to the trade winds, the heat is easily tolerated. In winter, the temperature is within +18…+22.
You can go on vacation to the Bahamas at any time of the year, but in summer it can be very hot on the southern beaches.
Nature
By geological structure The Bahamas is a limestone plateau. The average height above sea level is 30 m, and highest point Bahamas - Mount Alvernia on the island of Ket, rising 63 meters above sea level. Many of the islands have mangrove swamps, salty lagoons and sandy beaches due to the salt-laden limestone coming to the surface. There are practically no rivers on the islands, therefore fresh water very little.
The flora of the Bahamas is not very diverse and is represented by undersized shrubs, cacti, and aloe. Grow orchids, jasmine.
The fauna is also not very diverse. There are snakes, frogs, bats in the Bahamas, flamingos in swamps and salt lagoons. In addition, flocks here to spend the winter a large number of migratory birds.
But the underwater world of the Bahamas is simply amazing. In the corals at the bottom of the ocean, there are many types of fish that divers love so much. Mackerel and barracuda can be found in lagoons and backwaters. There are sea turtles. A huge number of corals, mollusks, sponges live on the reefs.
Attractions
The Bahamas are considered the richest country in the region. On each island of the archipelago there is a highlight that will attract any tourist.
IN the Bahamian capital Nassau has many interesting places. For example, you can walk along Bay Street - a street with numerous shops, boutiques; or visit the Adastra Gardens, the Retreat Gardens, an underwater aquarium or the famous Cable Beach - an area of sandy beaches, hotels, casinos. The heart of the city central square with the buildings of the Supreme Court, Parliament, Colonial Administration. The hallmark of the city is the Atlantis Hotel. The most visited places by tourists are the old water tower with a beautiful view of the city and the Queen Victoria stairs with 66 steps carved into the rock.
The city of Freeport is suitable for lovers of water sports, outdoor activities, golf and tennis. It is also worth visiting the Garden of the Groves, the monuments of the ancient culture of the Arawak Indians, the Rand Memorial Park.
In the city of New Bight on Ket Island, there is a unique architectural monument - the Hermitage, built on top of Mount Alvernia. The Hermitage was built by an apostate priest in 1939. The work of Father Jerome belongs to the Church of the Savior on the same island and many beautiful monasteries and temples built on other islands of the archipelago.
Nutrition
Seafood is the basis of Bahamian cuisine. The national ingredient of the Bahamians is the conch sea snail. All kinds of salads, snacks, soups are prepared from this snail.
Can not imagine local cuisine without dishes from rice and peas. Spiny lobster is the most expensive dish. A variety of dishes and sea turtle soup were popular for a very long time, which led this species of reptiles to extinction. It is worth trying the sea bass dish, which is served with a sauce of mushrooms, onions, spices and white wine.
Dessert is usually served with fruits (melons, pineapples, papayas, mangoes), drinks, the key ingredient of which is rum, as well as the famous Bahamian johnny cake buns. From non-alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, Pepsi-Cola are found here.
Bahamian cuisine borrowed a lot from British, American and African, but adapted it to local conditions and opportunities.
In large cities there are a large number of restaurants, cafes and bars. On average, the bill for one person in an inexpensive cafe will be $10-15. At the height of the tourist season, many cafes and restaurants are crowded, so you should take care in advance not to stay, for example, without dinner.
Accommodation
In the Bahamas, there is no classification system for hotels and inns, so the assignment of a "star" level here is made either by the owner of the rented premises or by the tour operator. Holidays in the Bahamas are considered very prestigious and expensive, so most hotels work on an all-inclusive basis.
As a rule, guesthouses are located on the coast, which are mainly rented out to divers and surfers. Service in guesthouses may not always be on highest level but is in line with the price.
There are also hotel complexes consisting of bungalows. There are eco-hotels that use only natural products for food and take electricity from solar panels.
If staying at a hotel is not included in the tourist's plans, there is always the opportunity to rent a room from the local population.
Entertainment and recreation
Most people go to the Bahamas for a beach holiday, diving and surfing. The coastal zone of the archipelago is replete with beautiful sandy beaches, the most famous and popular of which is pink beach on Harbor Island. by the most expensive place beach holiday is the island of Eleuthera.
A large number of shallow reefs attract beginner divers. Under water there is something to see - sunken ships, underwater caves. Underwater feeding of sharks on the islands of Abaco, New Providence, Long Island is very popular. Lovers less extreme recreation swimming with dolphins will be offered.
Most hotels include service water sports sports, some offer them for a fee. New Providence, Harbor Island and Grand Bahama have a large number of water sports centers.
The Jonkonu festival is held twice a year in the Bahamas. Colorful processions are accompanied by musical performances and fireworks. Freeport hosts the National Windsurfing Championship every January. The Music Fest takes place in the last week of May. July 10 is Independence Day. At the end of September, the Bahamas Wine and Cooking Festival is held.
Nassau and Freeport have a large number of bars, restaurants, clubs for lovers of nightlife.
Purchases
Shops in the Bahamas are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by a lunch break and reopening from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The world-famous Bay Street shopping street is located in the old part of Nassau, and next to it is the Straw Market. In these places you can buy a variety of goods, ranging from fashionable clothes of world brands to exquisite jewelry, accessories and handmade souvenirs.
Second popular place for shopping - a small island Paradise. Here, avid shopaholics will find everything their heart desires at affordable prices.
Shopping is best done in the morning of a weekday, as at this time they are the least crowded.
Prices for goods in the Bahamas are commensurate with American ones. Lovers of a beautiful life will have to shell out about $ 200 a day. Those who are more modest in needs will meet $ 70-150 per day. And don't forget that the Bahamas has a duty-free system.
Transport
The Bahamas has two major international airports - international Airport named Lindel Pindling in Nassau and Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport. In addition to these main ones, there are about 60 smaller airports in the Bahamas. Nassau, Freeport and Matthew Town have seaports.
Railway communication, as well as public transport, not in the Bahamas. The movement is carried out on cars, motorcycles, bicycles, which can be rented. There is a taxi in the capital. The fare is regulated by the government. So, the cost for a quarter mile when traveling in a taxi will cost $ 2, then the fare will be 30 cents per quarter mile.
Communication between the islands is carried out by ferries and boats.
Length highways is 2700 km, half of which is paved.
Connection
The communication system in the archipelago is well developed. Payphones are found everywhere, you can make international calls from them, and payment is made using calling card. The rooms of almost every hotel have a telephone from which you can make local calls or make an international call through the operator, although this will be 10-15% more expensive than from a payphone.
Mobile communications are also well developed. Local telecom operators provide 100% coverage of the territory of the state.
Internet provider BaTelNet provides almost all types of services. The connection cost is on average $5 per hour.
Safety
Going to the Bahamas, it is not necessary, but it is advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis B, diphtheria and tuberculosis. The high prevalence of HIV and AIDS in this region should also be taken into account.
Customs control is quite democratic. There is no restriction on the import and export of foreign currency, but the export of local Money, the amount of which exceeds $ 70, must be accompanied by permission from the Central Bank of the Bahamas. The import ban applies to drugs, explosives, weapons (without special permission).
The local population is quite friendly and ready to help if needed. However, there are some restrictions and prohibitions. Fishing with the use of underwater guns and other devices for these purposes is not allowed.
Local authorities are waging a tough fight against drug trafficking: even for use, imprisonment can be threatened.
In the Bahamas, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft are quite common, so you need to be careful. It is undesirable for girls and women to take walks alone after dark.
There is practically no state supervision of local firms offering services for active species sport, which entails frequent accidents and fatalities during underwater fishing, diving, surfing.
Traffic in the Bahamas is on the left.
Business climate
The Bahamas are considered a paradise for businessmen. It is possible to register any offshore companies here. But it should be borne in mind that the purchase of real estate imposes a ban on doing business. However, it is very profitable to invest in business real estate. There are benefits for hotel owners.
There is no income tax, corporate tax, inheritance tax, property tax in the Bahamas.
Real estate
Foreign citizens have the right to purchase in the Bahamas both building land and other types of real estate: villas, apartments, townhouses. There is a limit on the area purchased foreign citizens real estate - it should not exceed 2 hectares, otherwise a special permit is required. An application for obtaining a permit to acquire real estate must contain information about the buyer and seller, a description of the object and the purpose of its acquisition. After selecting an object in writing, a purchase offer is made and an advance payment is made.
It is best to entrust the registration of real estate to a lawyer. The presence of the parties is not required. Purchased real estate is subject to mandatory insurance and registration with the Investment Council.
The average cost of 1 sq.m. comfortable housing in the Bahamas is $ 7,000. Buying a bungalow will cost $300,000-500,000, villas $500,000 or more, and a penthouse $1,000,000-3,000,000.
To travel to the Bahamas, you need to apply for a visa at the British Embassy. A visa is issued for a period of up to 90 days, unless it concerns employment.
Despite the high cost of services, you can save money in the Bahamas. Many hotels offer guests discount cards to enter nightclubs for $5. This is a very advantageous offer, given that on weekends the entrance to the club costs from $50.
Prices for imported spirits are very high, so if you want to save on alcohol, it is better to order local drinks, such as rum and beer.
Keep in mind that tips in the Bahamas range from 10 to 15%, and some restaurants and hotels include them in the bill in advance.
