AfricanTrade.com

Geography
Area: 13,939 sq. km. (5,382 sq. mi.); slightly larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.
Cities: Capital--Nassau, New Providence. Second-largest city--Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Terrain: Low and flat.
Climate: Semitropical.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Bahamian(s).
Population (2003): 317,000.
Annual growth rate (2003): 1.1%.
Ethnic groups: African 85%, European 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3%.
Religions: Baptist (32%), Roman Catholic, Anglican, Evangelical Protestants, Methodist, Church of God, Rastafarian, Traditional African.
Language: English (official); Creole.
Work force (2004): 176,330; majority employed in the tourism, government, and financial services sectors.

Government
Type: Constitutional parliamentary democracy.

Economy
GDP (2004): $5.7 billion.
Growth rate (2004): 3%.
Per capita GDP (2004): $17,883.

Natural resources: Salt, aragonite, timber.
Tourism (2004): 40% of GDP.
Government spending (2004): 20% of GDP.
Financial services (2004): 15% of GDP.
Construction (2004; 10% of GDP): Products--largely tourism related.
Manufacturing (2004; 8% of GDP): Products--pharmaceuticals, rum.
Agriculture and fisheries (2004; 3% of GDP): Products--fruits, vegetables, lobster, fish.

Trade (2004): Exports ($469.3 million)--salt, aragonite, chemicals, fishing, fruits, vegetables, beverages. Markets by main destination--U.S. (77.5%), E.U. (17.8%), Canada (1.6%), Mexico (0.4%). Imports ($1.82 billion)--foodstuffs and manufactured goods; vehicles and automobile parts; hotel, restaurant, and medical supplies; computers and electronics. Suppliers by main origin--U.S. (83.3%), Venezuela (5.5%), Netherlands Antilles (2.6%), E.U. (2.1%), Japan (1.2%).

The U.S. Embassy is located at 42 Queen Street, Nassau (tel. 242-322-1181; telex 20-138); the local postal address is P.O. Box N-8197, Nassau, The Bahamas.

Caribbean/Latin American Action
1818 N Street, NW, Suite 310
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202-466-7464
Fax: 202-822-0075