Key facts

Date of Membership in CARICOM: 4 Jul 1983 - Learn more about membership in CARICOM

Also Known as:The Place Where Worlds Meet (Source: The Heraldry of the Commonwealth Caribbean)

Status of Independence:Independent 1973/07/10

Area: 13,939 sq km

Capital City: Nassau

Population: 377,000 (2013)

Currency: Bahamian dollar B$

Highest National Award: Order of National Hero

Economy

GDP Growth: 0.0% p.a. 2009–13

GNI: US$8.4bn

GNI PC: US$22,312

Key dates in history

SOME KEY DATES IN HISTORY

It is believed that the original inhabitants were Arawak people. They were followed by the Caribs.
1492    Named Guanahani by the original native inhabitants – the Lucayan Indians – Columbus promptly renamed the island San Salvador or ‘Holy Savior’. Later, San Salvador was taken over by the British buccaneer, George Watling who renamed the island Watling’s Island after himself. It was not until 1926 that the island’s name was restored to San Salvador which it remains to this day.'
1629    the islands given their first constitution as part of the Carolinas (USA)
1648     First British settlers arrived
1717    Became a British Colony
1953    Progressive Liberal Party founded to represent black interests in a system still then dominated by whites.
1964    Internal self rule
1973    Independence achieved