Karl WP Beyer The Bahamas archipelago lies between the southeast coast of Florida and the northern coast of Cuba. The islands extend over around 650 kilometers in a north-south direction and around 750 kilometers in a west-east direction. Even though they are in the Atlantic Ocean; They are geographically assigned to Central America and thus the Caribbean.
Facts and Figures
The land area of the Bahamas measures approximately 14.000 square kilometers. It is spread over more than 700 islands and countless cays. Officially there are 16 main islands. The largest of the islands is called Andros. It measures approximately 6.000 square kilometers. However, three quarters of the island's residents live on New Providence Island, especially in the island's capital Nassau. – Freeport, the second largest city in the archipelago, is located on the island of Grand Bahama. The population has grown continuously over the past 50 years. The 2022 census counted 399.000 residents. Most recently, the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010 caused a noticeable increase in population.
Bahamas - Half Moon Cay
The Italian sailor Christopher Columbus discovered the archipelago in the fall of 1492. From 1717 the islands had the status of a British crown colony. This situation lasted until 1973, when the Bahamas gained sovereignty. Since then they have belonged to the Commonwealth of Nations as an independent country. The head of state is the British monarch.
Half Moon Cay - tender boat
The landscape of the Bahamas is rather flat. The highest point at 63 meters above sea level is Mount Alvernia, also known as Como Hill, located on Cat Island. A small monastery built in medieval style crowns the hill.
The Bahamas economically
From an economic point of view, the Bahamas are of minor importance. There is a lack of significant raw materials and agriculture, if it is practiced, is quite unproductive due to a lack of irrigation systems and poor soils. Fishing is solely for self-sufficiency, and the islands have long enjoyed a rather dubious reputation as an international financial center.
The economy of the island state stands or falls with tourism. Tourism provides almost two thirds of the working population with wages and salaries; The booming cruise business in particular is an essential pillar of the tourism industry.
Half Moon Cay - I wish I could stay here forever Bar
Tourism relies on the archipelago's most valuable tourist resource: the environment. For example, the third largest barrier reef in the world runs between the islands. Several national parks have been established to protect the islands and the surrounding sea. The Bahamas' official website lists 13 such establishments. Other information is available from the Bahamas Tourism Center; there is talk of 32 national parks.
Bahamas for cruise ship guests
Cruises go to Nassau and several private islands developed by cruise companies. Ships from the Carnival group regularly visit the ten square kilometer Little San Salvador Island. In Carnival brand catalogs, the island is called Half Moon Cay.
Beach hiking on Half Moon Cay
We report on the activities that are offered on this island under Bahamas – A day on Half Moon Cay.
Update February 2024