THE COUNTRY OF 700 ISLANDS Newcomers to The Islands of The Bahamas quickly realize that they have stumbled upon not one, but many destinations. Between the "poles" of Grand Bahama and Great Inagua are 23 inhabited islands and thousands of unpopulated islets and cays (pronounced "keys"). Cosmopolitan Nassau, once ruled by pirates, seems a world away from the desert-like wildlife sanctuary of Inagua. On many of the islands, tiny villages seem lifted from the Massachusetts coast and set down amongst palms and pines and iridescent sands. These beautiful islands lie only 50 miles off the Florida coast - far closer than any destination in the Caribbean. Calm waters and cooling tradewinds have rightfully earned The Bahamas an international reputation for sailing, with regattas and races held year-round. The islands are actually the birthplace of the Gulf Stream, a phenomenon that also accounts for their astonishing variety and abundance of marine life. Legendary gamefish draw sport fisherman in search of the "big one," and more than 50 international fishing records have been set in these waters. The great writer/fisherman Ernest Hemingway considered the Bahamian island of Bimini a home.      The same conditions that make these islands so amenable to sailors and fisherman draw visitors to the vast and diverse underwater parks. With more than 5% of the planet's reef mass, The Bahamas offer inexhaustible pleasures and challenges to snorkelers and divers. The natural beauty of the water extends to the thousands of miles of shoreline, which has some of the world's most stunningly beautiful and unsullied beaches. From the pink sands of Harbour Island and Eleuthera to the deserted strands of the Exumas and San Salvador, there is a lifetime of beaches to experience. Further inland are gardens and National Parks with rare and endangered species, such as the exotic Abaco Parrot and the Bahamian Iguana.      Although The Bahamas are as diverse and numerous as the days of the year, the reassuring unifier is the charm and hospitality of its people. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism offers a People-to-People programme; an opportunity for visitors to experience a genuine and informal taste of Bahamian hospitality and culture. Volunteers holding interests similar to yours give you a taste of Bahamian life and potentially a lifelong friendship.

One of the most popular resort areas in the Caribbean, the Bahamas are islands of paradise packed with activities for every age and taste. These range from a variety of watersports and first-class beaches to duty-free shopping and championship golf. Often called the Sporting Capital of the Caribbean, the island of Grand Bahama is alive with an abundance of watersports, land sports and casinos, making it an excellent place for those in search of an active vacation.

Separated from Nassau by a narrow causeway lies a little slice of Eden, appropriately named Paradise Island. The spectacular beaches invite relaxation and daydreams, and the sparkling blue waters are excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling. The distinctive sound of Junkanoo, the music of the Bahamas, invites dancing and good times and can be heard throughout the islands. Discover the fabulous world of the Bahamas and allow yourself to succumb to these islands of natural beauty, everlasting charm and colorful tradition.

General Info

Official Name: Commonwealth of the Bahamas Entry Requirements* A valid U.S. passport (preferred), or an original birth certificate with a raised seal and a state/federal issued photo id (driver's license) Capital: Nassau, New Providence Island Population: 262,698 Size: 5,380 sq miles Language: English Climate: Subtropical Economy: Tourism Government: Independent commonwealth Relationship with U.S.: Good Religions: Protestant, Roman Catholicism Currency: Bahamian dollar (BSD). 100 cents = 1 BSD. U.S. currency is also accepted. Most major credit cards accepted. Time Zone: EST; 5 hours behind GMT. Telecommunications: Excellent. Country code 809. No city code needed. Electricity: 120 volts Climate The weather is generally good from November to March. Hurricane season is from July to October.  Average day temperatures are in the 70-80s F, with nights in the 60s F; winter temperatures can be about 10 degrees F cooler.

Helpful Numbers

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

150 East 52nd St.

28th Floor North

New York, NY 10022

800-4-Bahama (or 800-422-4262)

Helpful Books

Fodor's Bahamas (Fodor's Travel Publications)

Insight Guides: Bahamas (APA Publications)

Frommer's Bahamas (Prentice Hall Travel)

Birnbaum's Bahamas (Houghton Mifflin). *Requirements for US Citizens