Bahamas
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.These beautiful islands lie only 50 miles off the
Florida coast - far closer than any destination in the Caribbean.
The following are facts about the Bahamas:
- Archipelago nation of approximately 700 islands, of which 40 are
populated. The islands cover an area of about 100,000 square miles.
- Ethnic groups: black 85%, white 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3%
- Junkanoo is a national festival in The Bahamas, the only place
where it holds such an honor.There is even a museum showcasing Junkanoo
costumes, art and artifacts in downtown Nassau , a cultural highlight
and must-see attraction for all visitors coming to Harbour Island.
- There is little illiteracy in The Bahamas. Schooling is compulsory
from five to 14 years of age. Public secondary and technical schools
have been expanding. The College of The Bahamas, established in 1974
in Nassau, is a community college that offers programs in conjunction
with other universities.