The Bahamas embrace an archipelago of some 700 islands and islets, plus over 2,400 keys and rocks that stretch along for more than 1,200km from Palm Beach’s southeastern end all the way to the U.S. state of Florida and a point in eastern Cuba.Only 30 of those 700 islands are inhabited. The major islands are New Providence, Grand Bahamas, Eleuthera, Abaco & Andros, Long Island, Exuma and Bimini.Bimini Islands, on the westernmost end of the archipelago, are 97km away from Miami.The balmy weather and splendid beaches combine to turn the Bahamas into one of America’s most famous tourist destinations receiving over 3 million travelers each year.
They make up 19 islands or island groups: Great Abaco, Little Abaco, Acklins Island, Andros Island, Berry Islands, North Bimini, South Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Spanish Islands, Great Exuma, Little Exuma and its keys, Grand Bahama, Great Inagua, Little Inagua, Long Cay, Long Island, Mayaguana, New Providence, Ragged Island and keys, San Salvador and Rum Cay.Other major islands are: Acklins, Andros, Cat, Crooked, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Grand Abaco, Grand Inagua, Harbour, Long, Mayaguana and San Salvador (or Watling).Other major cities are Freeport (1980) 24 423 inhabitants on Grand Bahamas.
Goose is the island’s only river. This lack of watercourses hinders a better use of the nation’s weather conditions.
Hawksbill turtles, swallows, huitas and boas embrace the Bahamian wildlife. Yet some of them are endangered species.
