The Bahamas

The 700 islands of the Bahamas are positioned just off the United States coast of Florida. The Bahamas has the clearest waters in the world. Travelers who seek beaches, boating, sailing, and water sports will be the first to notice the difference of the water clarity compared to the water in Florida.

The Arawak Indians inhabited the Bahamas when Christopher Columbus first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. The British started to colonize the islands in 1647; later it became a colony in1783.Since attaining their independence from the United Kingdom the nation has prospered to the great land it is today.

The Bahamas is a stable, developing nation with an economy heavily dependant on tourism and off share banking. Tourism alone accounts for more than 60% of GDP and directly and indirectly employs half of the country's labor force. The standard of living in the Bahamas is one of the highest in the Caribbean region.

Manufacturing and agriculture together contribute approximately one tenth of GPD and shows little or no growth. Some export of conch, crayfish, lumber, and pulpwood are sold mainly to the United States. Banking contributes to the fortunes of the Bahamas, with a streamlined, simple corporate setup and operational procedures making it a safe and reliable location for international business.

The Bahamas have a democratic government. Their legal system is based on English common laws. The executive branches consist of the Chief of State which is represented by Governor General Dame Ivy Dumont. The Head of government is Prime Minister Perry Christie since May 7, 2002. The cabinet is appointed by the governor general on the prime minister's recommendation.

The Legislative branch of bicameral parliament consists of Senate (which has 16 member body appointed by the governor general upon the advice of the prime minister and the opposition leader for five-year terms) and the House of assembly (40