By Dwight Malone
The Bahamas, officially known as the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, is a sovereign and independent country. The Bahamas--which has 700 different islands and 2,000 cays--is a popular tourist destination because of the tropical climate. The country was originally inhabited in the seventh century. By the time Columbus landed there in 1492, the population had grown to 30,000.
Currency
Up until 1966, the Bahamas used the pound. At that time, the country converted to the Bahamian dollar, which is interchangeable with the U.S. dollar.
Tax Structure
The Bahamas does not collect any corporate, income or capital gains taxes. The government raises revenue through property taxes, business licenses, import tariffs, and excise taxes.
Capital
Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. 80 percent of the country's residents live there.
Religion
The Bahamas is religiously diverse. One-third of the residents are classified as Baptist, with large Anglican and Roman Catholic followings.
Human Rights
Residents are guaranteed freedom of worship, speech, association, and movement through the country's constitution.
About the Author:
Dwight Malone is a journalist who has worked for various Chicago-area newspapers, including the "Chicago Tribune" and "Naperville Sun." He has been a writer, editor and graphic designer since 2000. Malone studied journalism at Eastern Illinois University.
