By J.C. Lewis
The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands southeast of the
United States and northeast of Cuba. Its islands are popular tourist destinations due to a tropical climate, sandy
beaches and tourist-friendly infrastructure.
Exploration
Christopher Columbus's first landing in the New World was in the Bahamas, probably on San Salvador Island in 1492.
Pirates
The Bahamas were once rife with pirates, including the notorious Blackbeard.
Colonialism
Thousands of Africans freed from slave ships were settled in the Bahamas when Britain abolished the slave trade in 1807.
Money
The Bahamas has no income tax. After the United States and Canada, the Bahamas has the third highest per capita income in the western hemisphere. Principle economic activities include tourism and offshore finance.
Rum Running
During prohibition in the United States, Bahamian islands were vital supply-and-distribution points for the rum smuggling trade.
James Bond
The Bahamas has served as the location for several James Bond movies including "Thunderball," "Never Say Never Again" and "Casino Royale."
Resources
About the Author:
J.C. Lewis is the editor and co-owner of a weekly newspaper, as well as a staffer and regular contributor to a group of three newspapers in Los Angeles, Calif. Her writing has appeared on USAToday.com, Hotels.com and various other websites. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in politics from the University of Bristol, England.
