Country Profile: Bahamas, The

The Bahamas, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, boasts a tropical marine climate and a diverse population of approximately 415,000 people, primarily of African descent. This parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy thrives on a high-income economy heavily reliant on tourism and international financial services, which together account for around 85% of its GDP. The islands' strategic location near the United States establishes them as a key transshipment point, contributing to their unique geopolitical status.

Geography

The Bahamas is a chain of islands located southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba, comprising over 700 islands and cays, of which only about 30 are inhabited. With a total area of 13,880 sq km, it features a combination of coral formations and low rounded hills, surrounded by a coastline extending 3,542 km. The islands are prone to hurricanes, posing natural hazards that can cause significant damage.

80 km: Distance from the nearest Bahamian landmass to Florida.
12 nm: Territorial sea limit.
200 nm: Exclusive economic zone.
50.9%: Percentage of forested land (2023).
1.3 km: The highest elevation point in the Bahamas.

People and Society

The estimated population of The Bahamas is 415,306 as of 2025, with a median age of 31.1 years. The majority of the population is of African descent, and English is the official language. The society is predominantly Christian, with 69.9% adhering to Protestantism, while a significant portion, around 83.6%, resides in urban areas, primarily on New Providence Island.

21.4%: Population aged 0-14 years (2025).
1.08%: Population growth rate (2025).
76.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024).
1.45 children: Total fertility rate (2025).
9.2 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2025).

Economy

The Bahamian economy is classified as a high-income economy primarily driven by tourism and financial services. The Real GDP is estimated at $14.544 billion for 2024, with a notable 3.4% growth rate anticipated. Major industries include tourism, banking, and maritime logistics, highlighting the state's commitment to economic diversification and investment.

85%: Contribution of tourism and financial services to GDP.
8.5%: Unemployment rate (2024).
$15.833 billion: Estimated GDP based on official exchange rates (2024).
$36,200: Real GDP per capita (2024).
$6.771 billion: Total exports (2024).

Government

The Bahamas operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with a Governor-General representing the monarch. Key governmental institutions include a bicameral Parliament and an independent judiciary. Citizenship is granted by descent, and the country has a suffrage of 18 years and older, ensuring universal voting rights.

1973: Year of independence from the UK.
Nassau: Capital city.
39: Seats in the House of Assembly.
17.9%: Percentage of women in the House of Assembly (2021).
5 years: Term for elected members of Parliament.

Military and Security

The Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) is responsible for maritime security, disaster relief, and internal law enforcement collaboration, maintaining an active personnel strength of approximately 1,500-1,800. The country's military expenditures account for 0.7% of GDP as of 2024, reflecting a focus on resource allocation towards security needs.

1980: Year the RBDF was established.
0.7%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
18-30 years: Age range for voluntary military service.
1,500-1,800: Estimated active personnel in the RBDF (2025).
10 million kWh: Transmission/distribution losses from electricity (2023).

Energy

The Bahamas has achieved full electricity access for its population and primarily relies on fossil fuels for energy production, accounting for 99.1% of total installed capacity. The country's total energy consumption per capita is estimated to be 104.409 million Btu as of 2023, highlighting a significant reliance on imported fossil fuels for energy needs.

608,000 kW: Installed generating capacity (2023).
2.036 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
14.13 million cubic meters: Natural gas consumption (2023).
100%: Electrification access rate (2022).
20,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).

Environment

The Bahamas faces environmental challenges primarily from coral reef decay and solid waste disposal issues. The country is a party to several international environmental agreements, reflecting its commitment to addressing climate change and biodiversity conservation.

264,000 tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024).
24.9%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).
700 million cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).
2.99 million metric tonnes: Estimated total CO2 emissions (2023).
0.9%: Percentage of electricity generated from solar (2023).

Transportation

The Bahamas has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, comprising 54 airports and a merchant marine fleet of 1,274 vessels. The ports play a crucial role in the economy, particularly in facilitating trade and tourism.

388,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
93,100: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2024).
6: Total number of ports (2024).
9: Number of heliports (2025).
1,274: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).

Communications

With a high internet penetration rate of 95% of the population, The Bahamas has a robust communication sector. The nation houses several broadcasting services and a predominant mobile telecommunication system, enhancing connectivity throughout the islands.

95,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
23: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2024).
24: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).
32: Licensed broadcast radio service providers.
4: Major TV providers operating in the country.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	415,306	2025 estimate
Area	13,880 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$14.544 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	8.5%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	13.1 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	76.7 years	2024 estimate
Electric Access	100%	2022 estimate
Total Energy Consumption	2.036 billion kWh	2023 estimate
Inflation Rate	0.4%	2024 estimate
Current Account Balance	-$1.053 billion	2024 estimate