Bahamas

: Music is so central to the national identity that the Bahamas is the only country to feature a marching band—the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band —on its legal tender ($1 bill). Pirate History

: A physical card provided on your flight or vessel that must be filled out and signed. You must keep the stamped portion to return upon departure. Bahamas

Two periods of American history brought new waves of settlers and prosperity to the islands. First, after the American Revolution, British Loyalists fled the U.S. and established cotton plantations, bringing their enslaved workers to the Bahamas. Then, during the American Civil War, the Bahamas became a key center for blockade runners who smuggled goods into the Confederacy. It wasn't until the development of tourism after World War II that the economy found its most prosperous and permanent pillar. : Music is so central to the national

The culture is a blend of West African traditions and British colonial heritage. Two periods of American history brought new waves

: English is the official language, spoken with a distinct Bahamian dialect. The local art scene is thriving, with galleries in Nassau showcasing vibrant paintings and wood carvings that reflect island life. Economy and Tourism The Bahamian economy relies heavily on two primary sectors.

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas (officially the Commonwealth of The Bahamas) is a country that needs little introduction. Instantly associated with postcard-perfect turquoise waters, vibrant festivals, and pristine beaches, this island nation is one of the world's most iconic destinations. As a low-lying, small island archipelago, it is both highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change and one of the wealthiest countries in the Americas by gross domestic product per capita. But beyond the stunning landscapes, the Bahamas boasts a rich history from Lucayan inhabitants and British colonialism to independence in 1973.

The Bahamas' modern transformation began with a uniquely American problem: Prohibition (1920-1933). The United States banned alcohol, but the Bahamas did not. Suddenly, Nassau became the front line of a vast, semi-legal smuggling operation. Liquor, mostly whiskey and rum, was shipped legally from British distilleries to Nassau, then transferred to high-speed "rum-running" boats that dashed across the Gulf Stream to secret coves in Florida. The profits were staggering. Nassau exploded with new hotels, cars, and a giddy, glamorous atmosphere. The British governor at the time called it "the greatest peacetime boom the islands have ever known." When Prohibition ended in 1933, the boom collapsed, but it had left a permanent mark: infrastructure, a taste for quick wealth, and close ties to the American underworld.