History of Bahamas

Experience the sun, sand and of course the sea that is purely within the perimeters of Bahamas.  At the core of Bahamas, you will find a way of living with a big heart and an open arms that is both new and timeless. It is simply the heritage that takes you to the departure from the stress of the everyday life. Bahamas is simply that tropical paradise you have never dreamed of! With seclusion and adventure equally divided in a number of islands you can always call home.  

In 1492 when Christopher Columbus, the very first European visitor of the island, first stepped on the San Salvador Island located in the eastern part of Bahamas which was called Guanahani by the first settlers in this area. Columbus observed that the island was surrounded by a shallow sea thereby bestowing the name "baja mar" which means shallow water. and since then, the island has adopted the name "The Islands of the Shallow Sea". Because Bahamas was situated near Florida as well as the different well-travelled shipping channels, Bahamas caught the attention of settlers, explorers, traders and even invaders. These people who had all been tempted by the island shaped the very colorful and interesting history of Bahamas and had all contributed to what the country is now.

Lifestyle

African Heritage (black) makes up approximately 85% of the population of Bahamas. 2/3 of this population flocks along the Nassau location on the New Providence Island. Bahamans are educated, fluent in speech and modern technology. Majority of the population are Christians. This is the primariy reason Bahamas is called "The Christian Country". The culture has shaped its people to become "relaxed". They tend to have a good time after a hard day's work. This is their way of rewarding themselves for a job well done. Among all the Caribbean countries, Bahamas has the best and biggest labor forces. It is also the country in the Caribbean with the highest level of literacy. Bahamas is known as a famous tourist destination not only because of the paradise it offers, it is also because of the naturally warm and friendly people.