Your guide to being an expatriate in Bahamas

Caffeinate Your Bahamas Expat Journey: Find Essential Info and Connect with Expatriates Today!

Welcome to the Bahamas, a picturesque destination with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning sunsets. Located in the Caribbean Sea, this archipelago of 700 islands is a melting pot of diverse cultures, including African, European, and Caribbean influences. The capital city, Nassau, is a thriving hub of commerce and culture, while the Out Islands offer an idyllic escape into a simpler way of life. With a friendly population, a tropical climate, a growing economy, and a robust expat community, the Bahamas is an ideal destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and new opportunities.

Bahamas

Expat destinations in Bahamas

Demographics of Bahamas:

Ethnic groups

Black: 95.5%

Mixed: 3.9%

Other: 0.1%

White: 0.4%

East Asian: 0.2%

Languages

English

Religion Overview

The Bahamas has a predominantly Christian population, with Baptist, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches being the most prevalent denominations. The churches play a significant role in the community, with religious festivals and events being a central part of Bahamian culture.

Major Religions

Climate

The Bahamas enjoy a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity levels. The rainy season runs from May to November, while the dry season lasts from December to April. Hurricane season starts in June and ends in November.

Economy Overview

The Bahamas have a vibrant economy, with tourism being the largest industry. Other key sectors include banking, finance, and healthcare. The government has implemented various initiatives to attract foreign investment, including tax incentives and streamlined business processes.

Key Industries

  • Tourism
  • Banking and Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Real Estate
  • Agriculture and Fishing
  • Construction
  • Manufacturing and Commerce

Major Companies

  • Bahamas Growers & Packers Ltd.
  • Bahamas Waste Management Ltd.
  • CL produces Ltd.
  • Lotus Health Care Ltd.
  • Royal Star Packaging Ltd.
  • L & R Atlantic Shipping Services Ltd.
  • PIMCO Management Advisory Ltd.
  • BM Technical Services Ltd.
  • RBC Royal Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • Bahamas Maritime Authority Ltd.
  • Cendant Computer Services Ltd.
  • IBM Bahamas Ltd.
  • The Miami Delights Corporation (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Baltimore (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • Hutchison Port Holdings (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • Alstom Bahamas Ltd.
  • BGC Blackstone FrontPoint LP (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • Sperry & Hutchison Company (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • Vibes Group Inc. (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • Bahama Technical Services Ltd.
  • RBC Royal Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • Japan Examination Centre (JAX-Bahamas) Ltd.
  • Aquaduct Club (Nassau) Ltd.
  • Cendant Computer Services Ltd.
  • BCL Finance & Leasing Ltd.
  • New Providence Port Limited (the Port Authority)
  • Customer Equipments Ltd.
  • Zetsons' Bahamas Ltd.
  • Scotiabank and Trust (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • Yellow Pages Limited
  • CLS (Bahamas) Limited (Courtney Lскоеpeeders Services)
  • KING Financial Services (Bahamas) Limited
  • MPI Technical Services Ltd.
  • Dunmore Overseas Limited
  • Lockheed Martin UK Ltd.
  • Digicel (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • Spraying Services LP (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • RBC Royal Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Ltd.
  • TTEC Global Services (Bahamas) Ltd.

Culture and Language Overview

The Bahamas are renowned for their vibrant culture, with elements of African, European, and Caribbean heritage. The Junkanoo Festival, beloved by both locals and visitors, is a highlight of the cultural calendar. Moreover, the Bahamian cuisine is a blend of traditional and western fare, with popular dishes such as conch salad, peas & rice, and semolina cake.

Cultural Highlights

  • Junkanoo Festival
  • Pennys' Playhouse - International Ballet
  • Dundein's Beach Netball Games
  • Kendal Isles House Museum
  • National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
  • National Art Gallery of The Bahamas Craft Centre
  • Nassau Public Library
  • Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre
  • Casuarina Estate Gardens
  • Olde Yellow House Museum
  • Governor's House - Home of The Governor General of The Bahamas
  • St Paul's Anglican Cathedral
  • St. James' Anglican Church
  • Lignumvitae Key National Park
  • Callboat Excursions
  • Arawak Cay Fish Fry

Geography and Landmarks Overview

The Bahamas consist of 700 idyllic islands, cays, and islets spread over 100,000 miles. The main islands include Grand Bahama Island, Abaco, and Mayaguana. Moreover, the Cays that make up the archipelago are known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life.

Notable Landmarks

  • Andros Island
  • San Salvador Island (Discovered by Christopher Columbus)
  • Cape Santa Maria National Park
  • Long Island
  • Sweetings Cay
  • Haunted Cay
  • Azores Polishing Guano Limeyard
  • Garfield Island
  • Salt Cay
  • Little Sand Cay
  • Blackbird Cay
  • Palm Cays
  • Marsh Harbour (Abaco)
  • Nassau
  • Rakes Creek School & Museum
  • Queen's Staircase
  • Downtown Nassau Historic District
  • Clifford Park
  • Arawak Cay Fish Fry
  • Versailles Gardens
  • Baho Beach (Freeport)
  • Gold Rock Beach (Freeport)
  • Peterson Cay National Park
  • Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park
  • Middle Cay (Commander Cody's Home in "Thunderball" director: Terence Young)
  • Nassau Straw Market
  • Valdosta Train Wreck - Military Highway, Valdosta, Georgia (Railroad Heritage Trail)

National Holidays

  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Bahamas Carnival (January)
  • Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival (June)
  • Emancipation Day (August 1)
  • Discovery Day (October 12)
  • Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in October)
  • Queen's Birthday (Second Monday in June)
  • Independence Day (July 10)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Boxing Day (December 26)
  • Platinum Jubilee (February 6)

Political Stability

The Bahamas is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a stable political climate. The country is politically and democratically independent since August 1973, and there are frequent peaceful parliamentary elections. The current Prime Minister is Philip 'Brave' Davis, who won a widespread majority in the 2021 General Elections.

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