| There are over 700 islands in the Bahamas (including | | | | traditions such as their music styles, which involves |
| some very little ones) that are located in the West | | | | large brass bands you will often find these playing in |
| Indies. Since the 1970's it has been an independent | | | | the streets and traditional foods such as pineapple |
| country, and is still part of the Commonwealth which | | | | and crab will often be eaten at large festivals held at |
| is technically ruled by Elizabeth II (Queen of England). | | | | about the time of the harvest. |
| Because of its colonial heritage you will find that the | | | | They also enjoy boat racing, holding regattas and |
| official language of the islands is still English and | | | | other boat related pastimes as well as cricket and |
| because it is widely spoken throughout the islands still | | | | athletics. If you happen to visit some of the smaller |
| it has been a key factor in helping the country to | | | | islands you will still see that traditional arts and crafts |
| flourish and so become a favourite with the many | | | | are still practiced, although they sell most of these to |
| people who traveled to it on vacation from the USA. | | | | the tourists nowadays, which means you are able to |
| The biggest 2 islands in the Bahamas are Grand | | | | purchase a beautifully hand woven basket or other |
| Bahama and New Providence which is where the | | | | items at a very good price in some places. |
| capital Nassau is located. The largest employer of | | | | But should you decide to visit the Bahamas, check |
| over half the population of Bahamians is tourism and | | | | the hurricane forecasts for the near future. Certainly |
| especially the 2 largest islands certainly feel like one | | | | in 1992, 1999, 2004 and 2005 the Bahamas was hit |
| big tourist resort. If you prefer a vacation that is | | | | by a number of hurricanes in which many people died. |
| offering comfort then it is suggested that you take | | | | Allison Thompson a work from home mum who has |
| your vacation on one of the bigger islands in the | | | | set up a site which provides information on all |
| Bahamas and if you want something with a bit more | | | | aspects of travelling to and taking a holiday in the |
| adventure then try one of the smaller ones. | | | | Bahamas. |
| Because the Bahamians are very proud of their | | | | |