Awesome Bahamas Facts
Although the nation is often referred to as "The Bahamas," it is officially recognized as the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The Bahamas are in the Atlantic Ocean, north of Cuba, northwest of Turks & Caicos, and south and east of Florida. This island nation is made up of about 700 islands, as well as islets and cays, although only around 30 of them are inhabited. The Bahamas islands were inhabited by Arawak Indians prior to European arrival. Columbus landed in 1492, and the British started to establish colonies in the 1600s. The Bahamas were a Crown colony until 1964, when they were given internal self-government. The Bahamas achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on July 10, 1973. Interesting facts about the Bahamas: The term Bahamas comes from the Spanish phrase "baja mar," which means "low tide" or "shallow water or sea." The Bahamas were once a popular hideaway for pirates looking to conceal their loot. The Bahamas is a 5,358-s...