Living in the Bahamas

The Bahamas are an island country in the western Atlantic, southeast of Florida and north of Cuba; around 385,640 people live there. Flat islands, bright sandy shores, coral reefs, and mangroves shape the natural environment. The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures, a more humid summer season, and milder, generally drier months in winter. Life is more urban in Nassau and on New Providence, with denser development, schools, shops, and service-sector jobs. On the Family Islands, people often live in smaller communities; there, a car, boat, or domestic flight is important for longer journeys. Leisure takes place by the water, in clubs, with family, and at local events.