The Commonwealth of the Bahamas

Officially named The Commonwealth of the Bahamas, this country is made up of more than 3000 islands, islets and cays.  In 1718 it became a British Colony and in 1973 became an independent commonwealth retaining the Queen Elizabeth as monarch.

The name Bahamas is derived from the Spanish term Baja Mar meaning shallow water.  The closest island to the United States is Bimini.  This is where we plan to make our first stop and check in with customs.   Nassau on the island of Providence is the most densely populated followed by Freeport and West End on Grand Bahama.  We will be spending most of our time near Marsh Harbor on Abaco Island with a population nearing 6000.

Map from  http://www.infoplease.com/atlas/country/bahamas.html