By D. Browall
Sailing in Bahamas is a pure fun because it is an island country full of beaches and friendly people. The Bahamas, which is officially known as the "Commonwealth of the Bahamas", is located in the Atlantic Ocean along the eastern side of Cuba and Florida. It has approximately 700 islands (from which 686 are considered small islets and 14 are counted as major islands). The country was once ruled by Great Britain until it gained independence on July 10, 1973. Its capital is Nassau.
Bahamas is relatively a small country with an area of only 5,382 square mi. If compared, this land area is smaller than Connecticut. Au contraire, its population is also undersized with an estimated population of only 323,000 inhabitants (2005 census estimate). Most of the people in the island are Africans. However, there are also a small size of Europeans, Americans, Asians, and Hispanics.
The country's fundamental driver of their economy is tourism (from which gambling and other forms of betting is very prominent). The island's several casinos, resorts, restaurants, and hotels engage almost 60 percent of the country's labor force. Moreover, 60 percent of Bahamas' gross domestic product comes from their tourism sector. The rest are divided between banking and finance, fishing, wine, and agriculture industries.
Because of the island's colorful and rich subtropical climate, many tourists and sailors have kept on going to the country. Aside from this, Bahamas also has some of the world's most beautiful sea and sky. In fact, many resorts in the country are famous internationally because of its dazzling beaches. The island also has thick vegetation and stunning wildlife. However, Bahamas has no rivers.
The beaches of Bahamas are warm, clear, and relaxing. However, if you want places in the country that has less noise, stay away from crowded areas like Nassau (the island's capital and largest city), Freeport, and West End. Sailing in Bahamas is ideal especially when you go along Conception Island - considered as the one of most famous islands in the Caribbean. Conception is nice because it is not inhabited. Different kinds of marine wildlife and birds exists in the island.
Barrier reefs can also be found along the country's coastal areas. In fact, Bahamas has the 3rd longest barrier reef in the whole world. Not only this, this archipelago also has approximately 15 percent of the world's corals.
The island country has many tourist spots to offer to its visitors. Aside from the usual beaches and casinos, you can also enjoy its protected national wildlife, historical and antique places, museums, plazas, and sea parks. Sailing in Bahamas can be an invigorating experience - it can be booth fun and educational.
For more info on yacht charter Caribbean visit D. Browall's website http://www.sboats.com - The Ultimate Guide to a Sailing Holiday.
