The Bahamas consists of over 700 islands and is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, close to the Caribbean and with some of the islands lying not far from the Florida coast of the United States. The country’s time zone is GMT -5. Not all of the islands are inhabited. The capital is Nassau, which can be found on New Providence Island. The official language is English, a legacy of colonisation by the British. The Bahamas is a relatively wealthy country and tourism is responsible for much of the nation’s income.

Self government began in 1964 and is formed from the Senate and House of Assembly, though the British are still represented by the Governor General. The British Monarch still has executive powers, but in reality the Governor General will act in accordance with the wishes of the Bahamian cabinet. Independence was gained from Britain in 1973.

The islands have a cooler climate than other destination in the Caribbean and May to October is considered to be the rainy season. Hurricanes are a possibility between June and November, though tend to occur during the latter half of that time period.

The geography varies between the different islands. Some are forested while others are barren and rocky, though this tends to be the uninhabited islands. New Providence Island draws expats and tourists from all over the world and offers much in the way of entertainment and leisure, with its sandy beaches, array of bars and restaurants, shopping areas and historical attractions. Grand Bahama Island lies just 52 miles from the coast of Florida and boasts two national parks as well as excellent beaches and nightlife. Other islands include Bimini, which is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, and Cat Island, which attracts sailing enthusiasts in the summer but offers greater seclusion for those who are looking for somewhere off the beaten track.

The Bahamas is very popular with expats who are looking for a more laid-back lifestyle, known locally as ‘island time’. It is also a popular destination for wealthy people looking for a tax haven, although while there are a number of resorts and elegant residential estates, there are still a large number of homes for those who seek a simpler lifestyle. Expats can be found on nearly all of the inhabited islands and are readily accepted by the locals. The islands boast a total population of approximately 320,000 people and the majority of these reside in the capital.