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Tourism generates 50% of the total GDP oh Bahamas and directly/indirectly employs half of the total workforce. The main exports are pharmaceuticals, cement, rum, crawfish (spiny lobster) and refined petroleum products. The bark of the Cascarilla tree, grown in a few Out Islands, is exported and used to flavour Campari and Vermouth.

There is no income or corporate tax and no capital gains or inheritance tax in The Bahamas.

The Bahamas has the clearest waters in the world with visibility of over 200 feet (61 meters). It has been scientifically proven that a specific algae, which requires light to live, is found deeper in The Bahamas than anywhere else on earth. Travelers who seek beaches, boating and sailing, diving and snorkeling, ecotours, fishing, and water sports will be the first to notice the difference the water clarity makes on their sporting experience.

The 700 islands of The Bahamas are positioned just off the United States' coast of Florida, making this tropical archipelago a quick hop from airports and a short voyage from marinas and cruise ports.

English is the official language of The Islands Of The Bahamas. If you are comfortable with English, you won't have any trouble getting around, reading street signs, ordering at restaurants, etc. However, until you become accustomed to the region's dialect, you may have to ask some people to repeat what they say.

In The Bahamas, the legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$), which is equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. Even though The Bahamas mint and circulate their own legal tender, both U.S. and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands.

The trade winds that blow almost continually throughout The Islands of The Bahamas give the islands a warm, agreeable climate which varies little year round. The most refreshing time is between September through May, when the temperature averages 70-75F degrees. The rest of the year is a bit warmer with temperatures between 80-85F degrees. The Islands Of The Bahamas have a temperate climate ranging from 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity in the summer months to 70-80 degrees in the winter. Nighttime temperatures are generally cooler by 5-7 degrees. In the more northerly islands, winter temperatures are approximately 5 degrees lower than the southern islands. Sea surface temperatures vary between 74 degrees in February and 84 degrees in August. The months of June to November constitute the hurricane season. The weather does influence travel decisions and often, inaccurate reporting of information on hurricanes results in needless cancellations by U.S. travellers. Many Bahamas hoteliers have instituted a Hurricane Hotel Policy for vacationers which states that visitors who cancel a Bahamas vacation during a hurricane will receive an immediate refund with no penalties. The Islands Of The Bahamas experience rain year-round; however, the months of May through October constitute the rainy season. The northern islands normally receive twice as much rain as the southern islands with heavy squalls or thundershowers which clear quickly.

Spring Break Season runs from late February to mid-April. This is important information, whether you're aiming to avoid the spring break season altogether or intent upon landing right in the middle of this month-long youth fest. Beach parties, sports meets, and musical entertainment lead off the packed Spring Break calendar. The front desk of your hotel will surely be updated on the most detailed information.