Is The Bahamas Part Of The US? (+ Surprising Facts!)

If you’re wondering “Is the Bahamas part of the US?” – the answer is no. The Bahamas is not part of the United States. In fact, it doesn’t belong to anyone. It’s an independent country within the Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies in the Atlantic. Read on to find out more interesting facts about this gorgeous country, and see exactly where it is on the world map.

The Bahamas is officially known as the “Commonwealth of The Bahamas”. And while the Bahamas is not part of the United States (and never has been), it does belong to the Organization of America States and the United Nations.

It’s main source of income is tourism, predominantly from the United States – and due to its pristine white sand beaches, friendly swimming pigs, and swaying palm trees, it’s a popular destination for water lovers, beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and honeymooners.

Learn more:

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What Continent Is The Bahamas In?

The Bahamas are in the Caribbean area, located just off the southeast coast of North America, close to Miami, and also close to Cuba heading south.

Was The Bahamas A British Colony?

Interestingly, the Bahamas actually used to be part of Britain. They became a British colony under the 1783 Treaty of Paris, which formally ceded the Bahamas to Great Britain. At that time, the British occupied many of the islands already, some as far back as 1648

The Bahamas achieved self-government in 1964 but were still under British sovereignty at that time. They finally became independent as a Commonwealth country in 1973.

Where Is The Bahamas Located ?

If you look at the world map, you’ll find the Bahamas in the Caribbean Sea next to the southern tip of the United States. It’s close to Cuba, Haiti, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas area covers around 5,358 square miles of territory.

As you can see from the map, the Bahamas is a group of islands – 700 of them to be exact!

The main islands belonging to the Bahamas are:

• Grand Bahama
• Exuma
• New Providence
• Bimini
• Cat Island
• Rum Cay
• San Salvador

What Language Do People Speak In The Bahamas?

Due to their history of British colonisation, the official language in the Bahamas is English. If you’re planning a trip to these islands, you won’t have to worry about learning a new language before you go.

There is a local dialect in the Bahamas as well—Bahamanian Creole. This is spoken by many people, but it’s especially common in areas populated by Bahamanian residents with African ancestry.

This local language shares similarities with other nearby Caribbean island dialects, such as Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, and the Virgin Islands.

How Many People Live In The Bahamas?

The Bahamas population in 2023 is around 394,000 people.

What Currency Is Used In The Bahamas?

The national currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamanian dollar (BSD). This has been in circulation since 1966.

This currency is linked to the US dollar, as stability between these two currencies is important for both nations in terms of tourism, import and export production, and general stability for the Bahamas and its Bahamanian residents.

Can You Go To The Bahamas Without A Passport?

If you’re a citizen of the United States, you’ll need a valid US passport that has at least 6 months to go before its expiry date.

In addition, you’ll also need to provide proof of an onward ticket from the Bahamas, and your departure date.

Can You Do A Day Trip To The Bahamas From Miami?

Yes you can easily take a day trip from Miami to the Bahamas by ferry. This will only take around 2.5 hours, which gives you at least 6 hours to swim, hike, shop, or just relax!

There are many companies that can take you from Miami to the Bahamas by boat. Most of them will drop you off in Freeport, which is the main city in New Providence.

Find some inspiration for your luxury Bahamas day trip here:

In Summary – Is The Bahamas Part Of The US?

The Bahamas are not part of the US, and they’re no longer a British colony either. They’re an independent nation with their own goverment. This group of islands is, however, right next door to the United States – so if you’re planning a quick getaway, the Bahamas is a slice of paradise that’s right on your doorstep.

Planning a trip to the Bahamas? Check out my travel resources and recommendations