Fact 1: A World Leader in Pink Sand Beaches
The Bahamas boasts some of the world's most stunning pink sand beaches. These unique beaches get their unusual coloring from millions of bits of crushed coral and shells that wash up from the ocean's depth. Harbour Island is the most famous of these pink sand beaches, offering three miles of pink paradise to visitors. If you ever wanted to experience magenta-tinted shores, the Bahamas should be your go-to destination.
Fact 2: Tropical Pigs Enjoy Swimming Here
The Bahamas is home to an unusual beach attraction - pigs that swim in crystal clear waters. This phenomenon is particularly known in Big Major Cay, otherwise known as Pig Beach. These pigs are believed to have been brought to the Bahamas by sailors who intended to come back and cook them, but never did. The swimming pigs are now a famous tourist attraction, with visitors flocking to Pig Beach to swim alongside them.
Fact 3: Largest Coral Reef in the Western Hemisphere
The Bahamas is home to the third largest coral reef system in the world - and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Spanning about 190 miles, this reef system is home to a wide variety of marine life. From vibrant corals, colorful fishes, to even sharks, exploring the Bahamian reef is like delving into a living rainbow.
Fact 4: Home to the Deepest Blue Hole on Earth
Andros Island in the Bahamas houses Dean's Blue Hole, the deepest known blue hole on the planet. With a depth of over 600 feet, Dean's Blue Hole is a popular spot for divers seeking to explore the magic of the deep seas. These blue holes are unique underwater sinkholes that house thriving marine life and stunning formations.
Fact 5: Land of Over 700 Islands
The Bahamas is a breathtaking archipelago comprising over 700 islands and cays. However, interestingly, only about 30 of these islands are inhabited. This leaves plenty of untouched, pristine island scenery for adventurous visitors. Each island has its unique charm and beauty, from fishing havens to bird-watcher's paradises.
Fact 6: Abundance of Flamingoes
The Bahamas is home to the world's largest population of West Indian flamingos, known for their vibrant colors and striking stature. Once near extinction, these flamingos now roam freely on the islands, particularly on Inagua Island where a national park has been dedicated to protecting them.
Fact 7: An Independent Country within the Commonwealth
Although many people might group Bahamas under the Caribbean countries, it's actually an independent country within the British Commonwealth. It gained its independence from Britain on July 10, 1973.
Fact 8: The Country of Islands
The Bahamas is often referred to as "The Country of Islands", not surprising given its geographic make-up. From Grand Bahama, known for its bustling markets, to the tranquil Andros, each island offers a distinctive Bahamian experience.
Fact 9: Island Time Zone
In the Bahamas, it's permanently on "island time". The country doesn’t observe daylight saving time, meaning it can feel like time moves slower here than in the rest of the world - a boon for vacationers seeking to linger in paradise a little longer.
Fact 10: Multitude of Shipwrecks
With its history of piracy and trade, the Bahamas houses a multitude of shipwrecks beneath its turquoise waters. History and dive buffs alike can explore many shipwreck sites that have become homes to diverse marine life.
Fact 11: Rum is the National Drink
Bahamians love rum. It's their national drink and is often enjoyed with other traditional ingredients in delicious cocktails. The Bahamas is home to several rum distilleries, where visitors can sample different varieties and learn about the rum-making process.
Fact 12: Home to the World's Third Oldest Parliament
The Bahamas is home to the world's third oldest parliamentary democracy. Established in 1729, it's only younger than the parliaments of Britain and Bermuda.
Fact 13: A Favored Pirates' Haven
The Bahamas was once a favored location for pirates during the 'Golden Age of Piracy' in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Even the infamous pirate, Blackbeard, was rumored to have hidden his treasures here.
Fact 14: The Shortest Runway in the World
Located on the island of Saba in the Bahamas, Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport has one of the shortest commercial runways in the world, at 1300 feet (396 m) in length.
Fact 15: Origin of the Bahama Mama
The popular cocktail, Bahama Mama, originated from the Bahamas. This fruit-filled tropical blend of dark rum, coconut rum, and fruit juices is said to echo the vivacious and lively spirit of the Bahamas.
Fact 16: Home of the Marching Flamingos
The Ardastra Gardens in the Bahamas houses a team of trained Caribbean flamingos that march on command to the delight of visitors. The gardens run regular marching flamingos shows that are a hit with tourists.
Fact 17: Thunderball Grotto - A Hollywood Favorite
Thunderball Grotto, a stunning underwater cave in the Bahamas, has been featured in several James Bond films, including "Never Say Never Again" and "Thunderball."
Fact 18: Junkanoo - A Unique Cultural Carnival
Junkanoo is the Bahamas' most exciting cultural event. Held every Boxing Day and New Year's Day, this grand street parade features extravagant costumes, rhythmic music, and vibrant dancing.
Fact 19: Birthplace of the Goombay Festival
The Bahamas is the birthplace of the Goombay Festival, a summertime event that celebrates Bahamian music, food, and culture. The festival derives its name from a type of Bahamian drum known as 'goombay'.
Fact 20: An Astronaut’s First View
The Bahamas’ turquoise waters and bright sandbars were said to be the first geographical features astronauts could observe from space. This view has cemented its place as a visual spectacle on Earth and from out of this world! So, the Bahamas is not only famous here on earth but also in space.