Fun Fact About The Bahamas That Will Surprise You
The Bahamas are an idyllic country known for their stunning beaches and diverse wildlife. Tourism accounts for 60% of their economy; other exports include citrus fruit, vegetables and rum.
Bahamas derives its name from the Spanish phrase ‘baja mar’, meaning shallow water. These fascinating facts about bahamas will make you want to visit this beautiful archipelago!
1. The Lucayan Taino are the original inhabitants of The Bahamas
The Bahamas are best known for their crystal clear waters and stunning underwater kaleidoscope of marine life, but these islands were first home to a vanished civilization known only through remnants of their temples – the Lucayans were an Arawakan-speaking tribe from other Caribbean islands who arrived between 500 AD and 800 AD to establish themselves on The Bahamas as early residents; their name likely derives from ba-ha-ma meaning ‘large upper middle land’ (1).
Archaeological evidence reveals that the Lucayans were peaceful people who valued knowledge and community. They constructed settlements across their islands and created unique stone tools that demonstrate their ingenuity, and believed humans originated in caves or caverns; using these natural formations as places of sanctuaries or burial (2). Furthermore, these experts sailors utilized the Gulf Stream for travel between islands – leaving behind evidence in rock carvings known as petroglyphs which can still be seen at Hartford Cave on Rum Cay or East Cay as well as elsewhere (3). Examples can be seen at Hartford Cave on Rum Cay and East Cay.
Christopher Columbus made his initial New World landing on one of these islands in 1492, where he was met by friendly Lucayans who offered food and shelter. However, according to Spanish accounts within 30 years these indigenous populations had disappeared entirely due to European pathogens as well as their captors’ brutality.
Today there are still scattered families of Lucayan descendants living in The Bahamas; while many other residents possess mixed Taino and African roots. But no matter who or what we may be today, no Lucayan will ever arise again, reminding us all to cherish what unites us (4).
The Lucayans’ experience demonstrates the significance of conserving and protecting natural and cultural resources, so as to give future generations greater chances at having memorable journeys of their own.
2. The Bahamas is home to the world’s second-deepest blue hole
Blue holes are immense underwater sinkholes found all around the globe. Unlike ocean caves, however, blue holes lack light and oxygen – and can only be explored using special diving equipment. Recently, scientists uncovered what is thought to be one of the second-deepest blue holes on Earth near The Bahamas: Taam Ja’ is estimated at 900 feet deep with an area covering 147,000 square feet; an intriguing discovery which could provide researchers with an understanding of how life may survive in harsher environments on other planets, according to Live Science.
Blue holes around the world are named for their hauntingly blue waters, caused by water seeping into these caverns through unique channels of seepage. Their composition contains both saltwater and freshwater; when mixed together they produce an corrosive reaction which breaks down rocks, creating holes in the seafloor leading to underground passageways found sometimes within blue holes.
Caves tend to be anoxic below a certain depth, which makes them unfavorable environments for marine life. But scientists have discovered that bacteria are resilient in anoxic environments by extracting energy from chemicals found in them – giving them the means for growth in anoxic conditions.
Scientists hope this discovery may pave the way to new antibiotics, while its bacteria could give us insight into whether other forms of life exist on other planets.
Dean’s Blue Hole is an incredible natural marvel and should be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting The Bahamas. Bahamas Air or Southern Airways provide guided tours of this blue hole, while those arriving via Nassau should make sure not to land at an incorrect airport as Dean’s Blue Hole lies on Long Island rather than mainland Nassau.
The Bahamas are an archipelago consisting of over 700 islands located along the northwestern edge of the Caribbean Sea. A member of the Commonwealth of Nations, The Bahamas are governed by both bicameral legislature and representative government with Nassau serving as its hub. Resorts like Atlantis can be found there along with Paradise Island, Exuma, and Long Islands which also boast many popular spots to visit.
3. The Bahamas is the only country in the world with a zoo
The Bahamas conjures images of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches – but there’s much more to these captivating islands than meets the eye! From Lucayan Taino to the world’s second-deepest blue hole, The Bahamas are full of quirky facts that may surprise you!
The Bahamas are unique in that they are home to the only zoo in the world, located on Andros island and boasting more than 500 animals such as zebras, giraffes, flamingos and exotic creatures. Furthermore, native creatures such as Abaco parrots, Sandy Cay rock iguanas and bottlenose dolphins make appearances at this facility as well.
Another intriguing fact about The Bahamas is its legendary creature known as a Lusca, an amalgamation of shark and octopus features. Rumored to stand more than 75 feet, sightings have been reported all around The Bahamas over time and this mysterious being is thought to act as a protector for these islands.
Fun fact about The Bahamas: In the 18th Century, The Bahamas became a haven for pirates from across the Caribbean to seek safety in Nassau – including Blackbeard! Additionally, The Bahamas are located right on the edge of the Bermuda Triangle – perfect for anyone who hopes to try their luck at finding its famous ghost ship!
4. The Bahamas is home to the world’s largest coral reef
While the Bahamas are best-known for their palm-fringed islands and turquoise waters, they’re also home to one of the world’s largest coral reefs – the Great Bahamas Barrier Reef (GBR). Spanning over 1,180 miles long and carrying abundant marine life, touching or kicking coral can damage it and is therefore best avoided as much as possible.
The Bahamas are home to one of the world’s most breathtaking pink sand beaches – Harbour Island offers up a magical stretch stained by tiny coral insects that give it its characteristic soft pink hue and delicate feel.
The Bahamas are an archipelago of 700 islands and cays, of which only 30 are populated. While resorts and restaurants can be found on many of these inhabited islands, smaller, less developed islands provide tourists with incredible beaches, crystal-clear water and stunning flora and fauna that attract many visitors.
As the Bahamas are mostly made up of coral, much of their land remains undeveloped, making it perfect for hiking and exploration. One of the top wildlife watching spots worldwide, you’re likely to spot exotic migratory birds such as Bahamian parrots or West Indian flamingos here!
Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island of The Bahamas boasts the world’s second deepest blue hole – an underwater cavern that plunges more than 660 feet! Scientists continue to unravel its secrets.
The Bahamas is an exotic country with an interesting history and vibrant culture, having been originally established as a British colony before becoming independent within the Commonwealth of Nations in 1973. A member of both the UN and Commonwealth, The Bahamas also holds many international treaties and agreements including membership in International Civil Aviation Organization; International Monetary Fund; Telecommunication Union; Universal Postal Union; World Trade Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization as well as Caribbean Community (CARICOM).