The Bahamas is a high-income developed country with a GDP per capita of over USD 30,762 (2017) that conducts more than 85 percent of its international trade with the United States. Tourism contributes over 50 percent of the country’s GDP, and employs just over half of the workforce.

The Bahamas, archipelago and country on the northwestern edge of the West Indies. Formerly a British colony, The Bahamas became an independent country within the Commonwealth in 1973.

The national poverty rate of the Bahamas sits at a little more than 9 percent. The highest rate is around 20 percent in the Other Family Islands, home to 6 percent of the population.

The Bahamas is an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is a parliamentary democracy with regular elections. As a Commonwealth country, its political and legal traditions closely follow those of the United Kingdom.

Citizens of the Bahamas do not pay taxes on income, inheritance, gifts, or capital gains. The Bahamian government uses revenue from sources like VAT and stamp taxes. There are strict laws prohibiting illicit financial activity such as money laundering.

The economy of the Bahamas is dependent upon tourism and offshore banking. The Bahamas is the richest country in the West Indies and is ranked 14th in North America for nominal GDP. It is a stable, developing nation in the Lucayan Archipelago with a population of 391,232 (2016).

Income and individual taxes The Bahamas does not impose income tax, inheritance tax or wealth tax. Social security tax is payable to the National Insurance Board at 3.9% by employees and 5.9% by employers, or 8.8% for self-employed individuals, up to maximum amounts.

The Bahamas has a predominantly market economy that is heavily dependent on tourism and international financial services. The gross national product (GNP) per capita is one of the highest in the region.

Summary: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,881$ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,113$ without rent. Cost of living in Bahamas is, on average, 19.46% higher than in United States….Cost of Living in Bahamas.

Religion in the Bahamas is dominated by various Christian denominations and reflects the country’s diversity. Since the English colonization, most Bahamians adhere to diverse Protestant denominations with Baptist churches/Evangelicals, Pentecostalism, Adventism and Methodism being at the forefront.

20 amazing things The Bahamas are known for

• Pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
• The swimming pigs of Exuma.
• The playground of the world’s rich and famous.
• History of pirates.
• Fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling.
• The first landing of Christopher Columbus.
• The Bahama Mama cocktail.

Is the Bahamas Dangerous? While safety has improved in the Bahamas, there is still violent crime, mainly in Nassau and the island of Grand Bahama, which includes the city of Freeport. Armed robberies, burglaries, sexual assault, and other violent crimes take place, along with purse snatchings.