ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRY: BAHAMAS

carried out by: davinia portugués serrano

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introduction

The Bahamas is a beautiful and unique country located in the Caribbean Sea. It is an archipelago consisting of over 700 islands and cays that are spread over more than 100,000 square miles of pristine turquoise waters. The country's natural beauty, stunning beaches, and relaxed island lifestyle attract millions of visitors each year. The Bahamas has a rich and fascinating history that spans from pre-colonial times to the present day. It was first inhabited by the Lucayan Indians, and later colonized by the British who turned it into a hub of trade and commerce. In 1973, The Bahamas gained independence from Britain and became a sovereign nation. The people of The Bahamas are warm, welcoming, and friendly. They have a unique culture that is reflected in their music, dance, cuisine, and language. The country's diverse population consists of people of African, European, and Native American descent, among others. The Bahamian economy is driven by tourism, financial services, and shipping. The country has a stable political system, a thriving economy, and a high standard of living. The Bahamas is also known for its commitment to protecting the environment and preserving its natural beauty. In short, The Bahamas is a unique and beautiful country that offers visitors a chance to experience a relaxed island lifestyle, stunning natural scenery, and a rich and fascinating culture.

brief history

The Bahamas was originally inhabited by the Lucayan Indians before it was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The country was later colonized by the British in the 1600s, and it remained a British colony until it gained independence in 1973. During the colonial period, the Bahamas served as a strategic location for pirates, which led to interesting stories and popular legends that are still shared with tourists today.

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National Flag and Symbols

The national flag and symbols of the Bahamas are rich with meaning and represent the country's unique history and culture. The Bahamian flag is a bold and striking design that features three horizontal bands of aquamarine, gold, and aquamarine. The aquamarine color represents the clear waters of the Bahamas, while the gold represents the country's sandy beaches and the bright sunshine that shines down upon them. The black triangle on the left-hand side of the flag represents the Bahamian people's strength and unity. The Coat of Arms of the Bahamas is another important national symbol that represents the country's unique history and culture. The crest features a shield that is flanked by a marlin and flamingo, which are two iconic animals found in the Bahamas. The shield is also supported on either side by a conch shell, which represents the country's maritime heritage. The flamingo, marlin, and conch shell all sit atop of a banner that reads "Forward, Upward, Onward, Together," which serves as the country's national motto. In addition to the flag and Coat of Arms, the Bahamas also has a national bird and flower. The national bird is the flamingo, which is known for its vibrant pink feathers and graceful form. It is a common sight in the Bahamas, where it can be found in nests throughout the islands. The national flower of the Bahamas is the yellow elder, which features bright yellow petals and is commonly found throughout the islands. These symbols help to shape the Bahamian identity and serve as a source of pride for the Bahamian people.

Geographical Features

The Bahamas is a beautiful archipelagic nation located in the Atlantic Ocean, east of Florida, and north of Cuba. The country is comprised of over 700 stunning islands and cays, with a total land area of approximately 5,358 square miles. The Bahamas is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, which includes vast stretches of pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. The unique geography of the islands has created some of the most beautiful underwater landscapes in the world. The Bahamas is also home to the third-largest barrier reef system, known as the Andros Barrier Reef. The country's natural beauty has made it a hugely popular tourist destination, attracting millions of tourists each year. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the capital city of Nassau, which is located on New Providence Island, and the nearby Paradise Island, which is connected to Nassau by bridge. Other popular islands include Grand Bahama Island, Abaco, Eleuthera, and Exuma, among others. The Bahamas is known for its laid-back and friendly lifestyle, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from swimming and snorkeling to sailing, fishing, and exploring the country's rich cultural heritage. In summary, the Bahamas is a stunning archipelagic nation that is home to some of the most beautiful natural features in the world. The country's vast stretches of beaches, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and popular islands such as Nassau have made it a hugely popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

IMPORTANT FESTIVITIES

The Bahamas is known for its vibrant culture and lively festivals which are celebrated throughout the year. Here's a brief history of some of the important dates and festivities celebrated in The Bahamas: 1. Junkanoo - This is the most colorful and lively festival in The Bahamas, which has been celebrated for centuries. It is usually held on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, where locals dress up in vibrant costumes, play traditional music, and dance in the streets. The festival is believed to have originated in the 17th century when slaves were given a few days off to celebrate the holidays. 2. Emancipation Day - This is celebrated on August 1st, which marks the day when slavery was abolished in the British Commonwealth in 1834. It is a national holiday in The Bahamas, and it is celebrated with music, parades, and cultural activities. 3. Independence Day - This is celebrated on July 10th, which marks the day when The Bahamas gained independence from Great Britain in 1973. It is a national holiday, and it is celebrated with colorful parades, cultural activities, and fireworks. 4. Easter - Easter is a major Christian holiday celebrated in The Bahamas, which usually falls in March or April. It is celebrated with church services, beach picnics, and family gatherings. 5. Regatta - This is a popular sailing event held in The Bahamas, where locals and visitors come together to watch the sailing races, listen to music, and enjoy traditional Bahamian food and drink. Each of these events has significant historical and cultural significance, and they are celebrated with a lot of excitement and energy. Here are some colorful images of the festivities:

POLITICAL SYSTEM

The Bahamas is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democratic system of government. The king of the United Kingdom is the official Head of State and is represented in The Bahamas by a Governor-General. However, the Governor-General's role is mostly ceremonial, and the real power lies with the Parliament and the Prime Minister. The Parliament is made up of two chambers: the House of Assembly and the Senate. The House of Assembly has 39 elected members who serve a term of five years, while the Senate has 16 appointed members who serve for five years. The Prime Minister is the leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Assembly, and he or she appoints the members of the Cabinet, which is the executive branch of the government. The role of the king in the Bahamas political system is largely symbolic, with the Governor-General acting as her representative and performing most of the ceremonial duties. The Governor-General has limited powers, including the power to appoint the Prime Minister and dissolve Parliament. The Prime Minister is the head of government and has the power to make decisions on behalf of the country, such as appointing ministers, signing treaties, and making important policy decisions. The Prime Minister is accountable to the Parliament and must answer to the House of Assembly. The leader of the opposition is the leader of the party with the second most seats in the House of Assembly. His or her role is to provide an alternative view on government policies and programs and to hold the government accountable for its actions.

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GASTRONOMY

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1. BAHAMAS CONCH

2. PEAS AND RICE

Another popular dish is peas and rice, which is a staple at most Bahamian meals. It is typically made with pigeon peas, rice, and spices, and is often served with seafood or meat dishes. On the other hand, Goombay Punch is a popular beverage in The Bahamas, which has been in production since the 1950s. It is a non-alcoholic drink that is made with pineapple and other tropical flavors and is often served at festivals and events.

The cuisine of The Bahamas is a product of its African, British, and American influences. The traditional dishes are a reflection of the country's history and cultural diversity. One of the most popular dishes in The Bahamas is conch, which is a large marine snail that is native to the waters surrounding the islands. Conch can be prepared in many ways, including as fritters, salads, and stews. It is considered a delicacy, and many Bahamians believe that the meat has health benefits.

CULTURAL INFLUENCE

The Bahamas has had a cultural influence in the world, particularly in the areas of music, sports, and literature. Many famous Bahamians have contributed to these fields and have helped to put Bahamas' culture on the world map. In the field of sports, Bahamas has produced many world champions in various disciplines, including athletics, boxing, swimming, and sailing. Notable athletes include sprinter Shaunae Miller-Uibo, sailor Lowell Knowles, and boxer Elisha Obed. In music, Bahamas is known for its unique sound that has been influenced by African rhythms and European melodies. Two of the most popular genres of music in The Bahamas are junkanoo and rake-n-scrape. Junkanoo is a percussion-based style of music that is often played during festive occasions, while rake-n-scrape features the use of a saw and a scraper and is often played by small bands at parties.

Bahamas has also exported its culture to other parts of the world through various mediums, such as food and music. For example, conch salad, which is a popular Bahamian dish, has become popular in some parts of the US, while the sound of rake-n-scrape has influenced the music of other Caribbean countries.Furthermore, several Bahamians have made significant contributions to literature. Lorraine Hansberry, the author of A Raisin in the Sun, was born to a Bahamian father, and her play is considered a groundbreaking work that explores the experience of African Americans in the United States.

CONCLUSION

One of the most significant ways in which The Bahamas has influenced the world culturally is through its music. Bahamian music is a blend of African rhythms, calypso, and other Caribbean influences. The sound of junkanoo, a percussion-based style of music, is famous across the globe and has influenced other music genres such as soca and reggae. Similarly, rake-n-scrape, another popular Bahamian music genre, has inspired musicians in other parts of the Caribbean and the world.

Finally, the Bahamian people themselves have influenced the world through their hospitality and welcoming nature. Visitors to the country have often noted how friendly and warm the locals are, and this hospitality has become an integral part of Bahamian culture. The friendly demeanor of the Bahamian people has been exported globally, creating a positive image of the country in the minds of many worldwide.

Bahamian cuisine is also renowned globally and has influenced the culinary landscape of various countries. The country has a unique cuisine that blends African and European influences, resulting in delicious dishes such as conch salad, guava duff, and peas and rice. These dishes have become popular in other parts of the world and have influenced the culinary culture of America and the Caribbean.

The Bahamas has influenced the world culturally through its unique music, cuisine, and people. The country has a rich cultural heritage that draws from various influences, including African, British, and American. This mix of cultures has created a unique Bahamian culture that has influenced the world in various ways.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. (n.d.). National festivals and events. Retrieved from https://www.bahamas.com/events. Bethel, E. A. (2014). The story of The Bahamas. Oxford, UK: Macmillan Caribbean. Culmer, J. L., & Smith, W. E. (2017). The political economy of The Bahamas in the 21st century. Lanham, Lexington Books. Culmer, J. L., & Cash, P. (2018). Junkanoo festivals in The Bahamas: Essays and interpretations. Nassau, The Bahamas: Media Enterprises Ltd. Flagspot.net. (n.d.). Bahamas. Retrieved from http://flagspot.net/flags/bs.html Higgs, M. A. (2019). An overview of the geography of The Bahamas. Caribbean Journal of Earth Science, 2(1), 53-72. Osbourne, J. A. (2018). Bahamas culture: Its African and European Roots. Lauderhill. Caribbean American Heritage Florida. Taylor, M. P., Johnson, K., & Lewis, L. (2016). The Bahamian kitchen: Recipes and stories from the islands. New York, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Symonette, G. W., & Coakley, C. (2015). National symbols of The Bahamas. Nassau, The Bahamas, Media Enterprises Ltd. Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives. (n.d.). The Bahamas. Retrieved from https://digital.library.cornell.edu/catalog/ss:7475321

bahamas map

TRADITIONAL DESSERTS

Some traditional desserts in The Bahamas include guava duff, which is a rolled dessert made with guava jam and pastry, and rum cake, which is a dense cake made with rum-infused raisins. The cuisine of The Bahamas is full of flavor and culture, and it reflects the warm and vibrant nature of its people. The mixture of African, British, and American influences has created a unique and diverse culinary landscape, and it continues to evolve with time.

The Bahamas has a rich and fascinating history that spans back to pre-colonial times. The islands were first inhabited by the peaceful Lucayan Indians who made a living through fishing, farming, and trading. They built villages throughout the islands, and their culture thrived until they were decimated by European diseases brought over by Spanish explorers. In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered the islands and named them "Baja Mar" or "Shallow Sea." However, it was the British who established a permanent presence on the islands in the 17th century. The British saw the Bahamas as a strategic location for trade and established plantations that relied on the labor of enslaved Africans. The Bahamas also became a hideout for pirates who preyed on Spanish ships that sailed through the Caribbean. Notable pirates like Blackbeard and Anne Bonny used the islands as a base from which they could launch raids on merchant vessels. This era of piracy influenced the country's culture with tales of buried treasure, rum, and adventure. The Bahamas remained under British colonial rule until it gained independence in 1973 through peaceful negotiations.