Country exposure · BF
Burkina Faso
Central America N Caribbean · Nassau · parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
What Burkina Faso means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.
$5M
U.S. imports, 2025
+12.4%
change in one year
$68M
U.S. exports, 2025
415K
Population
$15.8B
GDP
In your house
What you buy that Burkina Faso makes
America bought $5M in goods from Burkina Faso in 2025. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.
Fruits, frozen juices
fruit and frozen juices
$4M79.8%
Nuts
nuts
$297K5.8%
Artwork, antiques, stamps, etc.
$243K4.8%
U.s. goods returned, and reimports
$236K4.7%
Minimum value shipments
$84K1.6%
Tobacco, waxes, etc.
$71K1.4%
Tea, spices, etc.
tea and spices
$45K0.9%
Food oils, oilseeds
$31K0.6%
Apparel, household goods - cotton
cotton clothing and linens
$6K0.1%
Industrial supplies, other
$5K0.1%
2026 so far (through April): $563K in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).
The other direction
What America sells to Burkina Faso
$68M in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.
Excavating machinery
$13MPassenger cars, new and used
$11Mnew and used cars
Rice
$5Mcocoa for chocolate
Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts
$4MTrucks, buses, and special purpose vehicles
$4Mtrucks, buses, SUVs
Minimum value shipments
$3MIndustrial engines
$3MPlastic materials
$2Mplastics for packaging and goods
Other parts and accessories of vehicles
$2Mcar parts and accessories
Where you stand
U.S. tariff posture toward Burkina Faso
No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.
Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)
10%
The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.
Policy in motion
Tariff status: a moving target
No U.S. tariff action names Burkina Faso. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.
2026-04-06
Section 232 metals coverage expanded
In effectThe April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.
91 FR 18201 →2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge
In effectExecutive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).
91 FR 9437 →2025-11-13
Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs
In effectExecutive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.
90 FR 54091 →2025-06-04
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%
In effectThe June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.
90 FR 24199 →2025-04-05
Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect
In effectExecutive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.
Federal Register · 2025-06063 →2025-03-12
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries
In effectProclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.
90 FR 9817 →
Reference
The country itself
Central America N Caribbean · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.
Lucayan Indians inhabited the Bahama islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Piracy thrived in the 17th and 18th centuries because of The Bahamas' close proximity to shipping lanes. Since gaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas has prospered through tourism, international banking, and investment management, which comprise up to 85% of GDP. Because of its proximity to the US -- the nearest Bahamian landmass is only 80 km (50 mi) from Florida -- the country is a major transshipment point for illicit trafficking to the US mainland, as well as to Europe. US law enforcement agencies cooperate closely with The Bahamas; the Drug Enforcement Administration, US Coast Guard, and US Customs and Border Protection assist Bahamian authorities with maritime security and law enforcement through Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, or OPBAT.
Geography
- Location
- chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba; note - although The Bahamas does not border the Caribbean Sea, geopolitically it is often designated as a Caribbean nation
- Area
- 13,880 sq km
- Climate
- tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream
- Terrain
- long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills
- Natural resources
- salt, aragonite, timber, arable land
- Coastline
- 3,542 km
- Natural hazards
- hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage
People & society
- Population
- 415,306 (2025 est.)
- Nationality
- Bahamian(s)
- Ethnic groups
- African descent 90.6%, White 4.7%, mixed 2.1%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2010 est.)
- Languages
- English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)
- Religions
- Protestant 69.9% (includes Baptist 34.9%, Anglican 13.7%, Pentecostal 8.9% Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, Methodist 3.6%, Church of God 1.9%, Plymouth Brethren 1.6%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13% (includes Jehovah's Witness 1.1%), other 0.6%, none 1.9%, unspecified 2.6% (2010 est.)
- Median age
- 31.1 years (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth
- 76.7 years (2024 est.)
Economy
- Economic overview
- high-income tourism and financial services economy; major income inequality; strong US bilateral relations; several tax relief programs; targeted investment in agriculture, energy, light manufacturing, and technology industries
- Industries
- tourism, banking, oil bunkering, maritime industries, transshipment and logistics, salt, aragonite, pharmaceuticals
- Agricultural products
- sugarcane, grapefruits, vegetables, bananas, tomatoes, chicken, tropical fruits, oranges, coconuts, mangoes/guavas (2023)
- Exports - partners
- USA 36%, Zimbabwe 16%, Cote d'Ivoire 14%, Germany 8%, Guyana 8% (2023)
- Imports - partners
- USA 60%, Germany 13%, China 5%, Japan 3%, Brazil 2% (2023)
Government
- Government type
- parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
- Capital
- Nassau
- Independence
- 10 July 1973 (from the UK)
- Constitution
- previous 1964 (pre-independence); latest adopted 20 June 1973, effective 10 July 1973
- Executive branch
- King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General Cynthia A. PRATT (since 1 September 2023)
- Legislative branch
- Parliament
Full reference data
Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.
Introduction
Background
Lucayan Indians inhabited the Bahama islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Piracy thrived in the 17th and 18th centuries because of The Bahamas' close proximity to shipping lanes. Since gaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas has prospered through tourism, international banking, and investment management, which comprise up to 85% of GDP. Because of its proximity to the US -- the nearest Bahamian landmass is only 80 km (50 mi) from Florida -- the country is a major transshipment point for illicit trafficking to the US mainland, as well as to Europe. US law enforcement agencies cooperate closely with The Bahamas; the Drug Enforcement Administration, US Coast Guard, and US Customs and Border Protection assist Bahamian authorities with maritime security and law enforcement through Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, or OPBAT.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamps that will be required. A visa is not required.
US Embassy/Consulate
[1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 (after hours); US Embassy Nassau, 42 Queen St., Nassau, The Bahamas; acsnassau@state.gov; https://bs.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage . Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime , sometimes carrying severe punishment. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
242
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream
Currency (Code)
Bahamian dollars (BSD)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
English, Creole
Major Religions
Protestant 69.9%, Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13%
Time Difference
UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March, ends first Sunday in November
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Atlantis Paradise Island; Nassau (includes National Art Gallery, Fort Charlotte); Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park; Harbour Island; Castaway Cay; Grand Bahama; Andros Island; Treasure Cay; Elbow Cay
Major Sports
Cricket, American football, soccer, rugby
Cultural Practices
Bahamas are known for being friendly, outgoing and informal.
Tipping Guidelines
Service staff and hotel workers expect to be tipped. The usual tip for service from a taxi driver or waiter is 15% and $1-$2 a bag for porters. Most travelers leave $1-$3 per day for their hotel maid, usually every morning since the maid may have a day off.
Souvenirs
Conch/seashell jewelry, straw goods, precious-gem jewelry, crystal, leather goods, alcohol, imported luxury items
Traditional Cuisine
Crack Conch (sea snail) with rice and peas
CIA source last updated
Tuesday, September 05, 2023
Travel resources
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 05, 2023
Geography
Location
chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba; note - although The Bahamas does not border the Caribbean Sea, geopolitically it is often designated as a Caribbean nation
Geographic coordinates
24 15 N, 76 00 W
Map references
Central America and the Caribbean
Area - total
13,880 sq km
Area - land
10,010 sq km
Area - water
3,870 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Connecticut
Land boundaries - total
0 km
Coastline
3,542 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Climate
tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream
Terrain
long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills
Elevation - highest point
1.3 km NE of Old Bight on Cat Island 64 m
Elevation - lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Natural resources
salt, aragonite, timber, arable land
Land use - agricultural land
1.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
50.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
47.8% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
10 sq km (2012)
Population distribution
most of the population lives in urban areas, with two thirds living on New Providence Island where Nassau is located
Natural hazards
hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage
Geography - note
strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain of which 30 are inhabited
People and Society
Population - total
415,306 (2025 est.)
Population - male
192,055
Population - female
223,251
Nationality - noun
Bahamian(s)
Nationality - adjective
Bahamian
Ethnic groups
African descent 90.6%, White 4.7%, mixed 2.1%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2010 est.)
Ethnic groups - note
note: data represent population by racial group
Languages
English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)
Religions
Protestant 69.9% (includes Baptist 34.9%, Anglican 13.7%, Pentecostal 8.9% Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, Methodist 3.6%, Church of God 1.9%, Plymouth Brethren 1.6%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13% (includes Jehovah's Witness 1.1%), other 0.6%, none 1.9%, unspecified 2.6% (2010 est.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
21.4% (male 41,675/female 46,363)
Age structure - 15-64 years
70% (male 132,626/female 154,866)
Age structure - 65 years and over
8.6% (2024 est.) (male 15,799/female 19,533)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
43.2 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
30.2 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
13 (2025 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
7.7 (2025 est.)
Median age - total
31.1 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
30.6 years
Median age - female
30.7 years
Population growth rate
1.08% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
13.1 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.44 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
3.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
most of the population lives in urban areas, with two thirds living on New Providence Island where Nassau is located
Urbanization - urban population
83.6% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
1.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
280,000 NASSAU (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.03 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
0.9 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
0.86 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.81 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
0.86 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
76 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
9.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
10.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
8.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
76.7 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
75.1 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
78.4 years
Total fertility rate
1.45 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.71 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source - improved: total
total: 98.9% of population
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
7.1% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
15.8% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.9 physicians/1,000 population (2017)
Hospital bed density
2.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
31.6% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
9.48 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
3.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
1.43 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
4.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
10.8% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
20.8% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
1.9% (2025 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
2.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
10.6% national budget (2025 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Country name - conventional short form
The Bahamas
Country name - etymology
name may be derived from the Spanish baha mar , meaning "low sea," which describes the shallow waters of the Bahama Banks; alternatively, it may be a form of the local name Guanahani, which is of unknown origin and meaning
Government type
parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm
Capital - name
Nassau
Capital - geographic coordinates
25 05 N, 77 21 W
Capital - time difference
UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - daylight saving time
+1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November
Capital - etymology
named after King WILLIAM III of England (1650-1702), who was a member of the House of Orange-Nassau
Administrative divisions
31 districts; Acklins Islands, Berry Islands, Bimini, Black Point, Cat Island, Central Abaco, Central Andros, Central Eleuthera, City of Freeport, Crooked Island and Long Cay, East Grand Bahama, Exuma, Grand Cay, Harbour Island, Hope Town, Inagua, Long Island, Mangrove Cay, Mayaguana, Moore's Island, North Abaco, North Andros, North Eleuthera, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, South Abaco, South Andros, South Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, West Grand Bahama
Legal system
common-law system based on the English model
Constitution - history
previous 1964 (pre-independence); latest adopted 20 June 1973, effective 10 July 1973
Constitution - amendment process
proposed as an "Act" by Parliament; passage of amendments to articles such as the organization and composition of the branches of government requires approval by at least two-thirds majority of the membership of both houses of Parliament and majority approval in a referendum; passage of amendments to constitutional articles such as fundamental rights and individual freedoms, the powers, authorities, and procedures of the branches of government, or changes to the Bahamas Independence Act 1973 requires approval by at least three-fourths majority of the membership of both houses and majority approval in a referendum
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of The Bahamas
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
no
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
6-9 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General Cynthia A. PRATT (since 1 September 2023)
Executive branch - head of government
Prime Minister Philip Edward DAVIS (since 17 September 2021)
Executive branch - cabinet
Cabinet appointed by governor-general on recommendation of prime minister
Executive branch - election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary; governor-general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the governor-general appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Legislative branch - legislature name
Parliament
Legislative branch - legislative structure
bicameral
Legislative branch - note
note: Parliament sits for 5 years from the date of the last general election: the government may dissolve the parliament and call elections at any time
Legislative branch - lower chamber - chamber name
House of Assembly
Legislative branch - lower chamber - number of seats
39 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - electoral system
plurality/majority
Legislative branch - lower chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - lower chamber - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - lower chamber - most recent election date
9/16/2021
Legislative branch - lower chamber - parties elected and seats per party
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) (32); Free National Movement (FNM) (7)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - percentage of women in chamber
17.9%
Legislative branch - lower chamber - expected date of next election
September 2026
Legislative branch - upper chamber - chamber name
Senate
Legislative branch - upper chamber - number of seats
16 (all appointed)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - upper chamber - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - upper chamber - most recent election date
10/6/2021
Legislative branch - upper chamber - percentage of women in chamber
31.3%
Legislative branch - upper chamber - expected date of next election
October 2026
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 6 justices, organized in 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 19 justices)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
Industrial Tribunal; Magistrates' Courts; Family Island Administrators (can also serve as magistrates)
Judicial branch - note
note: The Bahamas is a member of the 15-member Caribbean Community but is not party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as its highest appellate court; the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas
Political parties
Coalition of Independents Party or COI Democratic National Alliance or DNA Free National Movement or FNM Progressive Liberal Party or PLP
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Wendall Kermith JONES (since 19 April 2022)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
600 New Hampshire Ave NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20037
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 319-2660
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 319-2668
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s) general
Atlanta, Miami, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador Herschel WALKER (since 9 December 2025)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
42 Queen Street, Nassau
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC 20521-3370
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[1] (242) 322-1181
Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX
[1] (242) 356-7174
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
International organization participation
ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Independence
10 July 1973 (from the UK)
National holiday
Independence Day, 10 July (1973)
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the left side meaning: the band colors represent the islands' golden beaches surrounded by the aquamarine sea; black stands for the vigor and force of a united people, and the triangle for the people's enterprise and determination
National symbol(s)
blue marlin, flamingo, yellow elderflower
National color(s)
aquamarine, yellow, black
National coat of arms
the motto on the Bahamas coat of arms is “Forward, Upward, Onward Together;” the flamingo and marlin supporting the shield are national animals that represent respectively the land and sea; the pink conch shell symbolizes the marine life of the islands, and the green palm fronds represent the natural vegetation; the Santa Maria , Christopher Columbus’s flagship, also appears; the sun signifies the world-famous climate and the bright future of the islands
National anthem(s) - title
"God Save the King"
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
unknown
National anthem(s) - history
royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country
Economy
Economic overview
high-income tourism and financial services economy; major income inequality; strong US bilateral relations; several tax relief programs; targeted investment in agriculture, energy, light manufacturing, and technology industries
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$14.544 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$14.069 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$13.653 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
3.4% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
3% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
10.9% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$36,200 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$35,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$34,300 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$15.833 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
0.4% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
3.1% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
5.6% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
0.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
9.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
77.2% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
64.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
12.9% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
25.7% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
1.1% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
37.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-41.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
sugarcane, grapefruits, vegetables, bananas, tomatoes, chicken, tropical fruits, oranges, coconuts, mangoes/guavas (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
tourism, banking, oil bunkering, maritime industries, transshipment and logistics, salt, aragonite, pharmaceuticals
Industrial production growth rate
12.5% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
237,100 (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
8.5% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
8.7% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
9.3% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
17.8% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
17.8% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
17.8% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Remittances - Remittances 2024
0.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2023
0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
0.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$2.855 billion (2023 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$3.389 billion (2023 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2023
73.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Public debt - note
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
16.2% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2024
-$1.053 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2023
-$1.069 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2022
-$1.233 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2024
$6.771 billion (2024 est.)
Exports - Exports 2023
$6.011 billion (2023 est.)
Exports - Exports 2022
$5.425 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 36%, Zimbabwe 16%, Cote d'Ivoire 14%, Germany 8%, Guyana 8% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, aluminum, shellfish, plastics (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2024
$7.069 billion (2024 est.)
Imports - Imports 2023
$6.273 billion (2023 est.)
Imports - Imports 2022
$5.843 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
USA 60%, Germany 13%, China 5%, Japan 3%, Brazil 2% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, aircraft, cars, crude petroleum (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$2.512 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$2.609 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021
$2.433 billion (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
Bahamian dollars (BSD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
1 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
1 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
1 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
1 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
1 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity - installed generating capacity
608,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
2.036 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
10 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
99.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
600 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
20,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
14.13 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - imports
14.13 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
104.409 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
93,100 (2024 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
23 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
388,000 (2024 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
97 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
4 major TV providers; 1 TV station is operated by government-owned, commercially run Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB) and competes with 4 privately owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV subscription service is widely available; 32 licensed broadcast (radio) service providers, with 31 privately owned FM radio stations; the BCB operates a multi-channel radio network with national coverage; the sector is regulated by the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (2019)
Internet country code
.bs
Internet users - percent of population
95% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
95,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
24 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
C6
Airports
54 (2025)
Heliports
9 (2025)
Merchant marine - total
1,274 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
bulk carrier 345, container ship 39, general cargo 58, oil tanker 193, other 639
Ports - total ports
6 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
1
Ports - small
1
Ports - very small
4
Ports - ports with oil terminals
4
Ports - key ports
Clifton Pier, Cockburn Town, Freeport, Matthew Town, Nassau, South Riding Point
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF): includes land, air, maritime elements; Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) (2025)
Military and security forces - note
note: the RBPF maintains internal security; both the RBDF and the RBPF, as well as the Department of Corrections, report to the Minister of National Security
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
0.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
0.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
0.9% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 1,500-1,800 active RBDF (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
most of the RBDF's major equipment inventory has been acquired from the Netherlands or the US (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-30 years of age for voluntary service for men and women (18-60 for Reserves); no conscription (2025)
Military - note
the RBDF was established in 1980; its primary responsibilities are maritime security and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Bahamas, providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and supporting internal law and order in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies; the RBDF is a naval force with a few light aircraft, coastal patrol craft, and patrol boats, as well as a lightly-armed marine infantry/commando squadron for base and internal security; the RBDF has training relationships with the UK and the US (2025)
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
30 (2024 est.)
Refugees and internally displaced persons - IDPs
30 (2024 est.)
Illicit drugs - USG identification
major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025)
Environment
Environmental issues
coral reef decay; solid waste disposal
International environmental agreements - party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream
Land use - agricultural land
1.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
50.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
47.8% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
83.6% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
1.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
2.99 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke
2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
2.966 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
23,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
5.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
264,000 tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
24.9% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
31 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
700 million cubic meters (2022 est.)