The Bahamas Population
As of October 7, 2023, the Bahamas population stands at 413,319 people, according to the latest data from the United Nations as elaborated by Worldometer. The estimated mid-year population for 2023 is 412,623 individuals. The Bahamas comprises approximately 0.01% of the global population and ranks 176th in the world in terms of population. The population density is approximately 41 people per square kilometer (107 people per square mile) in an area spanning 10,010 square kilometers (3,865 square miles). Around 84.7% of the population resides in urban areas, totaling 349,415 individuals in 2023. The median age in the Bahamas is 33.2 years.
Bahamas population by race
According to the 2010 Census questionnaire with a 99% response rate, the ethnic composition of the Bahamas reveals that 90.6% of the Bahamas Black population, 4.7% as White, and 2.1% as Mixed (African and European). Going back to the first official census in 1722, 74% of the population was native European and 26% were native African.
The Afro-Bahamians, primarily tracing their ancestry to West Africa, have been the largest ethnic group in the Bahamas since the colonial era of plantations. The initial Africans to arrive in the Bahamas were freed slaves from Bermuda, accompanying the Eleutheran Adventurers seeking new opportunities.
The Haitian community in the Bahamas is largely of African descent and numbers around 80,000. Due to significant immigration from Haiti, the Bahamian government initiated the deportation of illegal Haitian immigrants to their homeland starting in late 2014.
The White Bahamian population predominantly consists of descendants of English Puritans and American Loyalists who fled the American Revolution, arriving in 1649 and 1783, respectively. The term "white" is often used to describe Bahamians with Anglo ancestry and some light-skinned Afro-Bahamians. There's also a small Euro-Bahamian population of Greek descent, descendants of Greek laborers who came to assist in the sponging industry in the 1900s.
Besides Black and White populations, other ethnic groups in the Bahamas include Asians, as well as people of Spanish and Portuguese origin.
The Afro-Bahamians, primarily tracing their ancestry to West Africa, have been the largest ethnic group in the Bahamas since the colonial era of plantations. The initial Africans to arrive in the Bahamas were freed slaves from Bermuda, accompanying the Eleutheran Adventurers seeking new opportunities.
The Haitian community in the Bahamas is largely of African descent and numbers around 80,000. Due to significant immigration from Haiti, the Bahamian government initiated the deportation of illegal Haitian immigrants to their homeland starting in late 2014.
The White Bahamian population predominantly consists of descendants of English Puritans and American Loyalists who fled the American Revolution, arriving in 1649 and 1783, respectively. The term "white" is often used to describe Bahamians with Anglo ancestry and some light-skinned Afro-Bahamians. There's also a small Euro-Bahamian population of Greek descent, descendants of Greek laborers who came to assist in the sponging industry in the 1900s.
Besides Black and White populations, other ethnic groups in the Bahamas include Asians, as well as people of Spanish and Portuguese origin.
Population of San Salvador Bahamas
San Salvador Island, formerly known as Watling's Island, is both an island and a district of the Bahamas. Its historical significance lies in the possibility of being the location where Christopher Columbus first sighted the Americas on 12 October 1492 during his inaugural voyage. The island's appeal, with its tropical beaches and close proximity to the United States, has positioned tourism as a vital sector for the local economy.
As of 2022, the island is home to a population of 824 individuals. Gilbert C. Kemp oversees its administration, and the largest settlement as well as the seat of local government is Cockburn Town. The island's connection to Columbus's historic journey adds to its allure and attracts visitors from around the world.
As of 2022, the island is home to a population of 824 individuals. Gilbert C. Kemp oversees its administration, and the largest settlement as well as the seat of local government is Cockburn Town. The island's connection to Columbus's historic journey adds to its allure and attracts visitors from around the world.
Bahamas Language
What language do they speak in the Bahamas?
Bahamas official language is English. Additionally, a significant portion of the population speaks an English-based creole language known as the Bahamian dialect, often referred to as "dialect" or "Bahamianese." Laurente Gibbs, a Bahamian writer and actor, is credited with coining the term "Bahamianese" in a poem and promoting its usage. Both "Bahamian dialect" and "Bahamianese" are used as autoglossonyms.
Furthermore, Haitian Creole, a French-based creole language, is spoken by Haitians and their descendants, constituting approximately 25% of the total population. To distinguish it from Bahamian English, Haitian Creole is simply referred to as "Creole."
Bahamas official language is English. Additionally, a significant portion of the population speaks an English-based creole language known as the Bahamian dialect, often referred to as "dialect" or "Bahamianese." Laurente Gibbs, a Bahamian writer and actor, is credited with coining the term "Bahamianese" in a poem and promoting its usage. Both "Bahamian dialect" and "Bahamianese" are used as autoglossonyms.
Furthermore, Haitian Creole, a French-based creole language, is spoken by Haitians and their descendants, constituting approximately 25% of the total population. To distinguish it from Bahamian English, Haitian Creole is simply referred to as "Creole."
Bahamas culture
The Bahamas culture is a vibrant blend of African, British, and American influences, shaped by historical ties, migration patterns, and the dominant countries in the region, particularly the United States, which is a significant source of tourists.
The Afro-Bahamian population, being the largest ethnicity, contributes to the African influence in the culture. The migration of freed slaves from the United States to the Bahamas has also had a profound impact on the cultural fabric.
African-based folk magic is practiced by some Bahamians, particularly in the outlying islands known as the Family Islands. However, it's important to note that the practice of obeah, a form of African-based folk magic, is illegal in the Bahamas and punishable by law.
In the Family Islands, traditional handicrafts like basketry made from palm fronds, often referred to as "straw," are crafted into hats and bags, which are popular tourist items.
Junkanoo, a traditional Afro-Bahamian street parade featuring rushing, music, dance, and art, is a significant cultural celebration held in Nassau and a few other settlements every Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Junkanoo is also used to celebrate various other holidays and events, such as Emancipation Day.
Regattas are important social events in many Family Island settlements, featuring sailing by old-fashioned work boats and onshore festivals.
Bahamian cuisine reflects a fusion of Caribbean, African, and European influences. Different settlements have festivals associated with traditional crops or foods, showcasing their local culinary heritage.
The Bahamas also has a rich literary tradition, including poetry, short stories, plays, and fictional works, with themes revolving around change, sophistication, identity, nostalgia, and beauty. Notable Bahamian writers include Susan Wallace, Percival Miller, Robert Johnson, and others.
Folklore and legends in the Bahamas, such as the lusca, chickcharney creatures of Andros, Pretty Molly on Exuma Bahamas, and the Lost City of Atlantis on Bimini Bahamas, are deeply ingrained in the cultural narrative.
The Afro-Bahamian population, being the largest ethnicity, contributes to the African influence in the culture. The migration of freed slaves from the United States to the Bahamas has also had a profound impact on the cultural fabric.
African-based folk magic is practiced by some Bahamians, particularly in the outlying islands known as the Family Islands. However, it's important to note that the practice of obeah, a form of African-based folk magic, is illegal in the Bahamas and punishable by law.
In the Family Islands, traditional handicrafts like basketry made from palm fronds, often referred to as "straw," are crafted into hats and bags, which are popular tourist items.
Junkanoo, a traditional Afro-Bahamian street parade featuring rushing, music, dance, and art, is a significant cultural celebration held in Nassau and a few other settlements every Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Junkanoo is also used to celebrate various other holidays and events, such as Emancipation Day.
Regattas are important social events in many Family Island settlements, featuring sailing by old-fashioned work boats and onshore festivals.
Bahamian cuisine reflects a fusion of Caribbean, African, and European influences. Different settlements have festivals associated with traditional crops or foods, showcasing their local culinary heritage.
The Bahamas also has a rich literary tradition, including poetry, short stories, plays, and fictional works, with themes revolving around change, sophistication, identity, nostalgia, and beauty. Notable Bahamian writers include Susan Wallace, Percival Miller, Robert Johnson, and others.
Folklore and legends in the Bahamas, such as the lusca, chickcharney creatures of Andros, Pretty Molly on Exuma Bahamas, and the Lost City of Atlantis on Bimini Bahamas, are deeply ingrained in the cultural narrative.
Bahamas People
The Bahamas has a population where approximately eighty-five percent of individuals are of African heritage (Black). A significant majority of the population resides on New Providence Island, which includes Nassau, the capital. Ancestors of many Bahamians arrived during the early 1800s when the Bahamas served as a staging area for the slave trade. Additionally, many accompanied British loyalists fleeing the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.
In terms of culture and ideas, while the majority of Bahamians have relations with the Negroes of Africa in terms of ancestry, the Bahamas is primarily Western in its ideologies. Native festivals, such as Junkanoo, carry a tribal African flavor but are considered morally non-essential to the Bahamian way of life.
Bahamians are modern in speech, education, and knowledge of the world, showcasing a good understanding of geography due to the vital tourism industry. The dominant religion is Christianity, with churches prevalent throughout the islands. However, the Bahamas is a multicultural and religiously tolerant society.
The native language is English, with its own unique variations and charms. The pace of life is often hectic in Nassau and parts of Freeport, while being slower and more laid back in other areas. The climate is perfect, and modern conveniences are readily available, combined with clean air and beautiful beaches, making the Bahamas an ideal place to unwind.
While Bahamians are often described as having a relaxed attitude, sometimes seen as a cover for laziness, it is essential to acknowledge that not all Bahamians fit this stereotype. Many are hardworking and honest individuals. However, there are concerns about the growth of the welfare state and the public education system, which can sometimes incentivize dependency.
Despite challenges, the Bahamas boasts a strong labor force, with high literacy rates and a generally friendly population. It's a country that blends African heritage, Western influences, and a unique Bahamian identity shaped by its history and environment.
In terms of culture and ideas, while the majority of Bahamians have relations with the Negroes of Africa in terms of ancestry, the Bahamas is primarily Western in its ideologies. Native festivals, such as Junkanoo, carry a tribal African flavor but are considered morally non-essential to the Bahamian way of life.
Bahamians are modern in speech, education, and knowledge of the world, showcasing a good understanding of geography due to the vital tourism industry. The dominant religion is Christianity, with churches prevalent throughout the islands. However, the Bahamas is a multicultural and religiously tolerant society.
The native language is English, with its own unique variations and charms. The pace of life is often hectic in Nassau and parts of Freeport, while being slower and more laid back in other areas. The climate is perfect, and modern conveniences are readily available, combined with clean air and beautiful beaches, making the Bahamas an ideal place to unwind.
While Bahamians are often described as having a relaxed attitude, sometimes seen as a cover for laziness, it is essential to acknowledge that not all Bahamians fit this stereotype. Many are hardworking and honest individuals. However, there are concerns about the growth of the welfare state and the public education system, which can sometimes incentivize dependency.
Despite challenges, the Bahamas boasts a strong labor force, with high literacy rates and a generally friendly population. It's a country that blends African heritage, Western influences, and a unique Bahamian identity shaped by its history and environment.
