World Happiness Report for The Bahamas 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank The Bahamas: na
- Happiness Score The Bahamas:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of The Bahamas. BS.
The Bahamas is Known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters
- A constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy
- Has a strong tourism-based economy
The Bahamas – A Comprehensive Overview
Brief History
Early History: The Bahamas were originally inhabited by the Lucayan, a branch of the Taino people who migrated from South America. The islands were first encountered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, leading to the eventual decimation of the native population due to disease, slavery, and genocide.
Colonial Period: The Bahamas became an English colony in 1647, serving as a base for piracy and privateering. The islands were a haven for pirates like Blackbeard and provided a strategic location during the American Revolutionary War.
Independence and Modern Era: The Bahamas gained independence from the United Kingdom on July 10, 1973. Since then, the country has maintained a stable parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy.
Current Political Situation: The Bahamas is a constitutional parliamentary democracy, with a bicameral legislative system and a prime minister as head of government. The ruling party is the Progressive Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Philip Davis.
International Relations: The Bahamas maintains close ties with the United States, United Kingdom, and other Caribbean nations. It is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Organization of American States.
Human Development and Economy: The Bahamas has a strong service-based economy, heavily reliant on tourism and financial services. It enjoys a high Human Development Index ranking and a relatively high standard of living.
Cultural Highlights: The Bahamas has a rich Afro-Caribbean culture, with influences from the Lucayan, African, and European settlers. It is known for its vibrant music, including Junkanoo festivals and rake ‘n’ scrape music.
Pressing Challenges: The Bahamas faces challenges such as economic vulnerability due to its reliance on tourism, climate change impacts, and drug trafficking.
Travel Tips for The Bahamas
Best Times to Visit: The peak tourist season is from mid-December to mid-April, with ideal weather and numerous events. The summer months of June to August offer fewer crowds and lower prices.
Cultural Etiquette: Bahamians are generally warm and hospitable. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and always ask before taking photographs of people.
Safety Precautions: The Bahamas is generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution in areas known for criminal activity, especially at night. Avoid isolated beaches and secure valuables.
Must-See Landmarks: Don’t miss the Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, and the Glass Window Bridge on Eleuthera.
Culinary Experiences: Try conch fritters, peas ‘n’ rice, and fresh seafood. Local rum and Kalik beer are popular beverages.
Living in The Bahamas
Cost of Living: The cost of living in The Bahamas is relatively high, especially for housing and imported goods. However, some essential services like healthcare and education are subsidized.
Housing: Expats often rent apartments or condos in Nassau or on the outer islands. Home ownership can be challenging due to high prices and restrictions for non-Bahamians.
Healthcare: The Bahamas has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private facilities. Non-residents may need to obtain private health insurance.
Education: The Bahamas has a public education system, as well as several private and international schools. Higher education opportunities are available at the University of The Bahamas.
Lifestyle: The Bahamas offers a relaxed, island lifestyle with a strong sense of community. Outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and beachgoing are popular.
Main facts
1. Location
The Bahamas is an archipelagic state located in the Atlantic Ocean, situated southeast of Florida (United States) and north of Cuba and the Caribbean Sea. It consists of over 700 islands and cays scattered across the western Atlantic Ocean, extending from the Florida Straits to the northern Caribbean Sea.
2. Map References
The Bahamas is located in the Caribbean region of the North Atlantic Ocean.
3. Area – Comparative
The Bahamas has a total area of 13,878 sq km, which is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Connecticut.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
The Bahamas has no land borders, as it is an archipelagic state.
5. Coastline
The Bahamas has a total coastline of 3,542 km, featuring numerous beaches, inlets, and cays.
6. Maritime Claims
The Bahamas claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles, and a continental shelf of 200 meters or to the depth of exploitation.
7. Climate
The Bahamas has a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year, moderated by the waters of the Gulf Stream. The islands experience a hot and humid summer and a cooler winter.
8. Terrain
The terrain of The Bahamas is mostly flat, with some low-lying ridges and hills. The highest point is Mount Alvernia on Cat Island, which stands at 63 meters (207 feet) above sea level.
9. Elevation Extremes
The lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean at sea level, while the highest point is Mount Alvernia on Cat Island at 63 meters (207 feet).
10. Natural Resources
The Bahamas has limited natural resources, primarily including salt, aragonite, timber, and arable land.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The Bahamas is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with no major lakes or rivers within its territory.
12. Natural Hazards
The Bahamas is susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November. The islands are also prone to coastal flooding and storm surges.
13. Geography – Notes
As an archipelagic state, the geography of The Bahamas is heavily influenced by its island nature and proximity to the ocean. The country’s low-lying islands and cays are vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels and climate change, posing environmental and economic challenges.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 51.40%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 1,786. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 1.40%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 25.03428-77.39628.
- Capital: The capital of The Bahamas is Nassau, Bahamas
- Major Cities:
- Nassau – population: 274,400
- Lucaya – population: 46,525
- Freeport – population: 27,510
- West End – population: 12,724
- Cooper’s Town – population: 8,413
- Population: 389,482
- Area(Km2): 10010
- Population Density( P/Km²):39. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:1
- Official Language(s):English is spoken as the primary language in The Bahamas, with a percentage of 100%.
- Currency:
Main Economic Indicators
The Bahamas has a prosperous, service-oriented economy based primarily on tourism, banking, and international finance. It enjoys one of the highest per capita GDPs in the region. However, the economy faces significant challenges, including an elevated public debt-to-GDP ratio, vulnerability to external shocks, and the erosion of its preferential trade access in key export markets. The government’s key economic policies focus on fiscal consolidation, expanding the tourism sector, and promoting foreign investment.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2022: 5.9%
2021: 2.1%
Source: The World Bank
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BB+ (Stable)
Moody’s: Baa3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB+ (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 0.8%
Industry: 14.7%
Services: 84.5%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Fruits, vegetables, poultry, dairy, seafood
Industrial Products: Oil refining, tourism, banking and financial services, rum, salt, aragonite, pharmaceuticals
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 218,000 (2022 est.)
Ranking: 171st in the world
Current Account Balance
2022: -$1.4 billion
2021: -$1.2 billion
Ranking: 146th in the world (2022 est.)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $1.23 billion (2022 est.)
Major Partners: United States, Spain, Canada, Switzerland, France
Main Commodities: Mineral products, machinery, transport equipment, chemicals
Imports: $4.46 billion (2022 est.)
Major Partners: United States, Singapore, Japan, Netherlands, South Korea
Main Commodities: Machinery, transport equipment, mineral products, chemicals, food and live animals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $1.85 billion (2022 est.)
Gold Reserves: $105.3 million (January 2023 est.)
- GDP (Current US$):$12,827,000,000. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 14.80%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 33.80%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.92. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $5.25. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 10.36%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality: Bahamian (noun), Bahamian (adjective)
2. Ethnic Groups
- Black (90.6%)
- White (4.7%)
- Mixed (2.9%)
- Other (1.8%)
3. Religions
- Protestant Christian (69.9%)
- Catholic (12%)
- Other Christian (3.6%)
- None (8.3%)
- Other religions (6.2%)
4. Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 21.8%
- 15-64 years: 69.1%
- 65 years and over: 9.1%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 44.6
Youth dependency ratio: 30.9
Elderly dependency ratio: 13.7
6. Median Age
Total: 32.3 years
Male: 31.1 years
Female: 33.5 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity rate: 33.9% (2016)
- Alcohol consumption: 6.4 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)
- Smoking prevalence: 11.3% of adults (2020)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 73.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 95%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:13.97. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:9. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.75. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 82.4%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 323,784. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):27.80%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Bahamas has a relatively small military force, consisting primarily of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF). The RBDF operates under the Ministry of National Security and is responsible for defending the territorial integrity of The Bahamas, protecting its maritime interests, and supporting law enforcement agencies in maintaining public safety and security.
The main branches of the RBDF are:
- Bahamas Navy – The naval component, responsible for maritime patrol and interdiction operations.
- Bahamas Air Wing – The air component, providing aerial reconnaissance and transport support.
- Bahamas Military Ground Force – The land component, responsible for internal security operations and supporting the police.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining internal security and public order throughout the country.
Military Expenditures
The Bahamas has maintained a relatively low level of military spending in recent years, reflecting its focus on domestic security and limited external threats:
- 2021: 0.7% of GDP
- 2020: 0.9% of GDP
- 2019: 0.8% of GDP
- 2018: 0.8% of GDP
- 2017: 0.8% of GDP
In terms of global military spending, The Bahamas ranks among the lower tiers, reflecting its small population and limited defense requirements.
Personnel Strengths
The Bahamas has a relatively small active-duty military force, with approximately 1,300 personnel in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF). The breakdown by service branch is as follows:
- Bahamas Navy – Approximately 900 personnel
- Bahamas Air Wing – Approximately 150 personnel
- Bahamas Military Ground Force – Approximately 250 personnel
The Royal Bahamas Police Force has approximately 3,500 sworn officers responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the country.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
The Bahamas relies primarily on imported military equipment, with a focus on maritime patrol and interdiction capabilities. The RBDF’s main hardware includes:
- Patrol craft and interceptor boats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other sources.
- Light transport aircraft and helicopters for reconnaissance and search and rescue operations.
- Light wheeled armored vehicles for ground operations.
There are no major ongoing or planned military acquisitions or development programs due to the Bahamas’ limited defense requirements.
Military Service Age and Obligation
The Bahamas has no mandatory military service obligation. Voluntary enlistment in the RBDF is open to Bahamian citizens aged 18-27 for initial entry, with varying age requirements for different service branches and specialties.
Military Deployments
The Bahamas does not currently have any significant overseas military deployments. However, the RBDF participates in joint maritime security operations and exercises with regional partners and occasionally contributes personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Strategic Military Notes
The primary strategic focus of the Bahamas’ military and security forces is on protecting the country’s territorial integrity, maritime interests, and public safety. Given its geographic location and limited external threats, The Bahamas places a strong emphasis on maritime security, counter-narcotics operations, and disaster response capabilities.
The Bahamas is a member of various regional security organizations, including the Regional Security System (RSS) and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), which facilitate cooperation and information sharing on security matters with regional partners.
- Armed Forces Size: 1300. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 1.94
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 74.60%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.