Andros Island, known affectionately as the ‘Big Yard’, proudly sprawls 2300 square miles in the Atlantic ocean. A giant among the Bahama isles, it is the largest island in The Bahamas and the fifth largest island in the Caribbean measuring 104 miles long, and 40 miles wide at its widest point. While Andros is made up of three major islands, North Andros, Mangrove Cay, and South Andros, interestingly, it is the least densely populated. There are a little more than six thousand people living along the eastern coastline in the three major settlements of Nicholls Town and Andros Town on North Andros, and Congo Town, on South Andros.
Holding the distinction as the Bonefishing capital of the world, Andros is also well known among scuba divers and snorkelers. The island’s third-longest barrier reef, measuring over 140 miles, and its numerous fresh and saltwater blue holes, have drawn the likes of such well known divers as Jacques Cousteau. The island is infamous for the Canadian native who died trying to break the Guinness world record for deep diving. You can also find the deepest blue hole dive of recorded history on this island.
The beauty of this island is only confirmed by the unique flora and fauna found. Andros boasts over 40 kinds of wild orchids, rare birds, wild boar, and the largest native terrestrial vertebrate, a species of iguana weighing over 20 pounds and measuring over four feet long.
Government Facts
Politically sound and nationally secure since its independence in 1973, The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas is said to be one of the most politically stable countries in the world. Its political stability can be traced as far back as 1729, at which time our popularly elected parliament can trace its heritage to an operational House of Assembly.
Here are some facts about the nature of governance:
* Member of the Commonwealth of Nations and a former British colony, The Bahamas recognizes as Head of State, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth represented locally by the Governor General. Parliament constitutes our Legislative Branch, which is made up of a Senate and a House of Assembly. Subject to the provision of our Constitution, Parliament may be responsible for laws for peace and national order.
* The two primary political parties are the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), which governed the Bahamas from 1967 to 1992, and again from 2002 to 2007. The opposition and present governing political party, the Free National Movement (FNM), the present government since 2007 for a five year term, also governed between 1992 and 2002. Hubert Ingraham is Prime Minister presiding over a 41-member Parliament.
History
The Bahamas has a rich history which includes Lucayan Indians, Spanish explorers, swashbuckling pirates, English Puritans, American Loyalists, persistent bootleggers and rum runners, and British Royal Governors and African slaves. Rich indeed.
Highlights:
- Lucayan Indians were the indigenous people of these islands between 900 – 1500AD.
- Christopher Columbus “discovered” The Bahamas in 1492.
- Bahamas became an official British colony in 1717.
- Slavery was fully abolished in 1838.
- Limited self-rule was granted in 1964.
- The Bahamas became an independent nation on July 10, 1973.
Currency
The Bahamas has its own legal tender, the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar. Both are used interchangeably throughout the islands.
Entry Requirements
While entry requirements vary from country to country, each person must fill out an embarkation-disembarkation card. You must also possess a return ticket to your homeland or to another country where it is accepted. You will also have to provide proof you can sustain yourself for the maximum period permitted in the country, eight months.