This group of 700 islands, beginning sixty miles east of the Florida coast, is dazzling in its diversity. The island of New Providence is divided into three main tourist areas -- Nassau, Paradise Island and Cable Beach. Hotel complexes dominate expansive Cable Beach, which underwent a recent facelift, transforming it to a mecca for visitors who prefer beachcombing with options for exercise and lively entertainment nearby. Luxurious accommodations are offered in resorts of all sizes and types with gourmet food, world-class entertainment, sports facilities (including a golf course) and some large casinos never more than a few steps away.

Nassau, the capital, adds a grand British undertone to island life. Pink government buildings at Rawson Square (actually a circle) face cruise ships whose passengers are drawn to a day of duty-free shopping downtown. A new museum interpreting the colorful Junkanoo tradition is tucked at wharfside in the ships' shadows. Tiny pubs and restaurants dot Nassau's narrow side streets. And a bustling straw market houses hundreds of vendors ready to bargain with souvenir merchandise. You can even catch a ride on a horse drawn carriage.

Cross the bridge to Paradise Island where beaches are first-class and the resort selection is excellent -- from upscale chic on stately estate grounds, to a yoga retreat, condo facilities (great for family vacations), and large luxury properties (one with a glass tunnel for viewing marine life and a low-key water park). Activity abounds at every turn. Paradise Island has an excellent golf course and its own small airport. Grand Bahama, with resort development at both Freeport and Lucaya, has the same features on a smaller scale. Golf, tennis, watersports and duty-free shopping are popular and plentiful. And the island moves at a leisurely pace. Kick back further and visit the Out Islands, favored by explorers who prefer their island life quaint, quiet, simple and barefoot. No rules here, just relaxation and recreation on land and sea when the spirit moves you. Interesting and excellent small and mid-sized hotels and family-run guest houses are interspersed with touches of history and hundreds of friendly faces. Out Island exploration is especially popular with ecotourists in search of unspoiled island atmosphere, game fishermen seeking a record catch and all those who prefer to daydream in idyllic surroundings.

Geography:

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands, extending over 100,000 sq mls of ocean, from Florida in the northwest, to Hispaniola in the southwest. The estimated land area is 3,382 sq mls. The highest above sea level is Mt. Alvernia on Cat Island 206 ft.

Time:

EST. Daylight Savings in Summer.

Climate:

Average temperature Summer: High 90, Low 78. Winter: High 75, Low 60. Average humidity 78. Average rainfall Rain showers occur any time of the year, but rainy months are from May to October. Approx. sunrise Summer: 0630 0700. Winter: 0630 0700. Approx. sunset Summer: 2000. Winter: 1730.

Language:

English.

Population:

305,000 (2000 census).

Tranportation:

Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Rentals available include Cars. Bicycles. Motor scooters. Temporary license/permit requirements A valid foreign driver's license is acceptable for up to three months. Local services Taxis & bus service in Nassau & Grand Bahama. Ground transportation in the Family Islands is limited to taxis and in some islands ferries. Inter island transportation available through Bahamasair & mailboat (ferry) service. Bahamas Fast Ferries - Daily round trip service between Nassau and Eleuthera & Harbour Island.

Electricity:

120 volt, 60 cycle AC. American appliances are compatible. Converters are available in hotels.

Medical Facilities:

Air ambulance. Diving decompression chamber. Doctor on call at hotels. Emergency dental facilities. Pharmaceutical services. 24 hours casualty department. Major hospitals are located in Nassau and Grand Bahama, with 4 network of clinics throughout the Islands.

Pet Regulations:

An import permit is required to bring any animal into the Bahamas, obtainable through Department of Agriculture in Nassau. Tel: 242-325-7502. Fax: 242-322-1767.

Religion/Churches:

Anglican/Episcopal. Assemblies of Brethren. Assemblies of God. Bahai. Baptist. Church of God.Church of God of Prophecy. Christian Scientist. Greek Orthodox. Islam. Jehovah's Witness. Jewish. Lutheran. Methodist. Presbyterian. Roman Catholic. Salvation Army. Seventh Day Adventist.

Marriage Requirements:

A 1 day residency is required before obtaining license. For information and literature on getting married in The Bahamas contact 1-888-NUPTIAL (from US & Canada) or the Ministry of Tourism at 242 322 7500 or 242-302-2000. Fax: 242-302-2098. Affidavit is needed for single persons wishing to be married which can be obtained from the U.S. embassy for a fee in the Bahamas or from a local attorney or Justice of The Peace stating that the person has never been married. For divorcees, the original or certified copy of final decree is required. In the case of widows, a copy of the death certificate is needed.