An archipelago of 700 islands and islets, the Bahamas attracts millions of tourists each year.
The visitors come to enjoy its mild climate, fine beaches and beautiful forests.
A former British colony and now a Commonwealth member, the country is a major centre for offshore finance and has one of the world's largest open-registry shipping fleets.
The Bahamas enjoys a high per capita income, but there are imbalances in the distribution of wealth, most of which is concentrated in the commercial and tourist centres.
The huge growth in the services sector of the economy has prompted people to leave fishing and farming villages for the commercial centres in New Providence Island, Grand Bahama and Great Abaco.
This trend has compounded the islands' dependence on tourism and banking.
As with other Caribbean countries, The Bahamas faces the challenge of tackling drugs trafficking and illegal immigration. It has taken steps to clean-up its offshore banking system.
The Bahamas is a destination for migrants from its strife-torn Caribbean neighbour, Haiti. Tens of thousands of Haitians are thought to be living illegally in the country.
Bahamian culture is expressed most colourfully in "Junkanoo" street celebrations, which feature rhythmic music, dance and elaborate costumes and masks.
Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by Governor-General Arthur D Hanna
Prime minister: Hubert Ingraham
Hubert Ingraham's opposition Free National Movement (FNM) won parliamentary elections in May 2007, securing 23 seats in the 41-seat parliament.
Mr Ingraham, a lawyer, served two terms as prime minister between 1992 and 2002. The FNM had campaigned on issues of trust, criticising the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) over a series of scandals.
Financial analysts predicted little change in economic policy under the FNM.
Mr Ingraham's predecessor, Perry Christie, took office in May 2002 after the PLP won 29 seats in parliament.
The PLP has dominated Bahamian politics through much of the post-independence era, winning every election from 1973 through to the 1992 poll when voters rejected the late Sir Lynden Pindling and a government accused of corruption and drug trafficking.
The government operates a radio network and the islands' only TV station. There is a handful of private radio stations. Multichannel cable TV is widely available.
The islands' privately-owned press carry a variety of views, including criticism of the government.
The press
Television
Radio
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