The Bahamas enjoys democratic rule and is considered one of the most politically stable countries in the world.

The Constitution of The Bahamas is based on the Westminster Model; Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Executive Branch, The Legislative Branch, and Judicial Branch.

As a member of the Commonwealth of Nations The Bahamas recognizes Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State. The Governor-General is Her Majesty's representative in The Bahamas and constitutes a symbol of the nation's unity.

The Cabinet constitutes the Executive branch and has general direction and control of the Government of The Bahamas. It is necessary for the Cabinet to comprise at least nine Ministers inclusive of the Prime Minister and Attorney General.

Parliament constitutes the Legislative branch of The Bahamas, which consist of a Senate and a House of Assembly. (The Bahamas House of Assembly first officially convened in 1729.) Subject to the provisions of the Constitution, Parliament may make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Bahamas.

Judicial Authority is vested in the Judicature which comprises the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, with such jurisdiction, powers and authority as may be conferred on these Courts respectively by the Constitution or any other law.

Governor General
H.E. Arthur D. Hanna
Government House
Government Hill
P.O. Box N8301
Nassau, N.P. Bahamas
Tel: (242) 322-1875
Fax: (242) 322-4659

 

 Prime Minister
The Rt. Hon. Hubert Alexander Ingraham, M.P.
Office of the Prime Minister
Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre
West Bay Street
P.O. Box CB-10980
Nassau, N.P. Bahamas
Tel: (242) 327-5826
Fax (242) 327-5806		 Deputy Prime Minister
The Hon. Theodore Brent Symonette, M.P.
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Churchill Building
Bay Street
P.O. Box N3217
Nassau, N.P. Bahamas
Tel: (242) 356-6792
Fax: (242) 356-6087

The Rt. Hon. Hubert Alexander Ingraham read the Oath of Office and was sworn in as Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas by the Governor General, His Excellency Arthur D. Hanna, at Government House on Friday, May 4, 2007 following General Elections held on May 2.

 

Bahamas Basic Travel Information

  • Location: In the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba.
  • Size: 700 islands, 30 of them inhabited, for a total of 5,380 sq miles.
  • Capital: Nassau
  • Language: English
  • Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, other Christian denominations
  • Currency: Bahamian dollar; U.S. dollar widely accepted.
  • Telephone/Area Code: 242
  • Tipping: 10-15%. Many hotels and restaurants include a service fee.
  • Weather: Rainy season May to October. Sept.-May temps 70 to 75°F; 80 to 85°F in summer.