Ba·ha·mas [ bə hməz, bə háyməz ]nation consisting of hundreds of islands, islets, and keys in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of Florida and north of Cuba. It was settled by the British in the 17th century and became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1973. Languages: English. Currency: Bahamian dollar. Capital: Nassau. Population: 309,156 (2009 estimate).
Area: 13,939 sq km (5,382 sq mi) Official name Commonwealth of the Bahamas
