Christopher Columbus first landed in the southern part of the Bahamas, which was then populated by the Luckayans, inhabitants from Hispaniola and Cuba. The Bahamas later came under the British rule in 1718. The Bahamian islands were made self-governing in 1964. This was followed by the nation, gaining its independence in 1973.

Bahamian culture is a result of European and African influences which is very well visible in their form of music known as Junkanoo. Other significant forms of music are rake and scrape and calypso. The inhabitants of the outer islands indulge in basketry which is a popular tourist item. Spiritistic religions like Obeah and Voodoo are often practised by a large number of immigrants from Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica.

The Bahamas is a part of North America and has Atlantic Ocean to its east and Gulf Stream to its west. It is made up of a number of islands mainly Bimini, the island of Abaco, Great Inagua, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Long Island and Andros Island. The islands are surrounded by coral and barrier reefs and sand. Many islands consist of sinkholes known as blue holes; which are water-filled, circular pits that lead to underground and submarine caves.