Bahamas year 1863 stamp 1d – Sg.24 Unused – MH
The British Bahamas, commonly referred to as the Bahamas, is an archipelagic nation located in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida and northeast of Cuba. It is a Commonwealth realm with Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch, represented locally by a Governor-General. The Bahamas gained independence from Britain in 1973 but retained membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. The islands of the Bahamas were originally inhabited by the Lucayan people before the arrival of European settlers. Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the New World in the Bahamas in 1492. The islands became a British crown colony in the 18th century after periods of Spanish rule. The Bahamas is an archipelago consisting of more than 700 islands, cays, and islets, although only about 30 of them are inhabited. The islands are known for their stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant marine life, making tourism a major industry. The Bahamas gained independence from Britain on July 10, 1973, becoming a sovereign nation within the Commonwealth. However, it remains a member of the Commonwealth with ties to the British monarchy.
