About The Bahamas

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is an Atlantic Ocean archipelago made up of more than 700 islands and cays. The Bahamas is 50 miles from Florida and covers an area of 5,359 square miles. It can be reached from New York in two and a half hours.

The capital city and seat of government is in Nassau on New Providence Island. The remaining islands, often called the "Family Islands" or "Out Islands," are unique, with their own history, character and charm.

About Albany

Albany is a luxury resort community in The Bahamas created by Tavistock Group and Joe Lewis, golfing greats Tiger Woods and Ernie Els and actor and musician Justin Timberlake. Nestled on 600 oceanfront acres on New Providence's southwest coast, Albany's natural beauty and elegant amenities provide an exceptional way to enjoy the pleasures of island life. Albany features an array of fine amenities including: a well-appointed boutique hotel, mega-yacht marina, championship golf course, fitness center, spa and salon, aquatic facilities, kids' programming and dining options. Albany sets the bar in luxury destination travel and living options suited to families, business people and couples alike.

A quiet island getaway, sportsperson's paradise, sophisticated retreat and the ultimate family holiday; Albany offers an unparalleled and personalized experience with every visit.

Language

English is the official language of The Bahamas.

Climate

Bahamian weather is semi-tropical, benefitting from the North Atlantic trade winds. Temperature averages 72°F or 22°C between November and March during the winter, and 86°F or 30°C between April and October during the summer.

Total Population

351,461 (2010 Government Census).

Time Zone

The Bahamas observes U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight savings time takes effect from April through October.

Currency

The Bahamian dollar (B$) matches the United States dollar (US$). At the same value, both forms of currency are accepted everywhere on the islands.

Economy

Driven by tourism, international banking and other financial services, The Bahamas is one of the most prosperous economies in the tropics. Retail and wholesale distribution, manufacturing, agriculture and fisheries constitute other major sectors of the economy. The Bahamian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was $8.15 billion in 2012.

Tourism

The Bahamas ranks within the top five tourist destinations in the region, having received 5.94 million air and cruise ship visitors in 2012 alone. Tourism accounts for about 50% of the nation's GDP.

Financial Services

For decades, the financial services sector of The Bahamas has experienced continuous growth, propelled by the country's attractive status as a tax-neutral environment with an uninterrupted stable political climate and solid private sector. Financial services accounts for roughly 20% + of the national GDP.

The Bahamas is currently home to approximately one-third of the world's top 100 banks, with more than 350 licensed banks and trust companies operating amidst the islands.

Government

The Bahamas is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. It contains a governor general appointed by the queen, and an elected prime minister and cabinet. The parliamentary democracy is based on the British Westminster System.

Investment

A strong tradition of democracy and political stability steadied by the solid value of the Bahamian dollar ensures The Bahamas keeps its long-held reputation as a safe and stable location for investments.

Foreign nationals are encouraged to own second homes in The Bahamas as there are no restrictions on the repatriation of funds and/or profits from home sales or licensed business transactions.

Other initiatives for foreign national home ownership include freedom from taxation, economic and monetary stability, easy repatriation of profits, accessible international financing, and flexible immigration policy.

Airports

The Bahamas contains a public airport along with private aviation facilities. Albany is approximately 10 minutes from Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport. Nassau's Odyssey Aviation and Jet Nassau have been rated number one in the region for private terminals.

The Bahamas welcomes various international airlines including Delta, Continental, British Airways, Jet Blue, Song Air and US Airways.

Schools

Private schools on the island of New Providence include the newly opened and Albany-affiliated Windsor School. The school is spread across two campuses. The Old Fort Bay campus is for Pre-Reception through Grade 5 and the Albany campus accommodates Grade 6 through 12. Windsor's academic curriculum is modeled on the Cambridge International Examinations, part of the prestigious University of Cambridge, England, and provides students with an engaging and supporting educational environment. Other learning institutions include the Baccalaureate-accredited Lyford Cay International School, a nursery-through-high-school facility situated near Albany.

Medical Services

The Lyford Cay Hospital is located on the western end of New Providence, approximately 10 minutes from Albany. The island is also home to the Princess Margaret Hospital and the privately owned Doctors Hospital. In the event of a serious illness, residents can get to a Miami or Fort Lauderdale hospital for treatment in under an hour, given the proximity of The Bahamas to the United States.