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The first landfall in Christopher Columbus' voyage to the new world in 1492 was made on one of the islands of this nation, where BAHAMAS PROPERTY FOR SALE is now available. These islands were never a Spanish colony but the entire 30,000 plus population was taken to nearby Hispanolia as slaves to work in mines. Lacking immunity to diseases brought by the Europeans and working under difficult conditions they soon all died. The islands were not successfully settled again until some British Puritans arrived in 1648. Previous unsuccessful attempts were made at settlement. These settlers, known as Eleutherian Adventurers survived in part through the salvage of shipwrecks. The endless number of shallow bays and coves found on the 700 cays and atols and 2,387 islets spread over more than 100,000 square miles (311,000 square kilometers), were near prominent shipping lanes making them attractive and well hidden bases of operation for pirates. One such notable pirate was Blackbeard. In order to suppress piracy the area was made a British Crown Colony in 1718. With the Americans winning independence from Britain in 1783 about 7,300 former colonists who remained loyal to Britain moved themselves and their slaves to the islands where they set up plantations. Britain abolished the slave trade in 1807. Soon thereafter thousands of Africans liberated from slave ships were freed from captivity by the Royal Navy and transported to nearby islands. Today's population is composed roughly of 85% African descent and 12% European. This is now third among the America's wealthiest nations. Only the US and Canada are wealthier. The blacks here enjoy the highest standard of living of any predominantly African nation in the world. This nation began to prosper in the 1950's. In 1959 Fidel Castro and the Communists gained control of Cuba. Their confiscation from Americans, and nationalization of the tourism industry properties caused the destruction of that industry there, to the benefit of the nearby Bahamians. Tourism today brings in 60% of their Gross Domestic Product. Removal by the government of many disincentives for the conducting of financial transactions that are common in other countries has resulted in a large homegrown offshore banking industry. Canadian and other banks now operate here and depositors from around the world hold accounts and enjoy privacy and favorable terms not available in their home jurisdictions. This accounts for another 15% of GDP. People from around the world seek BAHAMAS PROPERTY FOR SALE and live there. The absence of wealth, VAT, capital gains, corporate, or income taxes is one of their incentives. The fact that this is such a beautiful place is another.
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