| The Bahamas is a chain of islands | | | | and Finance sector is the second most |
| comprising 5,358 square miles, located | | | | important aspect of the Bahamian |
| 40-50 miles east of Florida, it has a | | | | economy. The Bahamas is one of the |
| population of 300,000. Most Bahamians | | | | largest offshore financial centers in |
| live in two major urban centers: Nassau | | | | the hemisphere with over 400 banks, |
| (its capital) and Freeport.The Bahamas | | | | trust companies and other licensed |
| is a member of the British Commonwealth, | | | | financial institutions. It is renowned |
| but maintains absolute independence in | | | | for its tax haven status and banking |
| government matters (Government of the | | | | secrecy. Since the International |
| Bahamas). It is well served by | | | | Business Companies Act 1989 came into |
| International Accountants, International | | | | effect in 1990, The Bahamas has become |
| Banks, and long established Law Firms, | | | | one of the most popular areas for |
| and an advanced telecommunications | | | | registering an I.B.C. (Banks and Trust |
| service.Apart from tourism, the Banking | | | | companies in the Bahamas). |