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