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