BAHAMAS

CURRENCY: Bahamian Dollar (B$).

EXCHANGE RATE: 1 B$ = US $1.

LANGUAGE: English.

POPULATION: 210,000.

CAPITAL: Nassau.

INTERNATIONAL CODE: TELEPHONE 809.

CURRENCY CONTROLS: The Bahamian Dollar is pegged to the US$.The import of the Bahamian Dollar by person or bank transfer is unlimited, but its export by person or bank transfer is limited to B$10,000.Transfers in foreign currencies among non-residents are unlimited.The Central Bank of Bahamas is responsible for currency controls.

GAMING INFORMATION: Gaming in the Bahamas is regulated by The Gaming Board for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, PO Box N-4565, Nassau, Bahamas.There are 5 casinos in the Bahamas; two on Grand Bahama Island, and one each on New Providence Island, Paradise Island and San Salvador.The Bahamas are not Caribbean islands, The Bahamas archipelago lies just a bit north of the Caribbean in the Atlantic.

CLIMATE: The climate is favored for its mild and pleasant trade winds and warm sun.The average yearly temperatures is in the 70?s F (22?c).The weather becomes hotter from April to October when the temperatures climb to the 80?'s F (27?c).Light and casual dress is recommended.

VISITOR INFORMATION: Bahamas Tourist Office, 150 E.52nd St., New York, NY 10022.

Tel: (212) 758-2777 or (800) 422-4262.