The Bahamas, officially known as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is a country located in the Atlantic Ocean northeast of Cuba and southeast of Florida. The nation consists of more than 700 islands and islets, with the capital city being Nassau on the island of New Providence. The Bahamas gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1973 but remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism and offshore finance, with its stunning beaches and clear waters attracting visitors from around the world. The Bahamas is known for its vibrant culture, including Junkanoo parades, traditional music, and culinary delights such as conch dishes. The official language is English, and the population of the Bahamas is around 400,000 people.