Only 22 of the islands and cays are inhabited. Through this island barrier there are only three channels for large vessels, for the islands are merely the exposed portions of the Great Bahama Bank, an extension of the North American continental shelf. There are no running streams, except on Andros, the largest island.
Fresh water is procured from wells dug in underlying rocks.
On New Providence Island is the capital, Nassau, a popular winter resort. Other Bahama islands include Great Abaco, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, and Long Island. Lacking natural resources other than their magnificent climate and dazzling beaches, the islands are economically dependent on tourism. About two thirds of the islands' workers are involved in tourist-related businesses. The many attractions, including gambling casinos that have opened in several areas, have brought a relatively high standard of living for the mostly native population.