The Bahamas consist of nearly 700 islands and about 2,300 rocky islets and reefs. The principal islands include Acklins, Andros, Cat, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Great Abaco, Great Exuma, Great Inagua, Little Abaco, New Providence, and San Salvador. Most of the Bahamas are long, narrow strips of limestone, covered by a thin layer of stony, infertile soil. Pine forests cover parts of many of the islands. The Bahamas have a mild climate.
Tourism ranks as the leading economic activity of the Bahamas.
Many Bahamians work in hotels or in other businesses related to tourism. Less than 2 percent of all Bahamian workers farm the land, and the country must import most of its food. Farmers grow bananas, citrus fruits, cucumbers, pineapples, tomatoes, and other crops. Crawfish and other seafood are caught for local use and for export. A number of foreign corporations operate businesses in the Bahamas.