The Bahamas is generally a safe destination. The crime rate is relatively low, and foreigners are not specifically targeted. Visitors should apply commonsense precautions to avoid falling victim to low-level street crime, which is the main reason for the country's risk rating of 3.

High-risk Areas

None.

The 1973 constitution of the Bahamas currently provides for a constitutional monarchy with a Westminster-style parliament. Queen Elizabeth II is head of state and is represented by a governor general, an office with mostly ceremonial functions. The bicameral legislature consists of a House of Assembly elected every five years and a Senate of 16 appointed members. A proposal for the country to become a democratic parliamentary republic is under consideration.

Legislative elections were held in May 2007, when Hubert Ingraham, a former prime minister, led the opposition Free National Movement party to victory over the ruling Progressive Liberal Party. The FNM won 23 seats, against 18 for PLP.

The Bahamas enjoys a high per-capita income, but there are imbalances in the distribution of wealth. Most of the wealth is concentrated in the commercial and tourist centers, and the huge growth in the services sector of the economy has prompted people to give up fishing and farming. This trend has compounded the islands' dependence on tourism and banking.

The principal focus of the government is economic development and job creation, including policies aimed at improving the image of the Bahamas and making it an attractive place for foreigners to invest. Considerable progress has been made in building infrastructure, revitalizing the tourism industry and attracting new investment.

Crime rates are on the rise. Visitors should take appropriate precautions and remain vigilant at all times. Police say more than half of violent crimes are committed by individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol; they blame much of the increase in the crime rate to growth in availability and use of illegal drugs.

The outlying islands of the Bahamian archipelago, known as the Family or Out Islands, are relatively free of crime compared to the main islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama, but sensible precautions should be taken.

Petty crime

Petty, opportunistic crime is common, so don't carry large amounts of cash or jewelry, particularly Rolex watches, which criminals have specifically targeted. Safeguard travel documents in hotel safes. You should use only clearly marked taxis and make a note of the license plate number.

Violent crime

Violent crime does occur, and tourists have been the victims of opportunistic robbery, particularly when alone or in isolated locations. In early 2007, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau warned that incidents of armed robbery had increased dramatically and reportedly had occurred at many public locations, including the airport parking lot, hotels, restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets. The Bahamas reported a record 79 homicides in 2007, but these mostly involved Bahamians.

There have been several reports of sexual assaults on visitors, including teenage girls. Young women should travel in groups, to be safest. Alcohol intoxication has been a factor in some of the assaults.

While most criminal incidents take place in the "over-the-hill" area south of downtown--a part of Nassau not usually frequented by visitors--crime and violence increasingly have moved into more upscale tourist and residential areas. Take appropriate precautions. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, particularly on beaches, at all times and especially after dark. Avoid placing yourself in a position where you are alone with strangers.

White-collar crime

Police recently warned that counterfeit higher-denomination notes are in circulation. Visitors should check for a ship watermark and metallic strip on genuine notes; purchase currency only at established exchange centers.

Drug-related crime

Drug penalties are severe. Be wary of offers of drugs or narcotics in bars. Police are vigilant for drug offenses.

The islands continue to be a nexus for drug smuggling. Avoid the possibility of becoming an unwitting "drug mule" by not letting anyone else pack or handle your luggage.

Police effectiveness

Police have few emergency vehicles and rarely are able to respond quickly enough to prevent a crime in progress.

Additional information

Parents of teenage children should note that the law regulating the drinking age (18 years) is weakly enforced. It is easy for teenagers to obtain alcoholic drinks, and underage drinking is prevalent.

The islands are vulnerable to hurricanes. The hurricane season in the Caribbean extends June-November. Monitor regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Currents and tides

Because strong currents and undertow can pose hazards, be careful when swimming in the islands.

Avoid unpatrolled and unmarked beaches, and never swim alone. Alcohol is a common contributor to drowning deaths because it lowers body temperature and can reduce swimming ability, as well as impairing judgment. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until the current eases and you can swim back to land. Always use a lifejacket or personal flotation device when boating or sailing.

Animals

The warm Caribbean waters are home to several species of sharks. Some dive operators stage shark-feedings, and while these are relatively safe, sharks are still dangerous animals and should not be touched. Sharks in the wild should be avoided.

Sharks do not normally attack humans, and when they do, it is often because they have mistaken the human for another prey animal, such as a seal. To avoid a shark attack, swim or dive with a group. Avoid swimming during hours of darkness or twilight, in fog, or in murky waters. Avoid swimming in the vicinity of sea lions, harbor seals or elephant seals. Avoid swimming near the mouths of rivers where sharks hunt for fish. When diving, minimize time spent at the surface. Wearing a wetsuit and fins or lying on a surfboard creates the silhouette of a seal to a shark below you. Shallow water is not a deterrent to sharks; attacks have occurred in less than 5 ft/1.5 m of water. Sharks have good eyesight and will be attracted to shiny or colorful apparel. If a shark attacks, strike at its eyes or gills with anything you can, making hard, repeated jabs. A shark's nose is not as sensitive as its eyes and gills, so only strike the nose if you can't reach more sensitive areas.

Medical facilities are good in Nassau and Freeport but limited in other areas. Visitors with serious or life-threatening conditions normally must be airlifted to hospitals in the United States for treatment. It's a good idea to take your basic medical supplies with you.

There is a chronic shortage of blood at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, where most emergency surgery is performed. Travelers with rare blood types should know the names and locations of possible blood donors should the need arise.

Emergency care

Emergency facilities are limited on the Family and Out islands. Insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation by air is highly recommended. Even in cities, ambulance service may not be able to respond quickly in the event of a major disaster, such as a hurricane.

Diseases

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported an outbreak of malaria on Great Exuma island in 2007. The advisory that visitors take anti-malaria drugs was lifted in December 2007, but reimposed in April 2008 after a further confirmed case was reported.

A high incidence of HIV/AIDS is found throughout the Caribbean. Safe-sex practices are essential.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Traffic in the Bahamas moves on the left side of the road, but most vehicles are imported from the United States and are left-hand drive. Visiting drivers should exercise caution, especially when overtaking. Road conditions throughout Nassau and Freeport are generally adequate, but you should be alert for construction zones, which are not always clearly marked. Road travel in other parts of The Bahamas is limited.

Some rural roads are narrow, winding and in poor repair. There have been a number of recent severe accidents involving visitors on motorbikes. Travel by moped or bicycle is very hazardous, especially in the heavy traffic conditions prevalent in Nassau and Freeport; you should carefully consider whether such travel is worth the risk of a serious accident. Those who choose to ride a motorbike, moped or bicycle should wear helmets and drive defensively. Pedestrians should be aware when stepping off curbs that vehicular traffic comes from the right.

Facilities for travelers are widely available.

The water sports industry in the Bahamas is not carefully regulated, and you should rent equipment only from reputable operators. Ask about the operator's insurance coverage and insist on receiving sufficient training before using the equipment. A number of visitors have been killed or injured by the improper use of Jet Skis and other personal watercraft. If you are planning to ride with a hired Jet Ski operator, ask to see a copy of the operator's business license, because not all operators are licensed.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.