Landscape: Freeport is the nearest rival to Nassau in being the most frequently visited by tourists in the Bahamas located in the Grand Bahama Island. Cruise ships dot the scenery waiting for their tourists to finish their shopping on shore. If you want to know real Bahamians, this is not the place for you. However, if you want lots to do and gambling a plenty Freeport and the Grand Bahama is the place to be. It is the fourth largest island in the Bahamas.

Crime: As with Nassau, crime in Freeport is much higher than most outer islands that have virtually no crime.

Population: 46,994 (2000 Census)

Language: English

Geography: 50 miles away from Florida and 30 minutes by air.

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time

Freeport is the main city holding most of the island's population.

Currency: The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the US dollar. Both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably throughout the islands. Travelers Checks and Credit Cards (credit cards not accepted at gas stations) are also accepted. There are ATM's available at the banks.

Economy: Tourism is the major economic feature of Grand Bahama with golf, casino, hotels, cruise ships and hotels a plenty.

Nationality: Bahamian

Entry Requirements: Passports required.

Driving: Bahamian's drive on the left side of the road (remember: right is left). Taxi's are everywhere waiting for your business. Rental cars are everywhere as well.

Internet: is available

Electricity: 120/240 volts, suitable for all US appliances.

Getting to Grand Bahama: American Airlines travel direct from Miami.

Shopping: Check out the Grand Bahama's duty free shopping status.

Medical: There are medical clinic's on the island. There is a little poison oak.

Drinking Water: The water in our villa is fresh outdoor rainwater. It is collected in our 17,000 gallon cistern. It is drinkable, however, many people still purchase drinking water. Please conserve the use of water if possible as it can run out if it does not rain for awhile.

Weather in Freeport, Grand Bahama: Click here for weather in the Bahamas

Highest Point Grand Bahama: 68 feet

Area (Sq. Miles) of Grand Bahama: 430 sq. miles

New Developments on Grand Bahama include the Ginn Development's massive 4.9 billion dollar development with 4,900 condominiums and hotel units 1,890 single family homes, two golf courses, marinas, airport and club house with casino, beach club and spa. Gold Rock Creek Film Studios is another new entity on the island.

Naming: Named "Gran Bajamar' or "Great Shallows" due to its many shoals and flats in the water surrounding the island.

Capital Cities: Historically Grand Bahamas has 3 capital cities: 1) Eight Mile Rock, 2) West End due to Eight Mile Rock not having safe anchorage 3) Freeport (currently)

Port Facility: Freeport has developed a world renouwned port facility, having a cruise ship terminal transhipment/container port, and private yacht and industrial ship maintenance facility.

Parks:

1. 40 acre Lucayan national Park,
2. 100 acre Rand Nature Center,
3. Peterson Cay national park.