The Bahamas is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, consisting of over 700 islands, cays and islets. It is home to stunning beaches, lush tropical forests and vibrant cities. The official name of the Bahamas is the Commonwealth of the Bahamas (Komuniti a Bahama). It has been an independent nation since 1973 when it declared its independence from the United Kingdom. The abbreviation for the Bahamas is BHS which stands for Bahamian State. This abbreviation was adopted in 1973 when The Bahamas became an independent nation. BHS is an acronym for both English and Latin words which are used to refer to The Bahamas in different contexts. In English it stands for Bahamian State while in Latin it stands for Bahamae Status or “Bahamian State”. The English version was adopted as part of a new national identity which was developed after independence from the United Kingdom. The Bahamas also has its own flag which features three horizontal stripes of equal width – aqua on the top, yellow in the middle and aqua on the bottom – with a black triangle representing strength and courage at its center. Additionally, there are two national symbols: a hibiscus flower representing beauty; and a flamingo representing grace and pride. Both symbols feature prominently on coins throughout The Bahamas as well as on official documents such as passports and visas. See 800zipcodes for Bahamas Geography and Population. In the Bahamas, there are several major newspapers that are widely read and respected. The most popular newspaper is the Nassau Guardian, which was established in 1844 and is printed in English language. It is known for its comprehensive coverage of national and international news, as well as its political commentary. The daily also features investigative pieces, editorials, opinion columns and interviews with prominent figures in the country. Another popular newspaper is The Tribune, which was established in 1967 and is printed in English language. It focuses on local politics, economy, culture and sports. Then there’s The Freeport News, an Bahamas-based daily printed in English language that focuses on social issues such as health care, education, justice system and human rights abuses. Finally, there’s the Abaconian, another Bahamas-based daily that features investigative reports on politics and business across the country. These four newspapers are the most widely read publications in the Bahamas today, providing readers with vital information about their country’s current affairs. Check simplyyellowpages for other media in the country of Bahamas.