Bahamas: economy

What is the inflation rate in the Bahamas?

Average consumer price inflation in the Bahamas was 2.7% in the 12 months to June 2026, measured by the All-Bahamas Retail Price Index, according to the Central Bank of The Bahamas' Monthly Economic and Financial Developments for August 2026. Prices had fallen 0.2% on average in the same period of 2025.

This is an average over twelve months, not a single-month change, so it moves slowly. The Central Bank linked the rise to higher costs for imported fuel and other goods. Restaurants and hotels rose most, by 17.3%, while food and non-alcoholic drinks rose 1.3%.

Official sources: Central Bank of The Bahamas: Monthly Economic and Financial Developments, August 2026 (PDF)

How many tourists visit the Bahamas each year?

The Bahamas received 8.5 million visitors from January to July 2026, up 14.8% on the same months of 2025, according to Ministry of Tourism data in the Central Bank of The Bahamas' Monthly Economic and Financial Developments for August 2026. Sea arrivals, mostly cruise passengers, were 7.2 million and air arrivals 1.2 million.

Air arrivals are the better guide to hotel stays and spending, because cruise passengers usually stay only hours. In July alone, arrivals rose 16.8% to 1.2 million. Arrivals to Grand Bahama more than doubled to 177,167, mostly from cruise ships, while New Providence fell 2.8%.

Official sources: Central Bank of The Bahamas: Monthly Economic and Financial Developments, August 2026 (PDF)

What is the Bahamian dollar exchange rate to the US dollar?

One Bahamian dollar equals one US dollar, according to the exchange rate page of the Central Bank of The Bahamas, read on 15 October 2026. The Central Bank buys US dollars from commercial banks at B$1.00 and sells them at B$1.0025, and cash transactions are at par.

Because the rate is fixed, the Bahamian dollar moves against the euro, pound and other currencies exactly as the US dollar does. The Central Bank publishes daily spot rates for other currencies on the same page.

Official sources: Central Bank of The Bahamas: exchange rate

What are bank interest rates in the Bahamas?

Banks in the Bahamas charged a weighted average loan rate of 10.93% in August 2026, down 52 basis points, and paid an average of 0.72% on deposits, up 27 basis points, according to the Central Bank of The Bahamas' Monthly Economic and Financial Developments for August 2026. The Central Bank's own Bank Rate stood at 4.00% in July 2026.

These are averages across all banks and loan types, so a mortgage or car loan offer can differ. The wide gap between loan and deposit rates means savers earn very little, while borrowing stays costly.

Official sources: Central Bank of The Bahamas: Monthly Economic and Financial Developments, August 2026 (PDF)

What is the Bahamas' economic growth rate?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in the Bahamas was 3.4% in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 17.6%; its low point was 2020, at -20.1%. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 2.8%, and the Bahamas placed 14th highest of 33. Worldwide: 95th of 186.

How rich is the Bahamas per person?

$39,455: that is GDP per person in the Bahamas for 2024, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was $10,640, and the Bahamas placed 1st highest of 32. World rank, highest first: 28th of 186.

What is the Bahamas' GDP per person adjusted for prices?

$41,258 in international dollars: that is GDP per person at purchasing power parity in the Bahamas for 2024, according to the World Bank. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 3rd highest of 31 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is $22,371 in international dollars. World rank, highest first: 52nd of 183.

How big are the Bahamas' exports?

In 2024, exports of goods and services in the Bahamas was 37.8% of GDP, according to the World Bank. The peak was 40.1% of GDP in 2007 and the low 23.3% of GDP in 2020. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 31.6% of GDP, and the Bahamas placed 5th highest of 22. Of 162 countries with 2024 data, 73rd highest.

What is the Bahamas' current account balance?

According to the IMF, the current account balance in the Bahamas was -6.6% of GDP in 2024, which is a deficit. Since 2005 it has ranged from -22.0% of GDP (2020) to -2.6% of GDP (2019). Latin America & Caribbean median: -1.4% of GDP; the Bahamas is 24th highest of 30. Worldwide: 132nd of 162.

How much foreign investment does the Bahamas receive?

According to the IMF, net inflows of foreign direct investment in the Bahamas was 1.5% of GDP in 2024. The peak was 8.6% of GDP in 2010 and the low 0.6% of GDP in 2015. It is 25th highest of 32 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 3.1% of GDP. Of 182 countries with 2024 data, 118th highest.

What are bank lending rates in the Bahamas?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 4.2%. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 8.8%, and the Bahamas placed 23rd highest of 23. Worldwide: 68th of 73.