Exuma

Exuma is a district of the Bahamas, consisting of over 365 islands and cays. The largest of the islands is Great Exuma, which is 37 mi (60 km) in length and connected to another island, Little Exuma, by a small bridge. The capital and largest town in the district is George Town (population 1,437). It was founded 1793¹ and located on Great Exuma. Near the town, but on Little Exuma, the Tropic of Cancer runs across Pelican Beach lending it another name: Tropic of Cancer Beach. Its white sand and turquoise waters make it a world-famous destination. The entire island chain is 130 mi (209 km) long and 72 sq mi (187 km²¹) in area. Great Exuma island has an area of 61 sq mi (158 km²¹) while Little Exuma has an area of 11 sq mi (29 km²). Between 2000 and 2010, the population of Exuma more than doubled, reflecting the construction of large and small resort properties and the related direct air traffic to Great Exuma from locations as distant as Toronto, Canada. The population in 2010 was 6,928.

Exuma is a district of the Bahamas, consisting of over 365 islands and cays. The largest of the islands is Great Exuma, which is 37 mi (60 km) in length and connected to another island, Little Exuma, by a small bridge. The capital and largest town in the district is George Town (population 1,437). It was founded 1793 and located on Great Exuma. Near the town, but on Little Exuma, the Tropic of Cancer runs across Pelican Beach lending it another name: Tropic of Cancer Beach. Its white sand and turquoise waters make it a world-famous destination. The entire island chain is 130 mi (209 km) long and 72 sq mi (187 km²) in area. Great Exuma island has an area of 61 sq mi (158 km²) while Little Exuma has an area of 11 sq mi (29 km²). Between 2000 and 2010, the population of Exuma more than doubled, reflecting the construction of large and small resort properties and the related direct air traffic to Great Exuma from locations as distant as Toronto, Canada. The population in 2010 was 6,928. ==Transportation== Exuma International Airport serves the island of Great Exuma including the city of George Town directly from Nassau, Miami, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, and Toronto. Staniel Cay and Black Point also have small airstrips commercially served by charter or scheduled charter airlines. A number of other cays have small airstrips, both private and public. Boat travel from Nassau to the Northern Exuma Cays is approximately one hour. Local transportation may consist of taxis, rental vehicle or golf cart depending on the cay. ==Food== The Exumas are known for fresh food and cultural significance to The Bahamas. Sea life regularly caught for commercial purpose include barracuda, bonefish, conch, grouper, jack, lobster, marlin, sailfish, snapper, tarpon, tuna and wahoo. Exumian food is often similar or a slight variation of traditional Bahamian dishes. The George Town Fish Fry is a collection of businesses, some of which are only open at night serving a variety of cuisine. It is popular among local residents and tourists alike. ==Economy== is a crucial branch of the economy of the area. The capital, George Town, is home to government offices, shops and services that serve both the traveling public and residents of the islands. As of 2021, there was one bank, a police station, a gas station, a hotel, two grocery stores, and three liquor stores within the town proper. There are also a few other businesses nearby that are typically associated as being in George Town due to proximity. There are a number of restaurants throughout Exuma, the majority of which serve variations of local cuisine, and some that serve other cuisines such as Italian. ==Culture== The annual Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival, Regattas, Junkanoo and various "homecoming" events held in smaller settlements are highly anticipated in The Exumas by tourists and islanders alike. These festivals may focus on the food, sailing competition, arts, and music of the local culture. ==Media== Because the population is so tiny, there is a small traditional media industry. The Bahamas is served by many newspapers, radio stations and websites, whereas the local media on Great Exuma consists of The Blaze 98.3 FM. The Chain is a free newspaper published monthly and is the "one source for current and accurate information" on the chain of islands. ==Religion== St. John's Baptist Church was built in 1892; St. Theresa's Church was built in 1960; St. Andrews Anglican Parish is the oldest church in Georgetown. The Baptist church of Farmer's Hill ordained Rev. Stephen Smith in 2015. Rev. Smith 'superseded' Dr. Irvin Clarke Sr., who had been pastor for the previous 45 years. The culvert at Farmer's Hill is being repaired, with sustainable development by an islands construction company. ==Sports== Sandals Emerald Bay has an 18-hole golf course designed by professional golfer Greg Norman. Emerald Bay hosts the Great Exuma Classic on the Web.com Tour. Sailing is a popular sport in Exuma and with many competitions year-round. The Family Island Regatta in George Town is a recurring event at the beginning of every year. Others include the George Town Cruising Regatta and Black Point Regatta. Rowing is being developed in Exuma with the aim of developing the island as an outlet for competitive and recreational rowing. ==Notable people== The main island has been a haven for celebrities for years. Until recently, the tourist population on the island was extremely minimal, allowing anonymity for anyone escaping the spotlight. Frequent visitors included Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, who stayed at the Goat Cay home of Babbie Holt, Jackie Onassis, Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn, and Sigourney Weaver, who vacationed there with her family. More recently, the islands were used by John McAfee, founder of McAfee Software, who conducted his brief 2020 presidential campaign from a boat moored in the harbour. The Bahamian tax structure may be an advantage for some with the desire to establish residency, while others may purchase homes for private use or investment. Some have purchased private islands, while others have purchased more common homes. A number of well-known people own islands or residences in the Exumas. These include Aga Khan, Nicolas Cage, David Copperfield, Ali Daei, Johnny Depp, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Ali Karimi, Eddie Murphy, Eddie Irvine, Tyler Perry and Jena Sims. Phenton Neymour, a Bahamian politician, was born in Exuma. ==References==

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