Bahamas

Optimism reigns in the Bahamas. With an economy based on tourism and international banking, and because of its close proximity to the United States, a fair amount of economic success has allowed the government of the Bahamas to greatly increase the standard of living for a most of its citizens. Health conditions, such as life expectancy and infant mortality, have improved as has educational programs that stress technical and vocational education. Immigrants from Haiti and Jamaica have caused some problems and strains on the job market, but with sustained and favorable foreign investment, the general feeling of hope found on the islands will most likely remain strong.