The name "Bahamas" comes from the Spanish baja mar meaning shallow sea, andis one of the most geographically complicated nations of the Atlantic. It's a coral-based archipelago comprising more than 700 islands.The Bahamashas a rich historyand colorful culture unlike anywhere else in the world. It's lovely capital, Nassau, isknown for its beaches and coral reefs, destinations for diving and snorkeling. It retains many of its characteristic pastel-colored British colonial buildings.