The Abacos

With a population of only 13,000, Abaco lies just north of the Tropic of Cancer. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 93 degrees Fahrenheit and winter temperatures usually get no lower than 50 degrees. The island receives about 55 inches of rainfall a year.

Most settlement is on the island's windward shore and on the chain of offshore cays. The western shore consists of a series of shallow muds called 'The Marls', which are important fish nurseries. The island itself is covered with forests of Caribbean pine that were heavily logged by American companies during the early 20th century.

After the deportation of the Lucayan Indian inhabitants by the Spanish, Abaco was deserted until the end of the American Revolution. American loyalists were offered land grants in the Bahamas - a British territory since the 1650s - and some 2000 went to Abaco - most from New York. The first settlements were established at what is now Treasure Cay and Marsh Harbour.

Today, Abaco is one of the most prosperous islands in the Bahamas, with good air and sea links to Nassau and the United States. Tourism is by far the largest economic activity, but fishing, farming and residential development are also important.

The 20,500-acre Abaco National Park was created in 1994 to conserve a valuable natural and historic resource for Bahamians. It is home to the endangered Bahama parrot and many other important species. The park is managed by The Bahamas National Trust, a member of the Great Guana Cay Foundation.