Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973 , the Bahamas has been one of the wealthiest Caribbean countries , with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking .
British settlement of the islands began in 1647 ; the islands became a colony in 1783 .
Since attaining independence from the British in 1973 , the Bahamas has been one of the wealthiest Caribbean countries , with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking .
British settlement of the islands began in 1647 ; the islands became a colony in 1783 .