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| Population: | 14,100 |
| Area (km².): | 1,681 |
| Capital: | Marsh Harbour
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The Abaco Islands lie in the northern Bahamas and comprise the main islands of Great Abaco and Little Abaco, together with the smaller Wood Cay, Elbow Cay, Lubbers Quarters Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Great Guana Cay, Castaway Cay, Man-o-War Cay, Stranger's Cay, Umbrella Cay, Great Stirrup Cay, Walker's Cay, Moore's Island, and Sandy Point. Administratively, the Abaco Islands constitute five of the 31 Districts of the Bahamas: North Abaco, Central Abaco, South Abaco, Moore's Island, and Hope Town. Towns in the islands include Marsh Harbour, Hope Town, Treasure Cay, Coopers Town, and Cornishtown.
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History
First inhabited by the Lucayan, in 1783 the first European settlers of the islands were Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution who arrived in 1783, as was also the case at Cat Island. These original Loyalist settlers made a modest living by salvaging wrecks, by building small wooden boats, and by basic farming.
Prior to the 1970s, a group of American businessmen, arms traffickers, supporters of free enterprise, a black agent of the information services, and a Member of Parliament of the British House of Lords planned the independence of Abaco, or that would have a UK dependency status similar to that of Anguilla. Abaco was to a utopia for businessmen fearing socialism.
They would promise one acre (4,000 m²) to each of the natives on the island. This would have left thousands of acres for realtors and their financial backers. At least one flag was designed, combining the Hope Town Lighthouse with a Union Flag.
The British government had no interest in this scheme, which in any case would have been strongly opposed by the national government in Nassau. Finally, the locals did not support the plan, perhaps because unspoken racial issues are alleged to have mixed into it. In any event, the Abaco Independence Movement was quelled by 1975.
Demographics
The combined population of the islands is about 13 000, and the principal settlement and capital is Marsh Harbour. The ethnic make up is about 50% white and 50% black.
Activities
The islands are a noted base for sailing activities in the Bahamas, as well as resort tourism.
The Abacos Islands in the Bahamas have four national parks that attract tourists: Pelican Cays Land & Sea Park, Abaco Wild Horse Preserve, Man-O-War Cay, and Great Guana Cay.
Transportation
Marsh Harbour Airport and Treasure Cay Airport serve the islands.
Environment
The Abaco Islands boast important natural areas, especially important coral reef areas, barrier-island terrestrial habitats and large forests of Caribbean Pine, some of which still contain old growth trees.
Notable species include the Abaco subspecies of the rock-dwelling rose-throated parrot, which which exists only in Cuba, the Cayman Islands, the southern Bahamas and Abaco. Abaco is also known for its intact elkhorn and staghorn coral structures.
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