Abaco
| Missing image Bf-map.gif Map of Bahamas | |
| Population: | 14,100 |
| Area (sq. km.): | 1,681 |
| Capital: | Coopers Town |
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, Green Turtle Cay, Great Guana Cay, Gorda Cay, Elbow Cay, Man-o-War Cay, Stranger's Cay, Umbrella Cay, Walker's Cay and Mores Island.
As was also the case at Cat Island, the first European settlers were Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution, who arrived in 1783.
The islands are a noted base for sailing activities in the Bahamas as well as resort tourism.
The combined population is about 13,000 and the principal settlement and capital is Marsh Harbour. The red and white striped lighthouse at Hope Town is a noted local landmark.
Alvin Toffler in The Third Wave tells that, before the 1970s, a group of American businessmen, arms traffickers, supporters of free enterprise, a black agent of the information services, and a MP of the British House of Lords planned the independence of Abaco. They would promise one acre (4,000 m²) to each of the natives leaving the left thousands of acres for realtors and their financial backers. Abaco would end as an utopia for businessmen fearing socialism. The locals did not support the plan, though.