Cat Island, Bahamas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
District of Cat Island
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| Country |  Bahamas |
| Island |  Cat Island |
| Established | 1999 |
| Government | |
| • Type | District Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 389 km2 (150 sq mi) |
| Population
(2000)
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| • Total | 1,678 |
| • Density | 4.3/km2 (11/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 242 |
Cat Island is a beautiful island located in the central part of The Bahamas. It's one of the many districts that make up this island nation. This island is special because it's home to Mount Alvernia, which is the highest point in all of the Bahamas!
Contents
Exploring Cat Island
Cat Island is known for its natural beauty and quiet way of life. It's a place where you can experience the real charm of the Bahamas. The island covers an area of about 389 square kilometers.
What's the Population?
According to a count from the year 2000, about 1,678 people live on Cat Island. This means it's not a very crowded place, which adds to its peaceful atmosphere.
How Did Cat Island Get Its Name?
There are a couple of interesting ideas about how Cat Island got its name. One story says it was named after a famous pirate named Arthur Catt. Another idea is that the island once had many wild, or feral, cats living there.
A Look at Cat Island's History
Cat Island has a rich history, especially when it comes to its first European settlers.
Early Settlers: The Loyalists
The first European people to settle on Cat Island were called Loyalists. They arrived in 1783. These Loyalists were people who supported the British during the American Revolution (a big war where the American colonies fought for their independence from Britain). After the war, they left America and found a new home in the Bahamas.
Past and Present Economy
Long ago, Cat Island was wealthy because of its cotton plantations. These were large farms where cotton was grown. Today, the main way people make a living on Cat Island is through a farming method called slash and burn farming. This is where farmers clear land by cutting down and burning plants to prepare the soil for new crops.
One important crop grown here is cascarilla bark. This bark is collected and sent all the way to Italy. In Italy, it's used to make important ingredients for medicines, nice-smelling perfumes, and even a popular drink called Campari.
Getting Around Cat Island
If you want to visit Cat Island, there are two airports that serve the island. These are New Bight Airport and Arthur's Town Airport. They make it easier for people to travel to and from this beautiful Bahamian island.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Cat para niños
