Cat Island, Bahamas
Cat Island is in the central Bahamas. It is one of the Districts of the Bahamas. Mount Alvernia is the country's highest point.
District of Cat Island | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Coordinates: 24°25′N 75°31′W | |
| Country | Bahamas |
| Island | Cat Island |
| Established | 1999 |
| Government | |
| • Type | District Council |
| • Chief Councillor | Hancil Strachan |
| • Deputy Chief Councillor | Cedric Wilson |
| Area | |
| • Total | 389 km2 (150 sq mi) |
| Population (2000) | |
| • Total | 1,678 |
| • Density | 4.3/km2 (11/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Area code | 242 |
The first European settlers were Loyalists who fled the American Revolution. They arrived in 1783. The island may have been named after Arthur Catt, a pirate, or the name may be for the one-time large population of feral cats.
Historically, the island gained wealth from cotton plantations. Now slash and burn farming is the main way of life for Cat Islanders. An economic crop is cascarilla bark. It is gathered and shipped to Italy. There it becomes a main ingredient in medicines, scents and Campari.
New Bight Airport and Arthur's Town Airport serve the island.
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