ANDROS ISLAND

largest island of The Bahamas, 25 miles (40 km) west of New Providence island and about 125 miles (200 km) east-southeast of Florida, U.S. A flat, heavily forested island, Andros extends about 100 miles (160 km) from north to south and spans about 45 miles (72 km) from east to west at the widest point. Its area is 2,300 square miles (6,000 square km). Although the island has a distinct outline, it is highly fragmented with many bays, inlets, lakes, and channels and is technically an archipelago. Just off the east coast is one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. Andros has only a small population and only moderate tourism, and the people tend to live in scattered settlements, the chief towns being Nicolls Town (Nicholls Town), Andros Town, and Kemps Bay, all on the east coast. Fruit and vegetable agriculture and fishing are the island's economic mainstays, supplemented by some packinghouses. A batik industry exists at Andros Town. Pop. (1990 prelim.) 8,155.