The question of why certain regions of Andros Island remain sparsely populated stems from a complex interplay of environmental factors, historical circumstances, and economic realities. Significant portions of the island, particularly in the interior, present challenging terrains characterized by vast wetlands, dense forests, and a lack of readily accessible fresh water sources. This renders extensive areas unsuitable for large-scale settlement and agriculture.
Historically, populations concentrated along the coastlines, leveraging maritime resources for sustenance and trade. Limited infrastructure development in the island’s interior, coupled with the prevalence of mosquito-borne illnesses, further discouraged inland habitation. Moreover, land ownership patterns and limited economic opportunities outside of traditional fishing and crafts contributed to the ongoing pattern of coastal settlement and a relative absence of permanent residents in the central and western portions of the island. The availability of more favorable living conditions and employment prospects in other parts of the Bahamas has also influenced migration patterns away from less accessible parts of Andros.
