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Which is furthest south: Bermuda, the Bahamas, or Key West?

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KEY WEST - geography illustration
KEY WEST — geography

When considering which of Bermuda, the Bahamas, or Key West lies furthest south, the answer is The Bahamas. While Key West holds the distinction of being the southernmost city in the contiguous United States, its latitude is approximately 24.55 degrees North. Bermuda is considerably further north, situated around 32.3 degrees North latitude. The Bahamian archipelago, however, extends much further south, with its southernmost islands, such as Great Inagua, reaching approximately 20.9 degrees North latitude.

This often leads to a common misconception, as Key West proudly boasts its status as the lowest latitude point in the continental U.S., marked by its famous "Southernmost Point Buoy." This vibrant city in the Florida Keys is known for its tropical climate, historic charm, and proximity to Cuba, which is just 90 miles away.

The Bahamas, a sprawling nation of over 700 islands and cays, stretches across a significant expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, with some islands even straddling the Tropic of Cancer. This geographical spread allows its most southerly islands to dip well below the latitude of Key West. Bermuda, on the other hand, is an isolated British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic, far removed from the Caribbean, known for its pink sand beaches and distinctive blend of British and American influences. Its more northerly position gives it a subtropical climate, distinct from the truly tropical climes of its southerly counterparts.