Nassau
For other uses, see Nassau (disambiguation).
Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. With a population of 180,000, it is the largest city and the commercial and cultural centre of the country.
Located on New Providence island at 25°4′N 77°20′W / 25.067°N 77.333°W, Nassau has an attractive harbour and a busy port. The tropical climate and natural beauty of the Bahamas has made Nassau a popular tourist destination, with a reputation for relaxing days and an exciting nightlife.
Nassau was founded by the British in the mid-17th century as Charles Towne, but it was renamed to Nassau after William III of Orange-Nassau in 1695. During the 18th century, it was a popular hideaway for pirates of the Caribbean, notably Blackbeard. Nassau was subjected to numerous attempted invasions by the Spanish during the late 18th century, and in 1776 it was captured and briefly held by American revolutionaries.
Nassau International Airport, the major airport for the Bahamas, is located in Nassau, and has daily flights to major cities in the USA, Canada, the UK, and the Caribbean.
