New Providence, Bahamas

Fort Fincastle, Nassau, New Providence
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fort_Fincastle.JPG
Author: Taugenichts80


New Providence is the most populous island of the Bahamas, home to some 70% of its population. It is also the location of the country's capital, Nassau. The island covers 207 sq km (80 sq mi) and has a population of 250,000 people (2012 estimate). It measures 34 km (21 mi) from east to west and 11 km (6.8 mi) from north to south.

New Providence is said to have been named by a 16th century shipwrecked governor, who named it in thanksgiving for providing him a new lease on life. As there was already an island by the name of Providence in Belize (then called British Honduras), the island had "New" attached to its name.

New Providence has developed into a major tourist destination since the 1960s, receiving the bulk of its visitors from mainland United States. And with Nassau being located there, it is also the gateway for entry to the Bahamas.

Junkanoo Festival in Nassau, New Providence
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Junkanoo_Festival,_Nassau_2.jpg
Author: Jon Worth


New Providence has two main tourist areas, Cable Beach on the north coast and Paradise Island off the northeast coast. The island takes on a festive atmosphere on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, when the Junkanoo street parade is held along the main streets of downtown Nassau.

New Providence also has two major casinos, bigger than the casinos on other islands of the Bahamas. They are the Atlantis Casino on Paradise Island and Crystal Palace Casino on Cable Beach.

Visiting New Providence

There are regular flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Toronto and London, among others, to the Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau.

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