Do you know where New Providence Island is? If you aren’t sure, ask yourself this question: do you know where Nassau is? Well, the two are actually one and the same, though most tourists refer to the island as Nassau rather than New Providence Island. The island itself was named after the Dutch Prince of Orange-Nassau in 1695, and it became the nation’s capital. Today, the name “Nassau” has stuck, which is why many tourists know where Nassau is, but they have never heard of New Providence Island (so they think!).
Home to a majority, ( about 2/3 ), of the country's population, New Providence Island is the domain of the capital city, Nassau. A prime tourist destination, the island features all the amenities associated with the Bahamas-an array of water sports, golf, tennis, nightlife, casinos, international shopping and a colorful history. The 21 mile long ( 34 km ), 7 mile wide ( 11 km ), island also is home to the popular resort areas of Cable Beach and Paradise Island, linked to Nassau by entry and exit bridges. The tiny island was privately owned for many years untill Huntington Hartford, whose fortune came from the A&P supermarket chain, developed it as a resort. In the 1960's, Hartford purchased a ruined 14th-century monastery from William Randolph Hearst, who had imported it piece by piece from France. The stone ruins, known as the Cloisters, overlook Nassau Harbor, surrounded by the Versailles Gardens. A popular wedding site, the gardens are open to the public.
Boasting one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, Paradise Island offers tennis, golf and parasailing for the sports minded; the " strip " features a casino and other entertainment.
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