Lynden Pindling International Airport, the major airport for the Bahamas, is located about 16 km (9.9 mi) west of the city centre of Nassau, and has daily flights to and from major cities in Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Nassau is the site of the House of Assembly and various judicial departments and was considered historically to be a stronghold of pirates.

Nassau's modern growth began in the late eighteenth century, with the influx of thousands of Loyalists and their slaves to the Bahamas following the American War of Independence.

Most of New Providence was uncultivated bush until Loyalists were resettled there following the American Revolutionary War; they established several plantations, such as Clifton and Tusculum.

Thomas Walker was the island's last remaining appointed official and although evidence is scarce, it appears that he was acting in the role of deputy governor upon Benjamin Hornigold's arrival in 1713.

They proclaimed Nassau a pirate republic, recognising the island's prosperous state in which it offered fresh fruit, meat and water and plenty of protection amid its waterways.

Benjamin Hornigold, along with his great rival Henry Jennings, became the unofficial overlord of a veritable pirate republic which played host to the self-styled Flying Gang.

Other pirates of note that spent time in Nassau included Charles Vane, Thomas Barrow (who declared himself "Governor of New Providence"),[10] Calico Jack Rackham, Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and the infamous Edward Teach, better known as "Blackbeard".

In 1718, the British government sought to regain control of the islands and appointed Captain Woodes Rogers as Royal governor.

In 1778 after an overnight invasion, American raiders led by Captain Rathbun, left with ships, gunpowder and military stores after stopping in Nassau for only two weeks.

In 1782 Spain captured Nassau for the last time when Don Juan de Cagigal, governor-general of Cuba, attacked New Providence with 5,000 men.

During the Cuban Revolution of 1959, tourism further benefitted due to the restrictions imposed on American citizens visiting Cuba.

Today, Nassau's location close to the United States and ties between the U.S. and The Bahamas make it a common tourist destination.

[12] Located on New Providence Island, Nassau's harbour has a blend of old world and colonial architecture, and a busy port.

The Atlantis resort on nearby Paradise Island accounts for more tourist arrivals to the city than any other hotel property of Nassau.

Those of European descent built houses along the shore, east as far as Fort Montagu, west as far as Saunders Beach, and along the ridge edging the city.

During the 20th century, the city spread east to Village Road and west to Fort Charlotte and Oakes Field.

Since the 1960s, government has sponsored low-cost housing developments at Yellow Elder, Elizabeth Estates, and Pinewood Gardens, in the outer ring.

Thousands of people visit daily, to shop, dine, sightsee and to enjoy the tropical climate of the city.

Historical landmarks are also in the vicinity, including Vendue House, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Nassau Public Library.

Although the tourist part of the city centre peters out after about seven blocks, smaller, more local shops are located down Bay Street.

In 2017, the development of Baha Mar, a luxury resort and casino, brought more than 2,000 hotel rooms and the largest gaming and convention facility in the Caribbean to this section of New Providence Island.

[19] Nassau's large population in relation to the remainder of the Bahamas is the result of waves of immigration from the Family Islands to the capital.

[20][21] In January 2018, the U.S. Department of State issued the latest in a series of travel advisories due to violent crime.

[24] The city's chief festival is Junkanoo, an energetic, colourful street parade of brightly costumed people dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of cowbells, drums and whistles.

Nassau was featured as a primary setting in the 2013 video game Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag[28] (2013).