Nassau

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Nassau

Nassau

Nassau is the capital and largest city of the Bahamas. Just over 70% of the total population of The Bahamas lives here. The Port of Nassau on New Providence Island is a mix of old world and colonial architecture and a busy port. Later called Nassau, the city was founded in 1670 by British nobles who brought British settlers with them to New Providence. During the Cuban Revolution in 1959, US citizens were not allowed to travel to Cuba, so instead they travelled to the Bahamas, boosting tourism to the islands. Today, Nassau is a frequent tourist destination because of its proximity to the United States and the links between the US and the Bahamas. The tropical climate and natural environment of the Bahamas has also made Nassau an attractive tourist destination. Nassau has been recognized as a city of Crafts and Folk Art as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. It is one of only three Caribbean cities to have received this honor. The Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre in Nassau opened in 1937. In the 1950s, the Bahamian government introduced the flamingos for breeding purposes, as they were becoming a rarity there. In 1982, the garden was purchased by Norman Solomon of the Bahamas, who founded the first Bahamian zoo. The zoo is best known for its flamingos, but now has around 200 animals.