n.
City (pop., 1999 est.: 214,000), capital of The Bahamas.
Located on the northeastern coast of New Providence island, it was settled by the English in the 17th century and became a rendezvous for pirates in the 18th century. Forts were built there to ward off attacks by encroaching Spaniards. During the American Civil War , it became a base for Confederate blockade runners. It is now a popular resort; its economy is based on tourism.