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Cities and Districts 49

sports fishing. Bird-watchers, divers, and fishermen all enjoy this island and its district. New Providence This district is home to the nation’s capital city, Nassau. Here visitors can enjoy all the modern conveniences of the United States and other large devel- oped nations—while still soaking up the easygoing charm of the Bahamas. Attractions include the Straw Market, where islanders sell handmade straw goods and woodcarvings, and Historic Bay Street, which features shops, pubs, and restaurants along its wide brick sidewalks. New Providence’s architecture is a mix of Old World and New World elements. A statue of Queen Victoria, England’s legendary 19th-century monarch, stands watch over Parliament Square. This particularly historic part of the city’s downtown area includes the nation’s legislative and Supreme Court buildings, as well as the Nassau Public Library and Museum. Fort Fincastle, completed in 1793 by the British royal governor Lord Dunmore, sits atop a hill east of the government buildings; the fort is shaped like a ship. By contrast, Cable Beach—located a few miles west of Nassau— is home to modern luxury resorts, shops, a golf course, and a large casino. North of Nassau, and connected to the capital by two bridges, is Paradise Island. A favorite vacation spot of the very wealthy, it is known especially for its posh resorts, glitzy casinos, and scenic golf courses. Of course, Paradise Island also has something that has been drawing tourists to all the Bahamas for more than half a century—miles of beautiful, sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear water