Christopher Columbus originally claimed the Bahamas for Spain, but the lack of gold led the Spanish elsewhere. King Charles I claimed the islands for Britain in 1629.
Paradise Island was settled by the British in the late 1600s. A forted city named Charlestown, after King Charles II, was built there.
In 1718, Paradise Island and the rest of the Bahamas were declared a British colony. It was changed from colony to Commonwealth in 1969, and in 1973 became an independent country.
Paradise Island is now a tropical island with a British feel. The climate is considered semi-tropical, with fairly steady temperatures year-round, ranging between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
English is the main spoken language on Paradise Island. Bahamian dollars are the accepted forms of currency. They are equal in value to American dollars.
A passport is required for entry and exit of United States citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may need to apply for a visa before visiting.
