The Bahamas is very geographically shallow. The majority of the population lives in the capital, an island city called Nassau. The city is mostly under 10m above sea level and is populated by more than half of the nation, so Nassau is very vulnerable to sea level rise.

No, Nassau is not below sea level, but it is exceptionally low-lying. The average elevation of the city is approximately 33 feet (10 meters) above sea level. While most of the island of New Providence is flat, there are slight ridges, such as the one housing Fort Fincastle, which reaches about 125 feet. In 2026, climate experts closely monitor Nassau because, although it sits above sea level, its porous limestone foundation and low elevation make it highly susceptible to "king tides" and storm surges during hurricanes. Unlike places like New Orleans or parts of the Netherlands, Nassau relies on natural elevation and coral reefs for protection rather than a system of dikes and pumps, though rising sea levels remain a long-term urban planning challenge for the Bahamian capital.