Havana (/hvn/; Spanish: La Habana, [la aana] ( listen)) is the capital city, largest

city, province, major port, and leading commercial center of Cuba.[3] The city has a population of 2.1
million inhabitants,[2][3] and it spans a total of 728.26 km2 (281.18 sq mi) making it the largest city by
area, the most populous city, and the fourth largest metropolitan area in
the Caribbean region.[2][4] The city extends mostly westward and southward from the bay, which is
entered through a narrow inlet and which divides into three main harbors: Marimelena, Guanabacoa
and Atars. The sluggish Almendares River traverses the city from south to north, entering
the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay.[5]
The city of Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and due to its strategic location it
served as a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the Americas, becoming a stopping point for
treasure-laden Spanish galleons returning to Spain. King Philip II of Spain granted Havana the title
of City in 1592.[6] Walls as well as forts were built to protect the old city.[7] The sinking of the U.S.
battleship Maine in Havana's harbor in 1898 was the immediate cause of the SpanishAmerican
War.[8]
Contemporary Havana can essentially be described as three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado and
the newer suburban districts. The city is the center of the Cuban government, and home to various
ministries, headquarters of businesses and over 90 diplomatic offices.[9] The current mayor is Marta
Hernndez of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).[10] In 2009, the city/province had the third highest
income in the country.[11]
The city attracts over a million tourists annually;[12] the Official Census for Havana reports that in
2010 the city was visited by 1,176,627 international tourists,[12] a 20% increase from 2005. Old
Havana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.[13] The city is also noted for its history,
culture, architecture and monuments.[14] As typical of Cuba, Havana experiences a tropical climate.[15]
In May 2015, Havana was selected as one of the so-called New7Wonders Cities together
with Beirut, Doha, Durban, Kuala Lumpur, La Paz, and Vigan.[16]

Contents
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1Etymology
2History
o 2.1Colonial period
2.1.116th century
2.1.217th century
2.1.318th century
2.1.419th century
o 2.2Republican period and Post-revolution
3Geography
o 3.1Climate
4Cityscape
o 4.1Districts
o 4.2Architecture
o 4.3Landmarks and historical centres
5Coat of arms
6Culture
o 6.1Old Havana
o 6.2Barrio Chino
o 6.3Visual arts
o 6.4Performing arts
 o 6.5Festivals
7Tourism
8Economy
o 8.1Industry
o 8.2Commerce and finance
9Demographics
o 9.1Religion
o 9.2Poverty and slums
10Transport
o 10.1Urban buses
o 10.2Airports
o 10.3Rail
o 10.4Interurban (tram)
o 10.5Ferry
o 10.6Roads
11Administration
12Infrastructure
o 12.1Education
o 12.2Health
o 12.3Services
13Sports
14Notable people
15International relations
o 15.1Diplomatic offices
o 15.2Twin towns sister cities
16See also
17Notes
18References
19External links