Havana

Havana is the capital and largest city of Cuba.

It serves as the nation's primary commercial center and main port. The city is the most populous in the country. It is also the largest by land area. Havana is the second-largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region. In 2021, the population reached over two million people. The official population in 2024 was 1,749,964 inhabitants. The metropolitan zone covers 8,475.57 square kilometers.

The geography of the city is defined by its water and land. Havana extends mostly westward and southward from its large bay. This bay is entered through a narrow inlet. Once inside, the water divides into three main harbors. These are named Marimelena, Guanabacoa, and Antares. The Almendares River traverses the city from south to north. It flows into the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay. The city experiences a tropical climate. This means the weather stays warm throughout the year.

Contemporary Havana is composed of three distinct urban areas. These are Old Havana, Vedado, and the newer suburban districts. Old Havana is a major historical site. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The city is known for its diverse architecture and monuments. It is also the seat of the Cuban government. Various ministries and over 100 diplomatic offices are located here. In 2009, the city held the third-highest income in Cuba.

The history of the city began with failed attempts at settlement. In 1514, Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar founded a town on the opposite coast. This early settlement was near the mouth of the Mayabeque River. It failed because the surrounding land was low and swampy. Between 1514 and 1519, the Spanish tried other northern coast sites. One was called La Chorrera near the Almendares River. This site was better because the land was at a higher elevation. Eventually, the town moved to its current location in 1519.

Pánfilo de Narváez named the new settlement San Cristóbal de la Habana. This name honors the city's patron saint. The city grew because of the strategic advantages of its harbor. It became the capital of the island in 1552. As a trading port, it faced many naval threats. Pirates and French corsairs frequently attacked the city. In 1555, a French corsair named Jacques de Sores burned Havana.

To protect against such attacks, the Spanish built walls and forts. This made the city the "Key to the New World."

Havana expanded significantly during the 17th and 18th centuries. During the 1600s, buildings were made mostly of wood. They used various Iberian and Canarian architectural styles. In 1649, a yellow fever epidemic killed one-third of the population. By the mid-18th century, Havana had over 70,000 inhabitants. At that time, it was the third-largest city in the Americas. It was larger than Boston and New York City. By 1740, it was Spain's largest and most active shipyard. It held the only drydock in the New World.

The 19th century brought new technology and change. In 1837, Havana built the first railroad in Cuba. This track ran between Havana and Bejucal. It was used to transport sugar to the port. This made Cuba the seventh country in the world with a railroad. The city became known as the "Paris of the Antilles" due to its prosperity. In 1863, the city walls were removed to allow for expansion. Later, the sinking of the USS Maine in the harbor helped cause the Spanish-American War.

In the 20th century, Havana became the capital of the independent Republic of Cuba. This happened in 1902. The city has remained a vital center for culture and politics. It attracts over one million tourists every year. In 2010, there were 1,176,627 international tourists. This was a 20% increase from 2005. The city continues to be a major hub for business and diplomacy.