Havana

Havana (/həˈvænə/; Spanish: La Habana [la aˈβana] ^ⓘ)^[7] is the capital and largest city of Cuba. The heart of La Habana Province, Havana is the country's main port and commercial center.^[8] It is the most populous city, the largest by area, and the second largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region. The population in 2021 was 2,142,939 inhabitants,^[9][8] and its area is 728.26 km² (281.18 sq mi)^[10] for the capital city side and 8,475.57 km² for the metropolitan zone.^[9] Its official population was 1,749,964 inhabitants in 2024.

Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. It served as a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the Americas, becoming a stopping point for Spanish galleons returning to Spain. King Philip III of Spain granted Havana the title of capital in 1607.^[11] Walls and forts were built to protect the city.^[12] The city is the seat of the Cuban government and various ministries, and headquarters of businesses and over 100 diplomatic offices.^[13] The governor is Reinaldo García Zapata of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).^[14][15] In 2009, the city/province had the third-highest income in the country.^[16]

Contemporary Havana can essentially be described as three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado and the newer suburban districts.^[17] 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 Antares. The Almendares River traverses the city from south to north, entering the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay.^[18]

The city attracts over a million tourists annually;^[19] (1,176,627 international tourists in 2010,^[19] a 20% increase from 2005). Old Havana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.^[20] The city is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments.^[21] As typical of Cuba, Havana experiences a tropical climate.^[22]