Havana

Havana (/həˈvænə/; Spanish: La Habana [la aˈβana] ⓘ; Lucumi: Ilú Pupu Ilé)[5] is the capital and largest city of Cuba. The heart of the La Habana Province, Havana is the country's main port and commercial center.[6] It is the most populous city, the largest by area, and the second largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region. The population in 2002 was 2,137,847 inhabitants,[7][6] and its area is 728.26 km2 (281.18 sq mi)[2] for the capital city side and 8,475.57 km2 for the metropolitan zone.[7][8]

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. Philip II of Spain granted Havana the title of capital in 1607.[9] Walls and forts were built to protect the city.[10]

The city is the seat of the Cuban government and various ministries, and headquarters of businesses and over 100 diplomatic offices.[11] The governor is Reinaldo García Zapata of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).[12][13] In 2009, the city/province had the third-highest income in the country.[14]

Contemporary Havana can essentially be described as three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado and the newer suburban districts.[15] 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.[16]

The city attracts over a million tourists annually;[17] (1,176,627 international tourists in 2010,[17] a 20% increase from 2005). Old Havana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.[18] The city is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments.[19] As typical of Cuba, Havana experiences a tropical climate.[20]