Significance
Ciudad de La Habana, better known as Havana, is the capital of Cuba and the commercial center of the Caribbean. With a population of more than 2 million, Havana is the largest city in both Cuba and the Caribbean.
Geography
Havana is located in the northwest area of Cuba on the Gulf of Mexico. Positioned between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, Havana is roughly 90 miles from Key West, Florida.
History
Havana became the capital of Spanish Cuba in 1552, making it one of the oldest cities in the Americas. For more than 200 years, Havana was Spain's most important port in the Caribbean. The 1898 destruction of a U.S. battleship in Havana's harbor served as a catalyst for the start of the Spanish-American War.
Fun Fact
Havana is the birthplace of many popular Latin music and dance styles such as salsa and mambo.
Famous Ties
Salsa singer Celia Cruz, actor Andy Garcia and singer Gloria Estefan were born in Havana.
Article Written By Ayisatu J. Taylor
Ayisatu J. Taylor is a graduate of Smith College and has been writing for 5 years. She lives in the Washington Metropolitan area and plans to attend graduate school to study public health. Ms. Taylor is an avid traveler with a passion for good music, good movies, good food, and good friends.
