havana

Havana, formally La Habana, is the capital and largest city of Cuba. It is located on the island’s northwestern coast, along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, and serves as the country’s political, cultural, and economic center. The city proper has about 2.1 million residents, with a larger metropolitan area that extends beyond the municipal boundaries.

Founded by Spanish colonists in 1515 as San Cristóbal de La Habana, the city grew into a major port for the Caribbean and Atlantic trade. It developed fortifications to defend against piracy and rivals, including El Morro and La Real Fuerza. Havana's historic center, known as Old Havana, preserves a concentration of 16th- to 19th-century architecture and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key districts include La Habana Vieja (Old Havana) with plazas, churches, and palaces; Vedado, a mix of residential blocks and mid-20th-century architecture; and Miramar, an upscale residential district. The Malecón, a sea wall and promenade along the harbor, is a well-known urban landmark. The city is known for music, dance, and cinema, and for its classic American cars and vibrant street life.

Economically, Havana remains the nation’s leading port and commercial center, with tourism, services, and manufacturing playing prominent roles. Transportation infrastructure includes José Martí International Airport and an intercity railway and road network. The city has been influenced by Cuban and international histories, including the 1959 revolution and subsequent economic changes.