Havana is the capital of Cuba and the largest city in the Caribbean with a population of over two million people. It's on the north coast of the island, and only 100 miles south of Florida. Havana's crowning glory is its excellent harbor, an aspect which has directed a great deal of the country's history.
At this time, in addition to a very successful tourism industry, Havana's industries include food processing, shipbuilding, bus manufacturing, and printing. Many can attest that cigar making and rum production are also among Cuba's finer achievements.
El Malecon is a broad and modern avenue which runs parallel to the seacoast for several miles. This popular walking street hugs an area which was known for its modern and luxurious high rise apartments and hotels prior to 1959.
Other attractions include the Jose Marti monument, Revolution Square, and the national museum. Old Havana has tremendous character, with quaint narrow streets and beautiful Spanish colonial buildings, such as the cathedral from the early 18th century. Well-preserved colonial fortresses are Castillo de la Punta and Castillo del Morro, with its famous lighthouse. There has been a massive restoration project underway since 1981 to maintain the historical buildings in this area.
Havana is one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere. The safety of the harbor caused the city to be a major naval and commercial center for the Spanish colonies in the Caribbean. Ships laden with gold and silver plundered from Mexico and South America were organized into fleets here so that the Spanish navy could protect them from pirates on their return expeditions to Spain.
In 1762, the British captured Havana, but soon traded it with Spain in exchange for Florida. American occupation from 1898-1902 called an end to Spanish rule.
Today, Cuba is most famous for its relentless leader, Fidel Castro, who won the country during a revolution in 1959, and his brand of communism has reigned ever since. As a result of this, trading all but ceased, and free-spending, carefree days were replaced with austerity and increasing poverty amongst the people. There have been successful inroads into education and health care. The country enjoys a very high literacy rate, and excellent health care is provided to all people. As well, there is no noticeable discrimination between persons of any color or gender in Cuba.
