Cuban Fishing, 3/5/15, Background On Havana As A Starting Point.
Cuban Fishing, 3/5/15: Getting a feel for Havana is a starting point as we begin thinking about fishing in Cuba.
“Havana (/həˈvænə/; Spanish: La Habana, [la aˈβana] (
listen)) is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba.[3] The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants,[2][3] and it spans a total of 728.26 km2 (281.18 sq mi) − making it the largest city by area, the most populous city, and the third largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region.[2][4] The city extends mostly westward and southward from the bay, which is entered through a narrow inlet and which divides into three main harbours: Marimelena, Guanabacoa and Atarés. The sluggishAlmendares River traverses the city from south to north, entering the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay.[5]
The city of Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and due to its strategic location it served as a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the continent becoming a stopping point for the treasure-laden Spanish galleons on the crossing between the New World and the Old World. KingPhilip II of Spain granted Havana the title of City in 1592.[6] Walls as well as forts were built to protect the old city.[7] The sinking of the U.S. battleship Maine in Havana’s harbor in 1898 was the immediate cause of the Spanish-American War.[8]
Contemporary Havana can essentially be described as three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado and the newer suburban districts. The city is the center of the Cuban government, and home to various ministries, headquarters of businesses and over 90 diplomatic offices.[9] The current mayor is Marta Hernández from the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).[10] In 2009, the city/province had the 3rd highest income in the country.[11]
Source: Havana.
Featured Image: Havana By Sue Kellerman, Via Creative Commons.