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Politics & World • City

Havana

Havana is the capital and largest city of Cuba, and the country’s main port and commercial centre.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Havana is the capital and largest city of Cuba, and the country’s main port and commercial centre. Located on the island’s north coast, it is also the largest city in the Caribbean and is known for its colonial architecture and historic districts.

History

Havana was founded by the Spanish in 1519 and developed into an important colonial port. Its historic centre reflects centuries of Spanish colonial influence and remains a major heritage area.

Geography

Havana is situated on the north coast of Cuba at Havana Bay. Its coastal position helped it become a major trading and transport hub.

Government and administration

Havana serves as Cuba’s national capital and is also one of the country’s provinces. It is the political centre of the Cuban state and home to many government institutions.

Culture and landmarks

The city is known for its colonial architecture, fortifications, and historic districts, especially Old Havana. It is also a major cultural centre with a long association with music, tourism, and urban heritage.

Key facts

  • Havana is the capital, largest city, and main port of Cuba, located on the north coast beside Havana Bay.
  • It is widely described as the largest city in the Caribbean region.
  • Old Havana and its fortifications were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
  • The city covers about 728.26 km² and has an official population of 1,749,964 (2024).
  • Havana was founded in 1519 and became an important colonial port.
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Canadian context

Havana is relevant to Canadian readers as a major Caribbean capital and long-standing travel destination for Canadians visiting Cuba.

Frequently asked questions

What is Havana?
Havana is the capital and largest city of Cuba, as well as its main port and commercial centre.
Where is Havana located?
Havana is on the north coast of Cuba, on Havana Bay.
When was Havana founded?
Havana was founded by the Spanish in 1519.
Why is Havana historically important?
Havana became a major colonial port and now contains significant historic architecture and the UNESCO-listed Old Havana district.
Is Havana the largest city in the Caribbean?
Yes. It is commonly described as the largest city in the Caribbean region.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Havana
    Supports: Havana’s status as Cuba’s capital, major port, commercial centre, location on Havana Bay, area, and UNESCO listing for Old Havana and its fortifications.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana
    Supports: Population and area figures, Caribbean size ranking, and 2024 official population figure.
  3. Google Arts & Culture — https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/havana/m0d6hn?hl=en
    Supports: Havana as Cuba’s capital and largest city, main port, commercial centre, founded in the 16th century, and population/area details.
  4. EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/geography-and-cartography/havana-cuba
    Supports: Havana’s founding by the Spanish, strategic port role, colonial architecture, UNESCO Old Havana, area, and population context.