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Havana, Cuba
Havana (/həˈvænə/; Spanish: La Habana, [la aˈβana] (
listen)) is the capital city, largest city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, 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. 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 sluggish Almendares River traverses the city from south to north, entering the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay.
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. King Philip II of Spain granted Havana the title of City in 1592. Walls as well as forts were built to protect the old city. The sinking of the U.S. battleship Maine in Havana’s harbor in 1898 was the immediate cause of the Spanish–American War.
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. The current mayor isMarta Hernández from the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC). In 2009, the city/province had the 3rd highest income in the country.
The city attracts over a million tourists annually, the Official Census for Havana reports that in 2010 the city was visited by 1,176,627 international tourists, a 20.0% increase from 2005. The historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The city is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”standard_section” bg_image=”” bg_repeat=”stretch” parallax_bg=”” stellar_class=”default” bg_color=”” section_arrow=”” video_bg=”” enable_video_color_overlay=”” video_overlay_color=”” video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_image=”” text_color=”dark” custom_text_color=”” text_align=”left” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”25″ class=”” row_id=””][vc_column animation=”none” bg_color=”” bg_image=”” column_padding=”no-padding” column_custompadding=”0px 0px 0px 0px” column_center=”” text_color=”dark” custom_text_color=”” text_align=”left” width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
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Travel Tips
Traveling can increase your chances of getting sick. A long flight can increase your risk for deep vein thrombosis. Once you arrive, it takes time to adjust to the water, food, and air in another place. Water in developing countries can contain viruses, bacteria, and parasites that cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Be safe by using only bottled or purified water for drinking, making ice cubes, and brushing your teeth. If you use tap water, boil it or use iodine tablets. Food poisoning can also be a risk. Eat only food that is fully cooked and served hot. Avoid unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables.
If you are traveling out of the country, you might also need vaccinations or medicines to prevent specific illnesses. Which ones you need will depend on what part of the world you’re visiting, the time of year, your age, overall health status, and previous immunizations. See your doctor 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. Most vaccines take time to become effective.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”standard_section” bg_image=”” bg_repeat=”stretch” parallax_bg=”” stellar_class=”default” bg_color=”” section_arrow=”” video_bg=”” enable_video_color_overlay=”” video_overlay_color=”” video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_image=”” text_color=”dark” custom_text_color=”” text_align=”left” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”20″ class=”” row_id=””][vc_column animation=”none” bg_color=”” bg_image=”” column_padding=”no-padding” column_custompadding=”0px 0px 0px 0px” column_center=”” text_color=”dark” custom_text_color=”” text_align=”left” width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
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