HAVANA, or, in English, the harbor, by far the most important city in the West Indies, is the capital of Cuba (q.v.). It stands on the n. shore of the island, iu lat. 23' 8' n., and long. 82° 23' west. Pop. '71, 169,184, according to official return, but really at least 200.000. The climate is tropical. and almost uniform. In summer, the average maximum temperature is 87° F.; in winter, 85° F. The haven is one of the noblest in the world, and its comparatively narrow entrance is secured by six forts. Havana engrosses nearly the whole of the foreign trade of the colony, excepting, perhaps, the illicit importation of Africans, which requires more secluded localities; and it is con nected by railroads and telegraph with places in the 'interior and on the s. coast. In 1877, 1669 vessels, of 835,065 tons, entered the port. Trade and industry have, how. ever, been greatly checked by the insurrection which began in 1868 and lasted for ten years. Most of the mercantile nations have establishments here. Havana is famous
for its cigars (164.533,000 cigars, besides 13,895,200 lbs. of tobacco were exported in 1875), and it has manufactures of chocolate, woolen fabrics, and straw-hats. Sugar is the chief export. Havana is a bishop's see, and the seat of government; and, in addi tion to a handsome display of religions and political establishments, has a university, a botanic garden, several theaters, and one of the most magnificent opera-houses in exist ence. The streets are in general narrow. but the promenade of Isabel Segunde, running through the center of the city, is very fine; it has a broad cdriage-way, with shaded walks and several fountains, of which latter there arc about 50 in the city.