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Matanzas Province facts for kids

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Quick Facts About Matanzas
Capital City: Matanzas
Size: 11,802.72 square kilometers
People Living Here: 675,980 (in 2004)
How Crowded It Is: About 57 people per square kilometer
Map of Matanzas
Escudo de la Provincia Matanzas
The coat of arms for Matanzas Province.

Matanzas is a large and important province in Cuba. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and busy industries.

Discover Matanzas Province

Matanzas is one of Cuba's most interesting provinces. It has a mix of flat lands and a unique marsh area. Many people live and work here, especially in industries like oil and sugar.

Where is Matanzas Located?

Matanzas province is located in the western part of Cuba. It is the second largest province in the country. The land here is mostly flat, making it easy to grow crops. The highest point, called Pan de Matanzas, is only about 380 meters (1,247 feet) above sea level.

Major Towns in Matanzas

Several important towns are found in Matanzas province. The main city and capital is also called Matanzas. Other big towns include Cárdenas and Jovellanos. The famous resort town of Varadero, known for its beautiful beaches, is also part of this province.

Matanzas Coastline and Nature

The northern coast of Matanzas has many small islands just offshore. Near the shoreline, you can find areas with scrubland and mangrove trees. These plants are special because they can grow in salty water.

The Great Zapata Swamp

The southern coast of Matanzas has a very special natural area. It is an enormous marsh called Ciénaga de Zapata. This marsh covers a large part of the province and a peninsula with the same name. It is one of Cuba's most unique natural features.

Bay of Pigs History

East of the Zapata Peninsula is the Bay of Pigs. This bay is famous for a historical event. In 1961, there was a failed invasion here that was supported by the United States.

Economy of Matanzas

Matanzas is one of the most industrialized provinces in Cuba. This means it has many factories and businesses that produce goods.

Key Industries

The province is important for its energy production. It has petroleum wells, which are places where oil is drilled from the ground. There are also oil refineries that turn crude oil into useful products. Large facilities for supertankers help transport the oil.

Sugar Production

Matanzas is also a major center for sugar production. The province has 21 sugar mills. These mills process the large harvests of sugarcane grown in the fields of Matanzas. Sugar has been a very important crop for Cuba for a long time.

Towns and Communities

Matanzas province is made up of many different towns and communities. Each one has its own unique character and history. Here are some of the municipalities in the province:

See also

A friendly robot icon. In Spanish: Provincia de Matanzas para niños

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