Nueva Gerona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nueva Gerona
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The Presidio Modelo
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Locator map of Nueva Gerona (in black)
within Isla de la Juventud |
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| Country | Cuba |
| Province | Isla de la Juventud |
| Founded | 1802 |
| Elevation | 17 m (56 ft) |
| Population
(2012)
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| • Total | 59,049 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
Nueva Gerona is a Cuban city, capital of the Isla de la Juventud special municipality and province. As of 2012, its population was 59,049.
History
The city was founded in 1830 by Francisco Dionisio Vives, who was the Spanish governor of Cuba at the time. There is an American graveyard in Nueva Gerona.
Geography
Nueva Gerona is located by the coast, in the north-eastern area of the island, between the hills of Caballos and Casas. It is crossed by the river Río Las Casas, which provides a navigable waterway to the Caribbean Sea.
The city is divided into the repartos (quarters) of Centro, Abel Santamaría, Sierra Caballo, Nazareno, Saigón, Chacón and José Martí. In the suburban quarter of Chacón is located the Presidio Modelo, a former prison and now a museum.
Transport
Nueva Gerona is linked to La Fe (or Santa Fe), the 2nd most populated town of the island, with the 15 km-long expressway. The harbour in Río Las Casas estuary provides to link it to Cuban mainland, at the port of Surgidero de Batabanó. Near the suburban quarter named José Martí, the Rafael Cabrera Mustelier Airport is located at.
Sport
Professional baseball and football clubs representing Isla de la Juventud are based in Nueva Gerona. The city houses the Piratas de La Isla de La Juventud baseball club at the Estadio Cristóbal Labra. The club plays in the Cuban National Series, the country's primary domestic professional baseball competition. The city also houses FC Isla de La Juventud, which plays in the country's top football division, the Campeonato Nacional de Fútbol de Cuba.
Twin towns
Nueva Gerona has the following sister city:
- Girona, Spain
See also
In Spanish: Nueva Gerona para niños
- Cayo Largo
- List of cities in Cuba
- Municipalities of Cuba
- 1917 Nueva Gerona hurricane
