Santiago de Cuba Province facts for kids
Santiago de Cuba Province is a very important part of Cuba, located on the eastern side of the island. It's the second most populated province in Cuba, home to about 1.2 million people. The biggest city and the main center of the province is Santiago de Cuba, which has over half a million residents. Other large cities include Palma Soriano, Contramaestre, Mayarí Arriba, San Luis, and Songo-la Maya.
This province is rich in natural resources like iron and nickel. Even with these resources, the economy mostly depends on agriculture. You'll find many large farms growing delicious bananas, cacao (which is used to make chocolate!), and coffee. Besides farming, new industries are growing around the capital city. Tourism is also a big deal here because of the beautiful natural scenery, attracting visitors from all over Cuba and other countries.
Santiago de Cuba province has a long and interesting history, especially when it comes to important events in Cuba. Many battles took place here during Cuba's fight for independence. It was also a key location during the 1959 Cuban Revolution, where a lot of the guerrilla fighting happened in the mountains.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Capital city: | Santiago de Cuba |
| Total area: | 6,156.44 square kilometers |
| Number of people: | 1,036,280 |
| People per km²: | 168.32 per square kilometer |
| Map | |
Cities and Towns in Santiago de Cuba
The province is made up of several important cities and towns, each with its own unique character. These are called municipalities.
- Contramaestre
- Chivirico
- Mella
- Palma Soriano
- San Luis
- Santiago de Cuba
- Mayarí Arriba
- La Maya
- Cruce de los Baños
A Look Back at the Name
Before 1976, Cuba was divided into six big provinces. One of these was called Oriente province. Interestingly, before 1905, this same area was actually known as Santiago de Cuba province! So, the name has been used for this region for a very long time. You can learn more about how Cuba's provinces changed over time by looking at the Historical provinces of Cuba.
See also
- In Spanish: Provincia de Santiago de Cuba para niños
