(HABANA), the capital of Cuba, and the most important commercial city in the West Indies, is situated on the northern side of the island, in N. Lat. 23° 8' 15", W. Long. 82° 22' 5". It stands on the W. side of the entrance of a magnificent land-locked harbour, capable of accommodating with safety 1000 vessels. The entrance, between the Moro and Punta castles, which protect it, is 1500 yards long, by, and at its narrowest point, 350 wide; and has a depth of 8 fathoms water. A continuous series of batteries run along both shores; and the town is defended by walls, a strong citadel, and fortifications on the neighbouring heights. The streets of the city are narrow and dirty, but straight, and cross each other at right angles. In the matter of cleanliness, however, a great improvement has lately taken place. The houses are constructed of stout masonry, generally of one storey, and many of the private residences are costly and magnificent structures. The suburbs are considerably larger than the town itself, and are better laid out; that of Regla is on the opposite side of the harbour. Among its most conspicuous buildings are—the cathedral (in which the remains of Columbus now lie), the government palace, admiralty, post-office, royal tobacco factory, and the casa de beneficencia. There are numerous churches, convents, and schools in the city, a university, ecclesiastical seminary, theatre, and other places of public amusement. Havana is connected by railway with Batabana, Matanzas, &c. Pop. (1850) 150,561. See CUBA.