the oldest city and formerly the capital of Cuba, on the river Santiago, about 6 miles above its mouth, on the S.E. coast of the island, N. Lat. 20.; W. Long. 76. It is well built, chiefly of stone, with straight regular streets, and a handsome public square, with an equestrian statue in bronze of Ferdinand VII. Among the more important buildings are a cathedral and other churches; and the town contains a theological seminary, several learned societies, schools, a theatre, &c. Santiago is the seat of an archbishop, and of the governor of the eastern intendency of Cuba. The harbour, though difficult of entrance, is large, deep, and well defended by several forts. In the extent of its trade it ranks next highest to Havannah and Matanzas among the ports of Cuba; the imports for 1855 amounting in value to L500,878, and the exports to L506,208. The climate, however, is very unhealthy, and yellow fever is very destructive here. The town is surrounded by mountains, which are not insalubrious. Pop. (1850) 24,005, of whom 9610 were white people, 9396 free coloured people, and 4999 slaves.