Havana vs York

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Havana (; Spanish: La Habana [la aˈβana] (listen)) is the capital city, largest city, province, major port, and leading commercial center of Cuba. The town has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of 781.58 km2 (301.77 sq mi) -- making it the largest city by region, the most populous town, and the fourth largest metropolitan region in the Caribbean region.The city of Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and due to its strategic location it served as a springboard for the Spanish conquest of the Americas, becoming a stopping point for treasure-laden Spanish galleons returning to Spain. Philip II of Spain granted Havana the name of capital in 1592. Walls in addition to forts were built to protect the old city. The sinking of the U.S. battleship Maine in Havana's harbor in 1898 was the immediate cause of this Spanish--American War.The town is the center of the Cuban government, and home to various ministries, headquarters of companies and over 100 diplomatic offices.

The governor is Reinaldo García Zapata of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC). In 2009, the city/province had the third highest income in the country.Contemporary Havana can basically be described as three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado and the newer suburban districts. The town goes mostly westward and southward in the bay, which is entered through a narrow inlet and which divides into three chief harbors: Mari melena, Guanabacoa and Antares. The sluggish Almendares River traverses the city from south to north, entering the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay.The city attracts more than a million tourists yearly; the Official Census for Havana reports that in 2010 the city was visited by 1,176,627 international tourists, a 20% increase from 2005. Old Havana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The town is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments. As typical of Cuba, Havana experiences a tropical climate.

Source: Wikipedia

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York is a cathedral city and unitary authority area at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss in England. The city is the county town of the historic county of Yorkshire. York is the most populous district within the lieutenancy area of North Yorkshire and second largest built-up area. City of York Council is a unitary authority responsible for providing all local services and facilities throughout the city and rural areas beyond the old city boundaries. The unitary authority is in the Leeds city region along with most of the former West Riding of Yorkshire, apart from South Yorkshire (in the Sheffield city region) and Derbyshire. At the 2011 census, the borough population was 198,051 and the population of the city was 153,717. The city is known for its famous historical landmarks such as York Minster and the city walls, as well as a variety of cultural and sporting activities, which makes it a popular tourist destination in England. It is about 25 miles (40 km) north-east of Leeds and 34 miles (55 km) north-west of Kingston upon Hull. The city was founded by the Romans as Eboracum in 71 AD. It became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria and Jórvík.

In the Middle Ages, York grew as a major wool trading centre and became the capital of the northern ecclesiastical province of the Church of England, a role it has retained. In the 19th century, York became a major hub of the railway network and a confectionery manufacturing centre, a status it maintained well into the 20th century. During the Second World War, York was bombed as part of the Baedeker Blitz. Although less affected by bombing than other northern cities, several historic buildings were gutted and restoration efforts continued into the 1960s.The economy of York is dominated by services. The University of York and National Health Service are major employers, whilst tourism has become an important element of the local economy. In 2016, York became sister cities with the Chinese city of Nanjing, as per an agreement signed by the Lord Mayor of York, focusing on building links in tourism, education, science, technology and culture. Today, the city is a popular tourist attraction, especially for international visitors from America, Germany, France and China. In 2017, York became UK's first human rights city, which formalised the city's aim to use human rights in decision making.

Source: Wikipedia