is the second most populated province in the island of
Cuba . It has a population of approximately 1.2 million; the largest city
Santiago De Cuba (554,000) is the main administrative center. Other large cities include
Palma Soriano (125,000), Contramaestre (88,000),
Mayarí Arriba (80,000),
San Luis (65,000) and
Songo-la Maya (50,000).
The province is rich in material resources such as
Iron and
Nickel . The economy, however, relies mostly on
Agriculture , with large plantations growing
Banana s,
Cacao and
Coffee dotting the landscape. Industry is growing around the capital, as is
Tourism . The natural beauty of the area is attracting many tourists from both the rest of Cuba and from overseas.
Santiago de Cuba province has been the site of many
Battle s, both during the war for independence and the
1959 Cuban Revolution , where much of the
Guerrilla fighting took place in the mountainous province.
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Contramaestre
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Chivirico
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Mella
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Palma Soriano
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San Luis
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Santiago De Cuba
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Mayarí Arriba
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La Maya
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Cruce De Los Baños
Prior to 1976, Cuba was divided into five provinces. One of these was Oriente province, which was, prior to 1905, known as Santiago de Cuba province. See
Historical Provinces Of Cuba .
