According to petwithsupplies, Havana is the largest city in Cuba, located on the northern coast of the country. It is the capital and political, economic, and cultural center of Cuba. The city has a population of over two million people and is known for its vibrant nightlife, culture, and architecture. Havana is home to many important sites such as La Cabaña Fortress and El Morro Castle, as well as numerous museums, galleries, theatres, and parks. Additionally, it is home to various universities such as the University of Havana and several international institutions. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city in Cuba with a population of over one million people. Located on the southeastern coast of the island nation near Haiti, Santiago de Cuba was founded in 1515 by Spanish conquistadors and was once a major port for trade between Europe and Latin America. Today Santiago de Cuba remains an important port city but also serves as an important cultural center for Cuban music and art. It is also home to several universities such as Universidad de Oriente and several monuments including La Loma del Maíz which dates back to 1790. Camagüey is the third largest city in Cuba with a population of over 300 thousand people. Located in central-eastern part of the country near Ciego de Ávila province, Camagüey was founded in 1514 by Spanish settlers who were searching for gold but instead discovered abundant land suitable for farming crops such as sugar cane which became an important source of income for the region during colonial times. Today Camagüey remains an important agricultural center but has also become known for its vibrant culture which includes numerous churches such as Iglesia del Carmen built between 1690-1710 which today serves as a museum showcasing religious images from colonial times up to modern day Cuban artistry. Holguín is another large city located in eastern part of Cuba with a population of almost 300 thousand people. Founded in 1545 by Spanish conquistadors looking for gold; Holguín remains an important agricultural center producing sugar cane while also being known for its vibrant culture including annual festivals such as Carnaval that take place every July or August featuring traditional music performances from around Latin America while also showcasing Cuban artistry through various dance performances or competitions held throughout this weeklong festival period each year. In 2008, Cuba had been under the rule of Fidel Castro since the Cuban Revolution in 1959. The Cuban political system was a one-party socialist state, with the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) as its leading force. Under Fidel Castro’s rule, Cuba became an ally of the Soviet Union and adopted a centrally planned economy. The government maintained a monopoly on all economic activities, including foreign trade and investments. Cuba’s relations with the United States had been strained since the Revolution in 1959. The US imposed an embargo against Cuba in 1960 that prohibited most imports and exports to and from the country. In addition, US citizens were restricted from traveling to Cuba until 2009 when President Obama eased restrictions on travel to Cuba for educational purposes. Throughout 2008, there were increasing tensions between Havana and Washington due to allegations that Cuba was harboring terrorists and supporting anti-American regimes in Latin America such as Venezuela and Nicaragua. In addition, Fidel Castro’s brother Raul had been officially appointed president in 2006 after Fidel’s health declined, raising concerns over potential changes within Cuban leadership. In 2008, there were also increasing concerns over human rights violations by the Cuban government such as restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly as well as arbitrary detentions of dissidents by state security forces. While there were some signs of economic reform such as allowing Cubans to purchase computers and cell phones for personal use, overall economic conditions remained dismal due to rising prices for basic necessities such as food and fuel caused by shortages due to US sanctions against trade with Cuba. Despite ongoing tensions between Washington and Havana, bilateral talks began in December 2008 between newly elected US President Barack Obama’s administration and Cuban officials regarding migration issues between both countries which eventually led to a thawing of diplomatic relations in 2014 when Obama visited Havana for a historic meeting with Raul Castro which marked the end of decades long US embargo against Cuba that was finally lifted in 2015 under Obama’s leadership. Check neovideogames for Cuba in 2000.