Westernmost
province of the island of Cuba. It limits to the north with
the Gulf of Mexico, to the east with the province of La Habana,
to the south with the Caribbean Sea, and to the west with
the Yucatan Channel. It has an extension of 10 904,01 sq km
(4210 sq mi) and an estimated population of 720 271 inhabitants
(1996). The province ranks third in extension and seventh
in population.
The relief of this province is characterized by the presence
of the Guaniguanico mountain range, around which are located
the plains of the north and south of the province, and the
plain of Guanahacabibes to the southwest. The above-mentioned
mountain range is divided into two different formations: the
Sierra del Rosario, having the Pan de Guajaibón as
maximum height with 692 m (2270 ft), and the Sierra de los
Órganos. In the latter, there is a great variety of
natural accidents, among which stand out the hummocks, the
great cavern of Santo Tomás, and the intermountain
valleys like that of Viñales, famous owing to its impressive
natural beauty.
The rivers of this region are short and narrow and the most
important flow towards the southern coast, like the Cuyaguateje,
the Hondo, and the San Diego. There is a great deal of lagoons
and dams.
Agriculture is characterized by tobacco growing, which, owing
to its worldwide-renowned quality, is one of the main exports
of the country. Industry is represented by fishing and wood
sawmills which play an important role.
