Cienfuegos, Cuba

Capital City

With a population of just 85,200, Cienfuegos is a far cry from the vibrant capital of Havana. This industrial hub on Cuba's southern coast is known for its factories and nuclear plants, not its beaches and nightlife. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the tropical savanna climate means sweltering heat and humidity year-round. While the city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the urban planning favors function over form. Cienfuegos is best suited for hardy expats drawn to Cuba's revolutionary legacy and willing to embrace the gritty realities of provincial life.