Caimanera | |
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— Municipality — | |
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Coordinates: | |
Country | Cuba |
Province | Guantánamo |
Area[1] | |
• Total | 366 km2 (141.3 sq mi) |
Elevation | 5 m (16 ft) |
Population (2004)[2] | |
• Total | 10,562 |
• Density | 28.9/km2 (74.9/sq mi) |
Time zone | EST (UTC-5) |
Area code(s) | +53-21 |
Caimanera is a municipality and city in Guantánamo Province on the south eastern coast of Cuba. It is a fishing village and port built on the West shore of the sheltered Guantanamo Bay, just North of the US naval base and South of the provincial capital, Guantánamo. Ships chiefly sugarcane and coffee.
Residents of this remote city are the closest Cuban neighbours to the US military camp and currently prison for combatants from a war in Afghanistan. The community of fishermen and salt mine workers flourished at the beginning of the 20th century precisely because of the base’s construction. It was a magnet for Cuban workers and a popular spot for visitors, including Cubans from across the island and people from nearby countries such as Jamaica.
The city was named for the alligators (Dutch: Kaaiman) which were once common in the river and in the mangrove labyrinths of the upper Bay, but which since declined in numbers.
In 2004, the municipality of Caimanera had a population of 10,562.[2] With a total area of 366 km2 (141 sq mi),[1] it has a population density of 28.9 /km2 (75 /sq mi).
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