What is the capital city of Cuba, an island country in the Caribbean?

Introduction / Context:
Cuba is a prominent island nation in the Caribbean region, known for its distinctive culture, music, history and political system. Its capital city is frequently mentioned in global news, tourism information and historical discussions. Recognising the capital of Cuba is therefore a basic yet important part of world geography. This question asks you to choose that capital city from a list of Cuban and non Cuban towns, some of which are significant regional centres but not the national capital.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The country under consideration is Cuba.
• The options are Bayamo, Amancio, Havana, Sandino and Santiago de Cuba.
• Havana is internationally known as a major Cuban city.
• Some other options are Cuban towns or cities, and some may be less familiar.
• We use standard internationally recognised capital status.

Concept / Approach:
The capital city of Cuba is Havana. It is the largest city in the country and serves as the political, economic and cultural centre. Bayamo and Amancio are towns in Cuba but do not hold capital status. Sandino is another Cuban municipality. Santiago de Cuba is a major city and was historically significant, but it is not the current national capital. Because Havana fulfils the role of capital and is recognised worldwide as such, it is the correct answer among the given choices.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Havana is widely referenced as the capital of Cuba in textbooks, maps and news reports.Step 2: Identify Havana in the list of options.Step 3: Recognise that Bayamo and Amancio are smaller Cuban cities or towns, not the national capital.Step 4: Recognise that Sandino is also a local Cuban town and not a national capital.Step 5: Note that Santiago de Cuba is an important eastern Cuban city but does not serve as the capital.Step 6: Conclude that Havana is the only city in the list that correctly holds the status of capital city of Cuba.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consulting a map of the Caribbean or a reliable world atlas shows Havana clearly marked as the capital of Cuba. International diplomatic missions, flight schedules and tourism promotions repeatedly mention Havana as the main Cuban city for government and culture. While Santiago de Cuba often appears in historical or cultural contexts, it is not described as the capital. The presence of multiple smaller Cuban towns in the options is intended to test detailed knowledge, but none of them are identified as the capital by authoritative sources. This confirms that Havana is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Bayamo is a city in eastern Cuba but not the capital.
• Amancio is a municipality in Cuba and does not serve as the national capital.
• Sandino is another Cuban town without capital status.
• Santiago de Cuba is a major Cuban city and provincial capital but not the national capital of the country.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may be tempted by Santiago de Cuba because of its size and historical importance, especially in the context of the Cuban Revolution and cultural traditions. Others may not recognise lesser known town names and may guess randomly. To avoid confusion, remember the strong association between Cuba and Havana, often seen together in phrases like Havana cigars and Havana harbour. Establishing these mental links ensures that you quickly recall Havana as the capital city in exam situations.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Havana, which is the capital city of Cuba.