Havana (Spanish: La Habana) is the capital and largest city of Cuba. The heart of the La Habana Province, Havana is the country's main port and commercial center. Havana is the most populous city, the largest by area, and the second largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region. The population in 2002 was 2,137,847 inhabitants. Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. It served as a base for the Spanish conquest of the Americas, becoming a stopping point for Spanish galleons returning to Spain. Philip II of Spain granted Havana the title of capital in 1607. Walls and forts were built to protect the city.