city, west-central Cuba. Situated in a slightly hilly area along the northern coast, Marianao was founded in 1726. Since 1900, with the growth of Havana (10 miles 【16 km】 to the northeast by highway and railroad), Marianao has become the capital's principal residential suburb. Exclusive residential sections have developed near La Playa beach and in the country club area. Additional entertainment facilities include a casino, yacht club, and racetrack. The city also contains numerous and varied industries, notably beer, pharmaceuticals, cloth, and tobacco. Cuba's chief military encampment, Camp Columbia, is in Marianao. Pop. (2002) 135,683.