RESUMO
PIP: Changes of space settlement and location of population are a consequence of the complex social conditions and are therefore strongly influenced by social and economic formation. Under capitalism, there existed in Cuba a considerable difference of living conditions between Havana and other towns, as well as in the country-side. In 1953, already 35% of the urban population lived in Havana; almost the whole industrial and trade activity was concentrated in Havana and in several other towns. A large dispersion was especially characteristic for the rural settlement. Immigration to Havana and to several further towns was traditionally very intensive. However, new economic policy after the revolution has limited this immigration by the development of medium-size towns and by developing large-scale agricultural production - a unique case in Latin America. Urban population reached 68.2% in 1981, while the share of population living in the capital declined from 20.8% in 1953 to 19.8% in 1981. During the session of the National Assembly of People's Power in December 1983, Castro proclaimed that Cuba was probably the only country of Latin America not having any problem with the growth of the capital. The author includes tables comparing living standard development in the provinces of maximum and minimum population dispersion. The changes undergone in the field of internal migration, urbanization, and characteristics of rural settlement in Cuba relate to given development strategy and they are a logical consequence of profound social changes of the society. However, there exist some handicaps preventing an efficient development; for instance, the problem of directing migration to the regions, where the manpower is required. More necessary is the stabilization of urban settlement and, at the same time, a definitive elimination of territorial differences of the living standard. This is not an easily realizable process due to the need of considerable investments not confined to the sphere of material production.^ieng