Isle of Youth, also known as Isla de la Juventud, is a Cuban island province. It is the second largest island of the country, after the mainland. The province is located in the southern part of the country, and is separated from the mainland by the Straits of Florida. The capital is Nueva Gerona.
The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World in 1494. He named it La Evangelista and claimed it for the Spanish Crown. For many years it was used as a prison colony. In 1978 it was renamed Isle of Youth, in honor of the Cuban youth who had fought in the Revolution.
The island is a popular tourist destination, with many beaches and resorts. It is also known for its scuba diving, with many well-preserved coral reefs.
