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Miami, the Indian word sweet water was first populated by the Indians 12 000 years ago before the Spanish, who settled in the everglades.

In the 20s increased attraction to gambling and prohibition boosted the population from 30.000 to 200.000, however in 1926 the Great Miami Hurricane, also known as the Big Blow, destroyed part of the city and a reported fatality rate of 265 373 lives. Reconstruction brought another element to the population before the real estate boom started. In 1945 Miami became the symbol of fashion and elegance which attracted international jetsetters from 1950 to 1960 and luxury hotels were constructed all over the city.

By 1959 the political situation in Cuba brought half a million Cubans to Florida, approximately 250 000 to Miami alone, and Hispanics still represent more than 60% of the population today. In 1992, hurricane Andrew, one of the most destructive catastrophes in the country to date, demolished part of the city, however Miami bounced back as a result of major rebuilding efforts and is today, a hot spot for international business and tourism.