The area now known as Miami was inhabited by various Native American tribes especially the Tequestas until the arrival of European. In 1566 an explorer by the name of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés claimed the area for Spain and a Spanish mission was launched a year later. In 1821 Spain ceded the area to the United States. With the building of Fort Dallas in 1836 by the United States, the US government tried to remove the Seminole people from their territory. This led to the Second Seminole War. Miami was founded by a woman called Julia Tuttle, who was a wealthy businesswoman and the original owner of the land on which Miami was built. She is also known as the Mother of Miami. On July 28, 1896, Miami was officially incorporated as a city with a population of just over 300. During the early 20th century African American migrants made up 40% of Miami’s population. During the Second World War, Miami functioned as a base for defence against German submarines. In 1959, after the rise of Fidel Castro, Miami became a refuge centre for many wealthy Cubans. The city further developed in the latter half of the 2oth century as a main financial and cultural centre.

Miami is probably best known for its beach culture. There are other cultural aspects that the city is known for: from music to dance and from food to sports. When it comes to music, Miami is known for the Rumba and the Conga, brought here by the Cubans. Other music genres famous in the city are the kompa, zouk, Vallentano, cumbia, meringue, bachata, samba, reggae, steel pan, calypso and soca. Miami is also known for its parties with dance music such as modern electro or techno. The city is also known for Miami Bass, a high energy music genre. The city is well-known for its outdoor dance festivals such as the Winter Music Conference and the Ultra music festival. Apart from music and dance, the city is also famous for its exquisite cuisine, being a mix of American, Caribbean and Latin American cuisines morphed into what is called Floribbean cuisine. Being located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, seafood plays a vital role in the local cuisine.

Miami has a total population of 430,332. The city is home to a mix population with people from the Caribbean, the various Latin American countries, West Indies, Asia and the rest of America. It also has a Native American population known as the Miami. The majority of the people follow Christianity (68%), followed by Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. The people of Miami love outdoor activities. Be it swimming, cycling, boating or just hanging out at the beach.