Simplify the following text for a Grade 9 native English-speaking person.
Original: The island lies almost directly south of Havana and Pinar del RÃ o , and because of its superficial extension , population and for its economic characteristics , is considered to be a Special Municipality , not being a part of any province .
Simplified: The island lies almost directly south of Havana and Pinar del RÃ o. Because of its superficial extension , population and for its economic characteristics , it is considered to be a Special Municipality . It is therefore not a part of any province .