Cuba

Overview

The Republic of Cuba comprises of the island of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud and other minor archipelagos. It is the largest island country in the Caribbean.

The country recorded a population of 11.34 million in 2018 and covers an area of 109,884 km2.

Its capital, which is also the largest city, is Havana. Other major cities are Santiago de Cuba and Camaguey.

The capital, Havana

History

In the 18th century, it was a Spanish empire and the main source of raw sugar. It was nicknamed “Pearl of the Antilles.”

Spain, however, had to fight a number of battles to keep the country. However, in 1898, Spain surrendered Cuba to the US in 1898 after they were defeated in the Spanish-American War.

Cuba gained independence in 1902 under the protection of the US.

But after a coup by Fidel Castro in 1959, Cuba became isolated from its northern neighbours as its ties with the Soviet Union increased. During that time it was ruled by a communist party. And in the Cold War era, it was often a point of contention between the US and Soviet Union to a point that a nuclear war almost broke out during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the US hit Cuba with economic embargo until December 2014.

Food/ culture

The Cuban culture is grounded on the European, African and Amerindian cultures.

The major crops grown here include sugarcane, rice, citrus fruits, potatoes, bananas, cassava, plantains, corn and tomatoes.

The most popular dishes are empanadas, arroz con pollo, chickpea stew, sweet potatoes in garlic citrus sauce and boliche.

Wildlife

Common wildlife animals found here include hawksbill turtle, Antillean manatee, the bee hummingbird, French angelfish and Cuban parakeet.

Annual events/ celebrations/ festivals

The National Revolution Day is held on 26th July.

The Labor Day on 1st May.

The Independence Day on 10th October.

Things to see

Malecon is a wide esplanade and seawall that extends for 8 km along the Havana coast.

Vinales Valley is a 132 km2 valley in Sierra de los Organos Mountains.

National Capital building is a public complex situated at Havana.

Other must-visit places are Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro, Cayo Largo del Sur and Revolution Museum.

Interesting facts

Cuba is the largest island of all the Caribbean island countries.

The country is commonly referred to as “El Cocodrilo” in Spanish for it resembles a crocodile while viewed from the air.

It is one of the few countries in the world that has a double currency system.

Borders

It is bordered by Mexico on the west, US states of Florida and Bahamas on the north, Haiti on the east and Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on the south.

History

Spain colonised Cuba from 1492 until 1898. Fidel Castro's revolution in 1959 brought a communist government, and the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 brought the world close to nuclear war.

Food & culture

Ropa vieja (shredded beef), congrí (rice and beans) and the Cuban sandwich are favourites, along with rum and coffee.

Wildlife

Cuba is home to the bee hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world, and the Cuban crocodile.

Festivals & events

The Havana Jazz Festival, Santiago de Cuba's Carnival and Las Parrandas in Remedios are highlights.

Things to see

Old Havana, the Viñales Valley, Trinidad, Cienfuegos and the beaches of Varadero.

Interesting facts

Cuba's classic American cars date mostly from before 1960.

Cities & towns I’ve visited

• Havana
• Varadero

Neighbours

Cuba has no land borders with other countries.