Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, composed of the main island and over 4,000 smaller islets. It spans about 110,860 km² and lies between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The name “Cuba” likely derives from the Taíno word cubao, meaning “where fertile land is abundant.” As of 2024 its population is around 9.7 million, primarily Spanish-speaking. The republic’s political system is a one-party socialist state led by the Communist Party. Alcohol production and consumption—especially rum and cigars—play an important cultural role. Recreational drug use is low, though cannabis remains illegal. Cuba has state-run gaming halls but no large-scale casinos. The military is the largest in the Caribbean, and ultimate authority rests with the First Secretary of the Party.

History
The earliest known inhabitants of Cuba were the Guanahatabey in the west and the Taíno throughout the rest of the island, practicing agriculture and fishing long before European arrival. Christopher Columbus claimed the island for Spain in 1492, and for the next three centuries it became a cornerstone of Spanish colonial wealth through sugar, tobacco and cattle estates worked by enslaved Africans. In 1868 the Ten Years’ War marked the first major independence struggle, followed by intermittent uprisings that reflected both nationalist and abolitionist aspirations. After Spain’s defeat in the Spanish-American War of 1898, the United States occupied Cuba and managed its affairs until formal independence in 1902. However, U.S. influence remained dominant through the Platt Amendment, allowing intervention in Cuban affairs and control of Guantánamo Bay.

From 1902 to 1959 Cuba experienced fluctuating governments, often marked by corruption and close economic ties to American business interests. In 1952 Fulgencio Batista seized power in a coup and presided over an era of authoritarian rule that favored foreign-owned enterprises and cultivated ties with criminal syndicates. Resistance formed around Fidel Castro, who launched the Moncada Barracks attack in 1953 and the Granma expedition in 1956. After a guerrilla campaign in the Sierra Maestra mountains, Castro’s forces overthrew Batista on January 1, 1959.

The revolutionary government nationalized industries and land, expelled foreign corporations, and forged alliances with the Soviet Union. The U.S. responded with an embargo in 1960 and backed the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. During the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 the world narrowly avoided nuclear war after the Soviet Union withdrew missiles from the island in exchange for U.S. pledges not to invade. Over the following decades Cuba exported ideology to Latin America and Africa, sent medical brigades worldwide and endured severe economic hardship after the Soviet collapse in 1991. The 1990s “Special Period” brought food and fuel shortages, prompting limited market reforms. Since the 2000s, economic adjustments have introduced small private enterprises and foreign investment, yet the central state remains predominant. A new constitution in 2019 clarified the roles of president and prime minister but reaffirmed socialist principles. Throughout its history, Cuba’s strategic location and revolutionary identity have made it a focal point of global geopolitics.

Industry
Cuba’s economy centers on agriculture, mining and light manufacturing. It is the world’s second-largest producer of sugarcane, with a legacy of Cuban rum brands such as Havana Club. Tobacco cultivation in Pinar del Río yields premium cigar leaves for brands like Cohíba and Montecristo. Nickel and cobalt mining in eastern provinces account for over 70 percent of export earnings. The biotechnology sector has gained renown, developing vaccines and treatments for diseases like meningitis and COVID-19. Cuba achieved a record in the 1980s by eradicating polio and significantly reducing infant mortality through its pharmaceutical exports.

Flora and Fauna
Cuba hosts over 6,000 native plant species, half of which are endemic. Royal palms and mahogany dominate lowland forests, while pine-oak woodlands cover the highlands. The Zapata Peninsula and Isla de la Juventud harbor rare orchids and the near-extinct Cuban ivory palm. Wildlife includes over 350 bird species—such as the Cuban trogon, the national bird—and endemic reptiles like the Cuban crocodile. Several amphibian species appear in the national Red Book, including the Monte Iberia eleuth. Cuban fauna also features introduced species like goats and cattle. Strict export regulations protect native flora and fauna from illegal trade.

Religion and Ethnicity
The majority of Cubans identify as Catholic or Protestant, yet syncretic Afro-Cuban religions like Santería remain widespread. Approximately 60 percent of the population affiliates with Christianity, 23 percent claim no religious belief and around 17 percent practice folk religions. Ethnically, Cuba is diverse: roughly 64 percent identify as white, 27 percent as mixed and 9 percent as Black. Cultural traditions often blend Catholic rituals with Yoruba-based ceremonies, visible in festivals and healing practices.

Wars and Conflicts
Since independence, Cuba’s major conflict was the Cuban Revolution ending in 1959. It supported leftist movements abroad—in Angola, Ethiopia and Nicaragua—sending troops and advisors. Cuba’s last combat deployment was in Angola in 1991. It hosts thousands of military burials at monuments like the Memorial Granma. Domestic repression during the Cold War led to trials and executions of counter-revolutionaries, though terrorist attacks on Cuban soil have been rare since normalization of relations with the United States in 2015.

Living Standards
Cuba provides universal healthcare and education, achieving near-100 percent literacy and a life expectancy of 78 years. However, per capita GDP remains low, and consumer goods are scarce due to the U.S. embargo. Transparency International ranks Cuba around 70th for corruption perception, on par with many middle-income nations.

Medicine
Cuban healthcare is free and comprehensive, with a focus on preventive medicine. Tourists must carry travel insurance but can access private clinics in Havana. Pharmacies are state-run and sometimes face shortages of common medications. Tourists should bring prescriptions for chronic conditions.

Sport
Baseball is the national pastime, with Cuban teams winning multiple Baseball World Cups. Boxing, volleyball and track and field also excel internationally. Cuba has a strong Olympic tradition, ranking consistently among the top 20 nations in medal counts despite its small size.

Holidays
Key holidays include Independence Day on May 20, Revolution Day on January 1 and National Rebellion Day on July 26. Workers’ Day on May 1 features parades, and Christmas—once banned—is now observed on December 25. Each holiday blends official ceremonies with street festivals and family gatherings.

Traditions
Music and dance—especially son, rumba and salsa—are central to Cuban life. Visitors should greet locals politely and accept invitations to dance. Offering and receiving gifts with both hands shows respect. Avoid discussing politics unless invited, as sensitive topics can offend.

Interesting Facts
Ernest Hemingway lived in Cuba for nearly two decades and wrote The Old Man and the Sea there. The 1959 film The Motorcycle Diaries features Che Guevara’s Cuban exploits. The Bay of Pigs invasion site attracts history buffs. Cuba pioneered a Latin American space program in the 1980s and endures hurricanes, most memorably Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Money
Cuba uses the Cuban peso (CUP). Credit cards issued abroad may not work; cash exchange at banks and CADECAs (currency exchange houses) is recommended. Current rates hover around 24 CUP per US dollar. Tips of 10 percent in restaurants are customary, and small bills are preferred.

Practical Details
Electricity runs at 110 V/60 Hz, and plugs follow American types A and B. Mobile coverage by ETECSA is extensive but slow; purchase a data card at official outlets.

Clothing
Light cotton clothing is ideal year-round. Women can wear shorts and dresses freely, though shoulders should be covered when visiting religious sites. A hat and sunscreen are essential under the tropical sun.

Tourism
To explore Havana, Viñales and Santiago de Cuba thoroughly, plan for two weeks. Beaches like Varadero demand an extra five days for relaxation. Inland excursions to Sierra Maestra add depth to any itinerary.

Types of Tourism
Cuba offers cultural tours of colonial cities, beach vacations on the northern coast and eco-tourism in Viñales and Ciénaga de Zapata. Diving and sailing attract adventure seekers.

Tourist Attractions
Old Havana – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 16th- to 19th-century architecture and bustling plazas.
Trinidad – another UNESCO-protected colonial town with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings.
Viñales Valley – UNESCO landscape of mogotes and tobacco farms.

Offbeat Attractions
Fusterlandia – a mosaic-covered neighborhood by artist José Fuster in Jaimanitas.
Museum of Rum – an immersive look at Cuba’s signature spirit in Havana.

Local Cuisine
Ropa vieja – shredded beef stewed in tomato sauce.
Moros y cristianos – black beans with rice.
Lechón asado – roast pork.
Meals are served at noon and 7 pm. Fresh seafood and street snacks like tostones are safe when cooked hot.

Why Visit
Cuba’s blend of history, music and unspoiled landscapes offers a window into a world shaped by revolution and resilience.

Safety
Crime rates are low, but petty theft in crowded areas occurs. There is no major terrorist threat. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue are seasonal – use repellent. Respect local customs regarding race and religion to avoid misunderstandings.

Tourist Infrastructure
Service standards vary from basic hostels to refurbished colonial hotels. English is spoken in tourist hubs, but Spanish fluency enhances the experience.

Entry Rules
Most visitors need a tourist card, obtainable from airlines or embassies. Declare valuables at customs; agricultural products are prohibited to protect local flora.

Transport
Vintage American cars and modern taxis share Havana’s streets. State buses connect major cities, and Viazul coaches serve tourists. Tickets are bought at stations or online for Viazul.

Car Rental
Rental cars are scarce and expensive. Traffic is modest but roads outside cities can be narrow. Police rarely solicit bribes, but drivers must obey the 60 km/h urban speed limit and 100 km/h on highways. Always carry valid international driving permits.

Noise Regulations
Nighttime noise is generally tolerated until 10 pm in tourist districts, but quiet hours apply in residential areas.

Daily Budget
Expect to spend 50 CUP (about USD 2) on meals per day at mid-range paladares, plus 30 CUP on local transport. A moderate daily budget is around 1000 CUP (USD 40) including lodging.

What to Avoid
Flying drones requires special permission. Avoid photographing military installations. Religious proselytizing is discouraged.

Climate
The climate is tropical, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Hurricane season runs June to November. The best time to visit is November through mid-April.

Travel Tips
Update routine vaccinations. Bring a basic first-aid kit and carry photocopies of travel documents. Learning key Spanish phrases will greatly enhance interactions.