Cuba is the largest island nation in the Caribbean, located at the intersection of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of America, and Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its colonial history, revolutionary politics, Afro-Cuban culture, and significant influence in global geopolitics during the 20th century.
Geography 🌍
- Location: Between North and South America, 90 miles (145 km) south of Florida.
- Area: About 42,426 square miles (109,884 km²), making it the largest island in the Caribbean.
- Main Island: Cuba proper, along with Isla de la Juventud and several archipelagos.
- Capital and Largest City: Havana (La Habana).
- Climate: Tropical with a wet season (May–October) and a dry season (November–April).
- Natural Features:
- Sierra Maestra mountain range.
- Valleys such as Viñales (famous for tobacco cultivation).
- White sandy beaches and coral reefs.
History 📜
- Indigenous Period: Originally inhabited by the Taíno and Ciboney peoples.
- Spanish Colonization (1492–1898):
- Claimed by Christopher Columbus for Spain in 1492.
- Became a crucial hub in the Spanish colonial empire.
- Economy relied on sugar, tobacco, and African slavery.
- Wars of Independence:
- The Ten Years’ War (1868–1878) and subsequent uprisings against Spain.
- Achieved independence from Spain in 1898 after the Spanish-American War, but fell under heavy U.S. influence.
- Republic of Cuba (1902–1959):
- Nominal independence, but marked by U.S. intervention and corruption.
- Cuban Revolution (1959):
- Led by Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and the 26th of July Movement, overthrowing dictator Fulgencio Batista.
- Communist Era (1959–present):
- Established as a one-party socialist state under Castro.
- Major events include the Bay of Pigs invasion (1961) and the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962).
- Soviet support sustained Cuba until the USSR’s collapse in 1991, after which the “Special Period” of economic hardship followed.
Government and Politics 🏛️
- System: One-party socialist republic.
- Ruling Party: Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).
- Leadership:
- Fidel Castro ruled from 1959–2008.
- His brother Raúl Castro succeeded him, followed by Miguel Díaz-Canel as the current president.
- International Relations:
- Long-standing U.S. embargo (since 1960s).
- Strong historical ties with the Soviet Union, and later with Venezuela and other Latin American allies.
Economy 💵
- Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP), previously also the Convertible Peso (CUC, phased out in 2021).
- Key Sectors:
- Tourism 🌴: A cornerstone of the modern economy.
- Agriculture: Sugarcane, tobacco (notably Cuban cigars), and coffee.
- Healthcare and Education Exports: Doctors and teachers sent abroad.
- Nickel mining and biotechnology industries.
- Challenges: U.S. embargo, limited access to global financial systems, reliance on imports.
Culture 🎭
- Languages: Spanish (official).
- Ethnic Composition: Mixed heritage—Spanish, African, and indigenous influences.
- Music and Dance 🎶💃: Globally influential genres include salsa, son cubano, rumba, mambo, and cha-cha-cha.
- Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic, blended with Afro-Cuban religions like Santería.
- Cuisine 🍲: Rice and beans (moros y cristianos), roast pork, plantains, Cuban sandwiches, and coffee.
- Sports ⚾: Baseball is the national sport; boxing and athletics are also prominent.
Demographics 👥
- Population: Around 11 million.
- Urban Centers: Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Holguín.
- Diaspora: Large Cuban communities in Miami, New Jersey, and Spain.
Environment 🌱
- Biodiversity: Home to unique species like the Cuban hutia and the bee hummingbird (the world’s smallest bird).
- Conservation: Coral reefs, marine parks, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Challenges: Hurricanes, deforestation, and climate change impacts.
Last Updated on 1 week by pinc