Who does Cuba belong to? Official language of Cuba. Useful information for tourists

Physiographic characteristics

Geographical position

Relief of Cuba

Relief

The relief of Cuba is predominantly flat. Hills and mountains occupy about a third of the territory. The highest mountain range, the Sierra Maestra, stretches along the southeastern coast for 250 km. Its highest point is Turkino Peak (1972 m). The picturesque low mountains located in the west of the island are intricately dissected and sparsely populated.

Minerals

Cuba occupies one of the leading places in the world in nickel mining (2nd place in the world in reserves and 3rd in production), has significant reserves of chromium, manganese, iron and copper ores, asbestos, rock salt, and phosphorites. Oil and gas fields have been discovered in the west of the country.

Climate

The climate of Cuba is tropical, trade wind. The average annual temperature is 25.5 °C. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is 22.5 °C and the hottest (August) is 27.8 °C. The temperature of surface waters off the coast in winter is 22-24 °C, in summer - 28-30 °C. The average annual precipitation, usually in the form of showers, is 1400 mm, but dry years often occur.

Cuba has clearly defined two climatic seasons: rainy (May-October) and dry (November-April). The rainy season accounts for 3/4 of the total annual precipitation.

A feature of Cuba's climate is its typical high humidity throughout the year. The combination of high humidity and high temperature has an overall adverse impact on people's lives. However, on the coast, the wind from the sea moderates the heat, brings freshness, and in the evenings, coolness. In any place, the winds are characterized by a certain constancy, so you can often see trees whose trunks have a corresponding slope.

Cuba is exposed to tropical cyclones, which originate in the summer-autumn period (June - mid-November) east of the Lesser Antilles and in the west of the Caribbean Sea, then moving towards Florida. Typhoons are accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds that can cause great damage to the economy and population of the island. The rivers in Cuba are short and shallow. Forests, covering about 10% of the territory, are preserved only in mountainous and swampy areas. Animal world sushi is relatively poor. At the same time, in the waters surrounding Cuba there are valuable commercial fish, shellfish, lobsters, shrimp, and sponges.

Administrative division

Cuba is a federation. The national territory is divided for political and administrative purposes into 14 provinces and the special municipality of Isla Juventud.

  1. Isle of Juventud (Spanish) Isla de la Juventud)
  2. Pinar del Rio (Spanish) Pinar del Rio)
  3. Havana (Spanish) La Habana)
  4. City of Havana (Spanish) Ciudad de La Habana)
  5. Matanzas (Spanish) Matanzas)
  1. Cienfuegos (Spanish) Cienfuegos)
  2. Villa Clara (Spanish) Villa Clara)
  3. Sancti Spiritus (Spanish) Sancti Spiritus)
  4. Ciego de Avila (Spanish) Ciego de Avila)
  5. Camagüey (Spanish) Camagüey)
  1. Las Tunas (Spanish) Las Tunas)
  2. Granma (Spanish) Granma)
  3. Holguin (Spanish) Holguin)
  4. Santiago de Cuba (Spanish) Santiago de Cuba)
  5. Guantanamo (Spanish) Guantanamo)

Transport

Scheme railways cubes

There is a railway on the island of Cuba (Cuban Railway in Spanish. Ferrocarriles de Cuba), a network of roads. Sea and air communications have been established with other countries. Cuba's leading airline, Cubana de Aviación, has offices in 32 countries.

Connection

After Castro came to power, the development of telecommunications on the island turned out to be extremely difficult. Cuba, however, was greatly helped by the Soviet Union, which provided some resources, such as communication channels.

In 2003, there were 2 Internet providers operating on the island. National domain Raul Castro abolished the rules for the use of mobile phones in the country, the national telecom operator - the company ETECSA - began providing communication services for ordinary citizens on April 14, 2008. In Cuba the GSM 900 standard is currently in use, and in some areas of Havana and the resort of Varadero - GSM 850.

Population

Story

The first European to arrive here was Columbus, who landed in the east of the archipelago in October. In Diego Velazquez de Cuellar subjugated the indigenous population of the islands, built Fort Baracoa and became the first Spanish governor of Cuba. By this time, seven settlements had been founded. In Cuellar he moved his headquarters to Santiago de Cuba, which became the first capital of Cuba. Colonization took place in the context of a struggle with the indigenous population of the island - the Taino Indians, who made up 75% of the population.

  • The first uprising for independence was suppressed in the city.
  • The Ten Years' War for Cuban Independence began in the city; the rebels were supported by the United States. Hostilities reached a climax in 1872-73, but then the rebels fought only in the eastern provinces of Camagüey and Oriente. A peace agreement was signed, eliminating the most unpleasant legislative acts for the inhabitants of the island.
  • A detachment of Cuban patriots under the leadership of Jose Marti landed in the city of Cuba. This event became Starting point a new war with the Spaniards, during which the Cubans achieved control over almost the entire territory of the island, excluding big cities(See Cuban War of Independence).
  • In the city, the United States began a war with Spain, in which they won. Cuba becomes dependent on the United States. The Constitution stipulated the right of the United States to send troops into the country. This clause was canceled in
  • In the city, as a result of a coup organized by revolutionaries led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista, dictator Gerardo Machado y Morales was overthrown and a democratic regime was established.
  • On March 10, Mr. Fulgencio Batista carried out a coup d'etat and established a personal dictatorship.
  • On July 26, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro attempted to seize the Moncada barracks. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the participants in the assault ended up in prison, but this event became the starting point of the Cuban Revolution. In the city, the revolutionaries were amnestied. On December 2, a new group of revolutionaries disembarked from the Granma yacht in the east of the island and began military operations against the Batista government.
  • On January 1, dictator Batista fled Cuba. At this point, rebel forces occupied the city of Santa Clara in the center of the island and controlled large swathes of terrain to the east, although the capital was not in immediate danger and Batista still had significant military forces at his disposal. In the conditions of the power vacuum that arose as a result of Batista's flight, on January 8, a column of rebels entered Havana, where they were greeted with popular jubilation.

As a result of the victory of the revolution, power in Cuba was given to a left-wing government led by Fidel Castro, which then leaned towards the path of building socialism and is in power to the present day. The country's ruling and only permitted party is the Communist Party of Cuba. The government of Fidel Castro carried out agrarian reform, nationalized industrial assets, and launched broad social reforms, which alienated many groups of the population; the result of the process was the mass emigration of the dissatisfied, mainly to the United States, where a large diaspora of opponents of Castro and his policies was created.

  • In April, Cuban emigrants, with the active support of the United States, landed armed troops on south coast islands with the goal of organizing a mass protest against the policies of the new government in the future, but the intervention was quickly stopped, and the expected social explosion never happened. Subsequently, emigrant organizations repeatedly organized terrorist attacks and small-scale landings on Cuba, but without much results.

From the early 1960s to the early 1990s, Cuba was an ally of the USSR, which provided significant financial, economic and political support, actively supported Marxist rebels and Marxist regimes in Latin America (Puerto Rico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Bolivia, Peru , Brazil, Argentina, Chile), Africa (Ethiopia, Angola) and Asia, and also pursued a policy of providing humanitarian assistance to various countries of the world. In the late 1980s, more than 70 thousand Cubans were abroad as part of military and humanitarian missions.

Executive power belongs to the Chairman of the State Council (head of state) and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (head of government).

The ruler of Cuba since 1959, Fidel Castro, announced his resignation as Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief of Cuban troops. Castro's address to the people was published on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 by the Granma newspaper. “To my dear fellow citizens, who have given me the immeasurable honor of electing me as a member of Parliament, in which the most important decisions for the fate of the revolution will be taken, I inform you that I do not intend and will not give my consent to take the post of Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief,” it says in an address by Fidel Castro published on the newspaper’s website.

Economy

Advantages: The tourism industry attracts foreign investors. Export of sugar and nickel. Elite cigars. The banking sector is strengthening.

Weak sides: Due to the US embargo, lack of access to important markets and investments. Acute shortage of foreign currency. Fluctuations in world prices for sugar and nickel. Complicated trade restrictions and lack of legal regulations hinder investment. Poor infrastructure. Shortage of fuel, fertilizers and spare parts. Hurricane damage in 2001

There are different points of view regarding the level of development of Cuba before the revolution. According to a number of sources, in terms of GNP per capita, Cuba was ahead of Spain and Japan at that time. Robin Blackburn also wrote that Cuba was one of the richest countries in the underdeveloped category. Professor Maurice Halperin, who worked in Cuba immediately after the revolution, objected to the application of the term “underdeveloped” to pre-revolutionary Cuba, which, in his words, caused false associations with truly backward countries, and proposed calling it “moderately developed”. On the other hand, the Groningen Growth and Development Center, having conducted its own retrospective calculations using a special methodology, received data stating that Cuba was inferior to these countries and a number of Latin American countries.

Source Robin Blackburn Humberto (Bert) Corzo NationMaster Angus Maddison
Units U.S. dollars US dollars at PPP U.S. dollars Geary-Khamis dollars
Year 1953-1954 1958 1960 1960 1953 1960
Cuba 360 356 4399 1900 2363 2052
Spain 250 180 396 396 2528 3150
Mexico 284 353 353 2439 3025
Chile 360 551 551 4112 4392
Costa Rica 230 381 381 2353 2605
Japan 254 471 471 2474 3289
USA 2881 2793 10613 11328

According to statistics, in 1951 in Cuba there were 122 thousand cars for a population of 5.5 million, that is, 1 car for 41 people. At the same time, according to the authors of the Area Handbook for Cuba, “all this, as a fact, does not matter at all, since there were de facto two Cubas, in one the elite lived beautifully and comfortably, and in the other the most necessary things for life were not available ".

In 1960, a massive nationalization of the private sector was carried out. Currently, Cuba has one of the most nationalized economies in the world. In the second half of the 60s. the government attempts to abandon central planning in favor of sectoral planning and moves toward experiments involving moral incentives and the widespread use of free forced labor. Falling production levels and avoidance of forced labor forced a return to Soviet-style central planning. In the 1970s - 80s. With the help of the countries of the socialist bloc, the basis of the industry is being created in Cuba.

The main sector of the Cuban economy is the sugar industry. The capacity of Cuba's sugar factories is capable of processing 670 thousand tons of sugar cane per day (production of 9-9.5 million tons of sugar per year). In the past, the industry developed extensively thanks to the support of the CMEA.

The Cuban government is creating free economic zones (FEZ) in order to attract foreign investment. In 1996, a law was adopted on the procedure for the creation and functioning of free economic zones. The validity period of the concession for the right to operate in the SEZ is 50 years. In 1997, three SEZs began operating (Mariel, Havana City and Vahay).

Exports nickel, sugar, tobacco, seafood, medical products, citrus fruits, coffee. The main export partners are the Netherlands, Canada, China. In November 2004, during a visit to Cuba by Chinese President Hu Jintao, an agreement was reached that China would invest $500 million in the Cuban nickel industry. In January 2008, Brazilian President Lula da Silva and the head of the state oil company visited Cuba and imported petroleum products, food products, industrial equipment, and chemical products. The main import partners are Venezuela, China, Spain.

The Cuban banking system consists of the Central Bank, 8 commercial banks, 13 non-banking financial institutions, 13 representative offices of foreign banks and 4 representative offices of foreign financial institutions. There are 2 types of currency in Cuba. Citizens of Cuba receive black and white Cuban pesos, foreigners receive colored (convertible) pesos when exchanging currency. Western media reported on currency manipulations by the top Cuban leadership and the F. Castro family.

Since 1962, a card system has been in effect in Cuba; products are issued according to the same standards for the entire country. According to Cuban experts, the population currently receives from 40 to 54 percent of the minimum required calories from food distributed on ration cards. Milk is provided free of charge by the state to children under 6 years of age or purchased by the population at the market. Throughout the post-revolutionary years, a black market existed in Cuba. A number of goods, the distribution of which by cards is carried out irregularly or are intended only for benefit recipients, are still purchased on the black market.

In 2008, Cuban residents were allowed to buy cell phones, computers and DVD players, as well as 19- and 24-inch TVs, electric pressure cookers and electric bicycles, car alarms and microwave ovens (but only for convertible currency).

According to the BBC television company, there is an increase in prostitution and corruption in Cuba. The average monthly salary in Cuba is $12, but there are many government benefits. For example, free clothing is provided to workers. There is a system of free medical care and free higher and secondary education.

Foreign policy

Russia

From the very beginning of the revolution in Cuba, the attitude of the CPSU leadership towards Liberty Island was ambiguous, in some ways similar to the position regarding the SFRY. First, neither the Castro brothers nor their associates were formally Leninists. Their theoretical basis was limited to the legacy of Marx and Engels. Secondly, among other things, Cuba, in principle, was not part of the military blocs. Highly valuing freedom, Cuba, since the Belgrade Conference (Yugoslavia, September 1-6, 1961), has been one of the most active participants in the Non-Aligned Movement. It joined the CMEA only in 1972.

Participation in international organizations

Immediately after the revolution, about 3 thousand doctors left the country. However, this deficiency was compensated for by the organization of the medical education system. Currently, the Cuban health care system is considered one of the best in the world and has extensive primary health care and scientific development programs. Cuba has the lowest infant mortality rate in Latin America. All types of medical care are free.

Education

Cuba has a traditionally high educational level of the population. Since the beginning of the 20th century, there has been a system of state free 9-grade elementary education for children from 6 to 14 years old (the ninth grade was optional, the rest are compulsory). In 1932, 90% of school-age children attended elementary schools (state and church). In 1951, illiterates accounted for 22% of the adult population, which was lower than in Spain and pre-war Italy. In 1961, a massive literacy campaign began. As a result, in 1980 the number of illiterate people was only 2%, and in 1990 Cuba became a country of complete literacy. A public secondary and higher school was created. During the 60s. the number of students doubled (from 717 to 1.5 million) with a population growth of 1-2% per year. In total, counting all stages of education, the number of people covered by them has tripled.

Currently, Cuba has compulsory nine-grade education (the average is 12-grade education). There are 50 centers higher education. Education at all levels is free.

The country's main educational institution is the University of Havana, located in different parts capital Cities. Until 1999, Russian was taught there as the main foreign language (faculty of the Pais brothers). The work of this faculty was supervised by the Moscow State University Center for Education. After 1999, English became such a language. Other universities in Cuba: Agricultural University of Havana.

The science

Art

Cuba in music Cuba in literature

Religion

In Cuba, church and state are separated, and the Cuban Constitution guarantees the population freedom of religion. The most common religion is Catholic.

Despite the peculiarities of socialism as a socio-political system that has dominated the country for many decades, Cubans are quite religious. Even members of the Cuban Communist Party are not prohibited from attending churches. Catholic churches exist throughout the country. Even after the victory of the revolution, masses are celebrated daily and solemn services are held on national or local religious holidays.

With the arrival of black slaves on the island, various beliefs of African origin spread. Over time, three main movements emerged from them, existing and popular to this day. This is Regla de Ocha (Spanish) Regla de Ocha) or Santeria (Spanish) Santeria), Las Reglas de Palo (Spanish) Las Reglas de Palo) and La Sociedad Secreta Abakua (Spanish. La Sociedad Secreta Abacua). As a result of the historical process, a mixture of Catholic dogmas and African cults also formed. For example, the Most Pure Virgin of Mercy from Cobre is considered by Catholics to be the patroness of Cuba. In Santeria she goes by the name Ochun.

IN last years Protestant churches began to appear, especially in the provinces.

Sport

Armed forces

Guard at the mausoleum of Jose Marti

The Cuban Army (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias - FAR) is the main armed formation of Cuba, ensuring its national defense.

mass media

The Liberty Island daily newspaper Granma bears the name of the yacht of the same name, on which a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro landed in Cuba to carry out guerrilla warfare against the Batista regime. The newspaper is the official conductor and popularizer of the policies pursued by the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC). Once a week on English language Granma Internacional is released. The Cuban press is also represented by such publications devoted to the problems of economics, tourism, finance, culture, politics, as “Opciones”, “Bohemia”, “Juventud Rebelde”, “Trabajadores”.

Notes

  1. As a result of the Spanish-American War.
  2. http://www.echo.msk.ru/news/425116.html
  3. http://som.csudh.edu/cis/lpress/devnat/nations/cuba/cuba3.htm
  4. Raul Castro: Between Deng Xiaoping and Gorbachev
  5. Robin Blackburn. The economies oh the Cuban revolution // Fidel Castro’s Personal Revolution in Cuba: 1953-1973. Edited with an Introduction by James Nelson Goodsell, The Christian Science monitor. Consulting Editor Lewis Hanke, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. New York, 1975, p. 134
  6. “Semidevelopment”, “Intermediate stage of development” - Maurice Halperin. The Rise and Decline of Fidel Castro. An Essay in Contemporary History by Maurice Halperin. University of California Press. Berkley/Los Angeles/London., 1972, p. 25

The official name is the Republic of Cuba (Republica de Cuba, Republic of Cuba).

Located in the West Indies. It occupies an archipelago that is part of the Greater Antilles group. Includes the islands of Cuba (area 104.9 thousand km2), Juventud (2.2 thousand km2) and more than 1,600 small islands (3.7 thousand km2). total area- 110,860 km2. Population - 11.2 million people. (2002). The official language is Spanish. The capital is Havana (2.2 million people, 2002). Public holidays- Liberation Day January 1 (1959), National Uprising Day July 26 (1953). The monetary unit is the Cuban peso (equal to 100 centavos).

Member of the UN (since 1945), Leningrad NPP (since 1975), AKG (since 1994), LAI (since 1999), WTO (since 1995), etc.

Sights of Cuba

Geography of Cuba

It is located between 19°49′ and 23°15′ north latitude and 74°08′ and 84°57′ west longitude. Washed by the waters Atlantic Ocean in the east, Caribbean Sea- in the south and the Gulf of Mexico - in the west. Length coastline islands of Cuba - 5746 km. The coast is characterized by deep-water bays (Matanzas, Nipe, Guantanamo) and many convenient bays. The island is surrounded by reefs and other coral formations.

Cuba is separated from the United States by the Strait of Florida (180 km at its narrowest part), from Haiti by the Windward Strait (77 km), from Jamaica by the Strait of Colon (140 km) and from Mexico by the Yucatan Strait (210 km).

Most (about 2/3 of the territory) of the island of Cuba is flat or slightly undulating plain. The most significant hills and mountains are located in the south-east of the country. The highest points are the peaks of Turquino (1974 m), Cuba (1872) and Sweden (1734) in the Sierra Maestra mountain range.

The rivers are short and not full. The largest (km): Cauto (370), Sagua la Grande (163), Sasa (155). There are no significant lakes.

The soils are represented by red soils (the most common), chernozems and brown soils.

The flora includes up to 8 thousand species of tropical flora (including 90 species of palm trees). Forests cover approx. 1/4 of the territory. The fauna is characterized by a poverty of vertebrates and an abundance of lower species (rodents, insectivores, bats), as well as the absence of predatory mammals and poisonous individuals.

Of the mineral resources, large deposits of nickel-cobalt and iron ores are of greatest importance. There are also chromites, manganese, copper, lead, zinc, and tungsten. Among nonmetallic minerals, marls, magnesites, dolomites, refractory and ceramic clays, and marble stand out. Reliable reserves: oil 283.5 million barrels, nickel 5.6 million tons, cobalt - 1 million tons.

The climate is tropical, trade wind. The average annual temperature is +25.5°C. The coldest month is January (+22.5°C), the hottest month is August (+27.8°C). The rainy season is from May to October, the dry season is from November to April. The average annual precipitation is 1400 mm.

Population of Cuba

Population dynamics (thousand people, as of mid-year): 1990 - 10,628, 1995 - 10,964, 2000 - 11,199, 2001 - 11,230. Fertility rate 12.08%, infant mortality 7.27 people. per 1000 newborns, average life expectancy is 76.6 years (2002 estimate). Sex and age structure of the population: 0-14 years - 20.6% (men 1,188,125, women 1,125,743), 15-64 years - 69.3% (3,902,162, 3,880,531), 65 years and older - 10 .1% (520,849, 606,911) (2002 estimate). Urban population 73.3%. Population density 101.5 people. per 1 km2. Citizens who have worked for 25 years and have reached 60 years of age (men) and 55 years of age (women) have the right to retire. Illiteracy among the population aged 10 years and older is 3.8%.

Ethnic composition (%): mulatto - 51, white - 37, black - 11 and Chinese - 1. Language - Spanish.

The majority of believers profess Catholicism, a smaller part - Protestantism, Judaism and Afro-Cuban cults.

History of Cuba

The island of Cuba was discovered by H. Columbus on October 27, 1492. Colonization of the country by Spain began in 1511. The Indian tribes inhabiting it (Guanahatabeys, Siboneys and Tainos), under the leadership of their leaders Atuey and Guama, stubbornly resisted the conquerors who brought socio-political and economic feudal institutions of the metropolis. In 1596 the island received the status of captaincy general. The progressive extinction of the indigenous population forced the organization of the import of blacks from Africa, whose labor became the basis of the slave-owning plantation economy (sugar cane, tobacco, coffee), which occupied the middle. 18th century along with cattle breeding latifundia, a leading place in the economy of the colony. A class of wealthy Creole landowners gradually emerged. At the same time, the population's dissatisfaction with the colonial order grew.

The independence movement arose in Cuba in the 19th century. The anti-colonial Ten Years' War (its leaders were K.M. de Cespedes and I. Agramonte - representatives of the patriotic part of the large landowners), which began on October 10, 1868 with an uprising near the town of Yara, ended with the Sanhon Pact (1878). Its main result was the abolition of slavery (1886), which promoted the national unity of the Cubans. An attempt by the most radical elements to continue the struggle (Little War of 1879-80) failed, and Spain retained its dominance over the island.

A new uprising for independence broke out on February 24, 1895 (“Cry from Bayre”). Its leader, organizer and inspirer was H. Marty (died in battle in May 1895). A. Maceo and M. Gomez also played a prominent role in the struggle for national liberation.

In an effort to take advantage of the liberation struggle of the Cuban people, the United States entered into a war with Spain on April 25, 1898, which ended with the occupation of the island by American troops. On May 20, 1902, Cuba gained formal independence. In 1901, under pressure from the United States, the so-called The Platt Amendment meant the establishment of an unofficial US protectorate over the country. The latter were leased territories in the areas of Guantanamo and Bahia Onda.

In 1925, with the support of the United States, the dictatorship of J. Machado was established in Cuba, which was overthrown on August 12, 1933 as a result of the revolution. In September 1933, a provisional revolutionary government led by R. Grau San Martin came to power, expressing the political sentiments of the national bourgeoisie and the middle urban strata. In 1934 it was overthrown as a result of a coup carried out by Colonel F. Batista. Batista carried out a certain democratization of internal life: in 1938 the Communist Party was legalized, in 1939 the Trade Union Center of Cuban Workers was founded, and in 1940 a new Constitution was adopted - one of the most democratic in the world of that time.

Under the subsequent governments of R. Grau San Martin (1944-48) and especially C. Prio Socarras (1948-52), the persecution of democratic forces caused a response in the form of activation of the latter. Fearing the victory of these forces in the upcoming elections in June 1952, Batista carried out a preventive coup on March 10 and established a military-police regime in the country. On July 26, 1953, under the leadership of F. Castro, a failed armed uprising against the dictatorship took place. With the landing of a revolutionary detachment of 82 people on the territory of Cuba on December 2, 1956. Led by Castro, the insurgency in the country received new impetus. The movement against the dictatorship took various forms, and on January 1, 1959, as a result of the joint actions of all revolutionary forces, the pro-American Batista regime fell. On February 17, 1959, Castro took over as Prime Minister of the Revolutionary Government, which began to implement radical socio-economic and political changes. After Castro proclaimed a course towards building socialism on April 16, 1961, a brigade of American mercenaries landed in Cuba (in the Playa Giron area). The defeat of the interventionists hardened the counter-revolution, supported and directed by the United States. The USSR's intervention in the conflict led to one of the largest confrontations between “socialism and imperialism” after World War II, known as the Caribbean (or Missile) Crisis of 1962. Its outcome ushered in a period of peaceful development for Cuba.

Government structure and political system of Cuba

The Constitution is in force in 1976, as amended in 1992. According to the Constitution, “Cuba is a socialist, independent and sovereign state of the working people, created by all and for the benefit of all in the form of a unitary democratic republic, providing conditions for political freedom, social justice, individual and collective prosperity and human solidarity” .

Administrative division: 14 provinces (Pi nar del Rio, the city of Havana, Havana, Matanzas, Cien Fuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Las Tunas, Granma, Santiago de -Cuba, Holguin and Guantanamo), which are divided into 169 municipalities, including one special central subordination (Juventud Island).

The largest cities (thousand people, end 1998): Havana (2192), Santiago de Cuba (440), Camaguey (304), Holguin (256), Santa Clara (210), Guantanamo (207).

The highest legislative body is the unicameral National Assembly of People's Power, whose deputies (609 people) are elected by universal, direct, secret ballot. The term of office of parliament is 5 years.

From among its deputies, the National Assembly elects the State Council (31 people), consisting of a chairman, first deputy chairman, 5 deputy chairmen, a secretary and 23 members. The State Council is a permanent body of the National Assembly, which represents it between sessions, implements its decisions and reports to it on its activities. The term of office of the Council of State expires when the elections for a new assembly are completed. The Chairman of the State Council is both the head of government and the supreme commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the republic.

The highest executive body of power is the Council of Ministers (government), whose members are nominated by the Chairman of the State Council and approved by the National Assembly. The Council of Ministers is accountable in its activities to the National Assembly of People's Power.

Local authorities are represented by provincial and municipal assemblies. The term of office of the first is 5 years, the second is 2.5 years. Like the National Assembly, the locals are elected through equal, direct and secret elections. Citizens who have reached the age of 16 have the right to be elected to provincial and municipal assemblies, as well as the bodies formed by them. The age limit for deputies of the National Assembly is 18 years.

Castro served as Prime Minister of Cuba from February 17, 1959 until February 24, 1976, when this post was abolished by law. Since December 2, 1976, Castro has been Chairman of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of Cuba.

The only legal political party is the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC), created on April 16, 1961, which has full control of the legislative, executive and judicial authorities and mass public organizations. The leading role of the CPC is enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic. The highest body of the party is the congress, convened once every 5 years, which is elected by the Central Committee. The last of its members is elected by the Politburo (25 people). The first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba is F. Castro, the second is R. Castro. By the 5th Congress of the CPC (1997), the party numbered 780 thousand members.

The most widespread public organization- Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (KDR), created in 1960 and uniting St. 6.6 million people National coordinator of the KZR - J. Contino.

The Trade Union Center of the Workers of Cuba (PTK) was founded in 1939. It unites 19 sectoral trade unions with 2.7 million members (1996). General Secretary - P. Ross Leal.

The Federation of Cuban Women (FCW) was formed in 1960 and includes 3.6 million people. (82.7% of the total female population over 14 years of age, 2000). The Chairman of the FKJ is V. Espin de Castro.

The National Association of Small Farmers (NAMZ) was founded in 1961 and has approx. 170 thousand members. Chairman of NAMZ - O. Lugo. There are also a number of other public organizations.

The leading organization of the business community is the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba.

In foreign policy, Cuba advocates international relations and friendly relations with all states based on strict respect for equality, sovereignty, independence and national and territorial integrity. She is committed to the ideas of strengthening the role of the UN, the principles of a multipolar world and international security.

Most countries in the world support normal interstate relations with Cuba and advocates lifting the US trade embargo. Cuba's economic and trade relations with Canada, the EU (especially Spain) and Latin American countries (in particular Venezuela) are developing successfully.

On the line. 2002 Cuba maintained diplomatic and consular relations with 182 states.

The number of Cuban Armed Forces decreased from 297 thousand people. in 1987 to 55 thousand in 1997. The share of military expenditures in GDP decreased during this time from 4.5 to 2.3%. In 2002, citizens fit for military service (persons 15-49 years old) were: men - 1915.6 thousand, women - 1869.9 thousand people.

Diplomatic relations with the USSR were established on October 14, 1942, interrupted on April 3, 1952, and restored on May 8, 1960. In December 1991, the Russian Federation was recognized as the legal successor of the USSR.

Economy of Cuba

The disorganization and then the collapse of the decades-old system of foreign economic relations with the USSR and the countries of Eastern Europe led to the fact that in the beginning. 1990s Cuba's economy found itself in a protracted crisis. During 1989-93, Cuba's GDP decreased by 34.8%. The decline in the country's purchasing power from $8.1 billion in 1989 (the last “normal” year for the national economy) to 1.7 billion in 1993 indicated that its economy was 4/5 paralyzed. The government was forced to introduce a program of emergency measures, which provided for a wide opening of the economy to foreign capital, strict centralized control over the expenditure of financial resources, and a shift in emphasis in favor of the development of industries working to satisfy urgent domestic demand (food industry, oil production) or for export.

Thanks to the New Deal, Cuba in 1994 managed to reverse the declining trend in its economic development- The country's GDP grew by 0.7% for the first time in recent years. The trend towards the resumption of economic activity that emerged in this year, although it subsequently intensified, did not become sustainable: Cuba's GDP growth (%): 1995 - 2.5, 1996 - 7.8, 1997 - 2.5, 1998 - 1, 2, 1999 - 6.2, 2000 - 5.3, 2001 - 2.5, 2002 - 1.1. Sharp fluctuations in growth rates over the years are explained mainly by changes in world market conditions, as well as force majeure factors (hurricanes, droughts).

The GDP in 2002 is estimated at 27.6 billion pesos. Based on the official (obviously inflated) exchange rate of the peso against the dollar (1:1), then GDP per capita in 2002 was approximately $2,456. However, this figure does not reflect the actual state of affairs, since the peso is an inconvertible currency, and its real purchasing power is expressed by the ratio of 26 pesos per $1.

The number of people employed in the national economy is 4.3 million people, of which 78% are in the public sector. Agriculture accounts for 24%, industry - 25% and services - 51% of all employment (1999). Unemployment 4.1% (2001).

According to official data, there is no inflation in the country. According to the CIA, inflation in 2002 was 7.1%.

Sectoral structure of GDP: agriculture - 8%, industry - 35, services - 58% (2002).

The development of individual sectors of the national economy is uneven. In industry, the priority is the extractive industries - oil and the production of nickel-containing concentrates. In 2002, Cuba produced a total of 4.1 million tons of oil, which meets 92% of the country's need for electricity production. Cuba's current (2003) energy demand is 100 thousand barrels. per day, 53 thousand of which come on preferential terms from Venezuela.

The extraction and processing of nickel ores remains a strategic sector of the Cuban economy, in the development of which more than $400 million has been invested over the past 5 years. In 2000, nickel-containing concentrate became the country's main export product, revenues from the sale of which exceeded revenues from sugar supplies. A year later, Cuba strengthened its position in the world economy as the 5th largest producer of nickel (76.5 thousand tons). The country has 37% of the world's reserves of this metal and plans to increase its production to 100 thousand tons in the near future.

At the same time, Cuba does not yet have plants for processing concentrate into finished products (Canada does this for it). The nickel industry is too energy-intensive for their construction to be planned in the near future given the underdeveloped energy sector on the island. Electricity generation in 2001 amounted to 15.3 billion kWh.

The backbone of the Cuban economy is still recognized as the sugar industry, which ranks third in terms of income in hard currency after tourism and the nickel industry.

The collapse of the former supply system established within the framework of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance and unfavorable world market conditions caused a deep recession in the industry: the volume of raw sugar production decreased compared to the 2nd half. 1980s 2 times, varying between 3.2-4.0 million tons (in 2002 - 3.4 million tons).

Since May 2001, the government has been restructuring the industry. The main task is to significantly increase its profitability. As part of the corresponding program, it was announced that 71 of the existing 156 plants would be closed or repurposed and the remaining ones would be modernized. The production potential of sugar factories is henceforth planned to be maintained at the level of 4 million tons of products per year (0.7 million tons for domestic consumption and 3.3 million for export). OK. 40% of the area occupied by sugar cane will be allocated to other crops, for the development of livestock farming and the expansion of forest resources.

With the help of foreign loans, the tobacco industry is being restored, primarily the production of cigars, which was greatly reduced in the beginning. 1990s In 2002, their sales reached $240 million.

Among the knowledge-intensive industries, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry and medical instrumentation receive the greatest attention. Of the 804 medicines included in the national list, the pharmaceutical industry produces 571 (71%, 2001).

On the line. 1997 Cuba's land fund amounted to 10,972.2 thousand hectares, incl. agricultural lands - 6686.7 thousand hectares (60.9%), of which cultivated lands - 3701.4 thousand hectares (33.7%), natural pastures - 2222.8 thousand hectares (20.3%), unused lands - 762.5 thousand hectares (6.9%); non-agricultural lands - 4285.5 thousand hectares (39.1%), incl. forests - 2924.9 thousand hectares (26.6%). Irrigated areas are less than 1 thousand km2.

Of the 6686.7 thousand hectares of agricultural land, 2234.5 thousand hectares (33.4%) are in the public sector, 4452.2 thousand hectares (66.6%) are in the non-state sector, incl. in the cooperative - 4149.9 thousand hectares and at the disposal of individual peasants - 236.2 thousand hectares.

Production of certain types of agricultural products (2001, thousand tons): vegetables and root crops - 2125.2, rice - 590.6, corn - 306.7, beans - 105.6, citrus fruits - 893.8. Deliveries for slaughter (thousand tons): cattle - 143.9, small cattle - 17.3, poultry - 71.0. 1.5 billion eggs were produced.

The public sector accounts for 72.3% of the production of vegetables and root crops, 34.5% of rice, 21.3% of corn, 15.6% of beans, 50.5% of citrus fruits, 93.7% of beef, 27. 9% - pork, 18.1% - small livestock meat, 35.0% - poultry, 19.3% - milk and 78.8% - eggs (1998).

Cuba has a relatively dense transport network. The length of railways is 12.0 thousand km (2000, estimate), incl. public railways - 4.8 thousand km (of which electrified - 147 km), etc. sugar lines - 7.2 thousand km (2000, estimate).

The length of highways is 60.9 thousand km, incl. with hard surface - 29.8 thousand km.

In 2001, specialized transport institutions in Cuba transported 678.9 million passengers, of which by rail- 15.0 million, road - 657.6 million (excluding transportation of tourists) and air - 1.3 million. Freight transportation amounted to 57.7 million tons, of which by rail - 5.4, road - 45.4, sea - 9.9 and air - 0.01 million tons.

The Cuban merchant fleet consists of 14 ships with a displacement of St. 1 thousand tons. Total carrying capacity - 63.4 thousand tons (2002, estimate). The fleet includes 9 dry cargo ships (including 3 bulk carriers), 2 tankers and 3 refrigerators. The most important ports: Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Matanzas, Senfuegos, Mariel, Nuevitas, Manzani-llo. Total ports - 32.

There are 172 airports in the country, of which 78 have a concrete runway (2002).

In 2001, the following were sent (millions): letters - 15.6, telegrams - 5.5. The total distribution of printed publications amounted to 282.9 million units, of which newspapers - 264.5 million. The volume of national radio broadcasts was 11,278.9 MWh, the volume of national television broadcasts was 7,757.8 MWh. 731.8 thousand telephone lines were in operation. The number of telephone numbers per 100 inhabitants is 5 (2001). There were 3.9 million radios and 2.6 million televisions in the country (1997). Internet users - 120 thousand (2002).

The most dynamic sector of the Cuban economy in recent years is tourism. In 2002, this industry, although it experienced a 5% decline, brought the treasury $2.0 billion. Cuba was visited by 1,686.7 thousand tourists, 40% of them from Europe. To receive foreign tourists, the country has 40 thousand hotel rooms and 11 international airports. The sector employs 100 thousand people. The country is taking active measures to encourage cruise ship visits to its ports and ensure that this type of tourism attracts St. 3 million people In 2002, 70 cruise ships with 45 thousand passengers on board visited Cuba.

Cuba has a two-tier banking system, which includes 8 commercial banks, whose activities include the provision of financial intermediation services, and a central bank that regulates and controls their work. All Cuban banks are state-owned, the owner of their shares is the central bank, created in 1997. There are also 12 representative offices of foreign banks in the country. The only bank that operates abroad on the basis of Cuban capital is Havana International Ltd. There are also representative offices of the National Bank of Cuba, founded in 1950. It retained its commercial status and inherited the country's foreign debt. The functions of the central bank include: issuing banknotes, regulating the money supply in circulation and loans, developing monetary policy, etc.

The country has a trimonetary monetary system: pesos, dollars and convertible pesos (the latter was introduced into circulation in 1994, is equal to the US dollar and is intended to limit the circulation of American currency in the national economy).

In 2001, the revenue side of the budget was 14,774 million pesos, and the expenditure side was 15,533 million pesos. The state budget deficit (759 million pesos) remained within the planned limits (2.8% of GDP), which generally confirms the correctness of the government's tax policy.

Starting from the 2nd half. 1990s The social situation in the country has stabilized somewhat. According to data from official sources, compared to 1994, calorie consumption increased by 33% (to 2585 kcal per day), and protein consumption by 44% (to 68 g per day). In nominal prices, average monthly wage increased from 185 to 249 pesos (taking into account the fall in the peso exchange rate after September 11, 2001, it actually did not change and is less than $10). The extremely low level of official income results in a constant decrease in the population’s motivation to work.

Although open unemployment has been gradually declining since 1995, underemployment has become widespread. By international standards, the majority of the population lives below the poverty line. At the same time, social differentiation of the population is increasing. Among those with higher purchasing power are citizens who own foreign currency. Over 50% of the population receives remittances from the United States, the official amount of which ranges from $800 to $1,100 million per year.

Currently, 95% of the country's total housing stock is electrified. Gasification will be completed in 2003 largest cities- Havana and Santiago de Cuba.

In 2000, there were 170 inhabitants for every general practitioner, and 1,129 inhabitants for every dentist. Number of students per 1 teacher: Primary School - 12,0, high school- 11.5 (2000). The number of students per teacher is 5.6 (2000).

Although Cuba's Human Development Index is 0.795 (2000), the standard of living of its population is still lower than in pre-crisis 1989.

According to official estimates, in 2001 Cuba's foreign trade turnover was determined at $6,443.3 million. A year later, it decreased by 13.9%.

The country still spends more foreign currency on importing necessary goods than it receives from exports, which makes the state's balance of payments very strained. The trade balance deficit ($3,120.3 million, or 11.4% in relation to GDP) in 2001 turned out to be almost 1.9 times greater than the volume of exports. Against the backdrop of GDP growth, since 1993 there has been a constant deterioration in the balance of payments.

In 2001, exports amounted to $1,661.5 million. Commodity structure of exports (%): sugar - 30.1, nickel - 25.6, tobacco products - 14.5, seafood - 4.4.

Imports increased in 2001 to $4,781.8 million. The main purchases accounted for (%): machinery and equipment - 23.6, energy - 23.5, food products - 14.4, chemicals - 8.8.

The main trading partners are (2001,%): in exports - Russia (19.4), Canada (16.6), Spain (8.9), Germany (7.2), the Netherlands (7.0); in imports - Venezuela (18.6), Spain (15.4), China (9.2), Mexico (6.2), Italy (6.0).

The volume of trade with the Russian Federation is $322.5 million, incl. exports 288.0, imports 34.5.

In November 2001, Havana for the first time took advantage of an amendment adopted by the US Congress allowing US companies to export food to Cuba. However, the island is forced to pay all contracts in advance and in cash, without being able to take out loans from US banks. In 2002, Cuba purchased food from the United States totaling $255 million.

A serious problem of the balance of payments remains related to the ongoing US embargo and the impossibility of conducting international payments in dollars. Having lost $260 million in 1998 alone due to the need for constant currency exchange in the face of fluctuating exchange rates, the National Bank of Cuba decided to mandatory use the euro as a monetary unit in transactions with 11 member countries of the European Monetary Union from July 1999.

In 1987, Cuba unilaterally stopped servicing its foreign debt, the size of which was at stake. 2001 was estimated at $10,893.0 million (81.0% - principal amount of debt, 19.0% - obligations to service it). This amount does not include debts to former socialist countries, incl. THE USSR.

To stimulate the influx of foreign capital into Cuba, on September 5, 1995, the country adopted new law on foreign investment, and on June 3, 1996 - the law “On Free Zones and Industrial Parks”, which contains legal norms governing their creation and operation.

All sectors of the national economy are open to foreign investors, with the exception of health care, education and national security (the ban does not apply to the business system owned by the Revolutionary Armed Forces).

The total volume of foreign direct investment approved at the con. 2002, amounted to $5930 million. The number of economic associations with the participation of foreign capital from 46 countries (among which Spain, Canada, Italy, Great Britain and France stand out) reached 402. In the sphere of interests of foreign investors are 32 different sectors of the Cuban economy. According to Cuban press reports, more than 650 projects are at various stages of negotiations, approx. 1/2 of them belong to EU countries.

As of May 2002, Cuba has signed agreements on mutual promotion and protection of investments with 60 countries. Expanding the legal framework for investments, it is negotiating with a number of states on the preparation of agreements on the avoidance of double taxation. K con. 2000 such agreements were signed 4 (with Barbados, Spain, Italy and the Russian Federation).

Currently, there are 3 free zones on the island, located in the Havana region. More than 240 foreign operators are registered in them, 2/3 of which operate in the commercial sphere, the rest in manufacturing and the service sector.

Science and culture of Cuba

Scientific activities in Cuba are coordinated by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (founded in 1994). It includes 39 different scientific institutions, incl. Academy of Sciences of Cuba (founded in 1962) and four agencies: Atomic Energy, Science and Technology, Environment and Information for Development. In recent years, the main efforts of Cuban scientists have been aimed at applied scientific research, which in the near future promises a real economic effect. From the 2nd half. 1990s a number of scientific institutions are united in the so-called. scientific poles. One of the largest is the Scientific Pole of the West of Havana, created in 1996 and uniting 38 scientific institutions operating within 10 ministries. Expenditures on research activities amounted to 136 million pesos in 2000, the number of people working in the field of science and technology was 64.1 thousand people, incl. more than 6 thousand doctors of science.

More than 50% of all scientific work in Cuba is carried out at universities and their 76 research centers. The higher education system includes 61 universities, of which 17 are in the system of the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Education - 16 and the Ministry of Health - 14. The teaching staff of universities is 21.6 thousand people. The largest universities are Havana (founded in 1728) and Oriente (founded in 1947). Expenditures on education in 2000 - 7.6% of GDP.

In 2000, there were (units) in the country: theaters and theater halls - 361, cinemas - 682, libraries - 131, museums - 330, cultural centers - 308 and amateur art groups - 21,538. 7.45 million copies of books were published 1026 various titles, 25 films were released, incl. 6 full-length films.

"Liberty Island" was discovered by Christopher Columbus on October 27, 1492. After this, the Spaniards tried for four centuries to colonize it and turn it into their overseas province. The British and Americans also wanted to succeed in this. However, none of them managed to establish their own rules there. That’s why they still say about Cuba that it is the “Island of Freedom.” Cuba is famous throughout the world for its carnivals, dances, songs, boxing, volleyball, Cuban cigars and Cuban rum, the beautiful sea and magnificent beaches.

Geography of Cuba

The island nation of Cuba is located in the Caribbean Sea. It consists of the islands of Cuba, Juventud and several other archipelagos. 180 kilometers north of Cuba is the United States, and to the south and southeast are Jamaica, Haiti and Dominican Republic. The total area of ​​the country is 110,860 square meters. km.

The island of Cuba is the most big island in everything Caribbean. Most of its territory is plains. Only in the west, center and southeast can you find mountain systems. The most high peak– Turquino Peak in the Sierra Maestra mountain range, whose height reaches 1,974 meters.

The coast of the island of Cuba is indented with picturesque bays and coves, and near the coast there are beautiful Coral reefs. In general, there are about 4,000 thousand islands and reefs near Cuba.

Capital

Havana is the capital of the state of Cuba. More than 2.3 million people now live in this city. Havana was founded by the Spaniards in 1515 on the site of an ancient Indian settlement.

Official language of Cuba

The official language is Spanish.

Religion

More than 60% of the population consider themselves Catholic, but only about 5% of them regularly attend church.

State structure

According to the 1992 Constitution, Cuba is a socialist republic in which the Communist Party is the “leading force of society and state.” The First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba also serves as the President of this state.

The local parliament is called the National Assembly, it consists of 609 deputies elected for a 5-year term. Executive power belongs to the State Council and the Council of Ministers, consisting of 31 ministers.

Administratively, the country is divided into 15 provinces, which in turn are divided into 168 municipalities, and one special municipality (Juventud).

Climate and weather

The climate is subtropical, the average annual air temperature is about +27C. Hurricane season lasts from July to mid-November. Most often, hurricanes and tropical storms occur in September and October.

You can practically relax in Cuba all year round, But best time– winter months, when there is no rain.

Average air temperature in Cuba:

  1. January - +26C
  2. February - +27C
  3. March - +28C
  4. April - +29C
  5. May - +31C
  6. June - +30C
  7. July - +30C
  8. August - +32C
  9. September - +31C
  10. October - +29C
  11. November - +27C
  12. December - +26C

Sea in Cuba

The island of Cuba is surrounded on all sides by the Caribbean Sea. There are beautiful coral reefs off the coast.

Average temperature of the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cuba:

  1. January - +25C
  2. February - +24C
  3. March - +24C
  4. April - +26C
  5. May - +27C
  6. June - +27C
  7. July - +28C
  8. August - +28C
  9. September - +28C
  10. October - +28C
  11. November - +27C
  12. December - +27C

Rivers and lakes

Several rivers flow through Cuba. The largest of them is the Cauto River, which begins in the Sierra Maestra mountains in the province of Santiago (its length is 370 km). The Almendares River flows through Havana, supplying the capital drinking water. In general, there are several hundred rivers and small streams on this island.

History of Cuba

On October 27, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba, and from then on the modern history this island, and then the state. At the beginning of the 17th century, Diego Velazquez founded the first seven settlement cities on the island - Baracoa, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Camagüey and Havana. During the process of colonization, the Spaniards almost completely destroyed the indigenous population. During the 4 centuries of Spanish rule, tens of thousands of slaves from Africa were brought to Cuba.

The Spanish occupation of Cuba ended only in late XIX century, but the country becomes politically dependent on the United States.

On January 1, 1959, the Revolution won in Cuba, and the country took the path of building socialism. One of the leaders of the Revolution, along with Camilo Cienfuegos and Ernesto Che Guevara, was Fidel Castro.

In April 1961, the Americans attempted to overthrow the Cuban government led by Fidel Castro, but their mercenaries were defeated at the Bay of Pigs.

Some capitalist countries, including the United States, have still not lifted economic sanctions against Cuba, which hinders the development of this amazing country.

Culture

Cuba's culture has been shaped by Spanish, African, French and Asian influences and is therefore known for its diversity. This country has become the birthplace of many musical styles and dances, among them the most popular are mambo and cha-cha-cha.

However, Cuba is famous in the world not only for music and dancing, but also for its sporting achievements in boxing and volleyball. Sports can also be considered a reflection of cultural traditions.

Cuba cannot be imagined without festivals. For example, every summer in Havana the famous “Carnival of Chariots” is held, during which special stages with music and dance groups ride through the streets of the Cuban capital for three days, and street processions of musicians are also held. In general, Carnival in Havana lasts, as a rule, 12 days, and the legendary Tropicana cabaret, founded in 1939, participates in it.

Havana also regularly hosts crafts fairs in the summer, in which various music, dance and theater groups participate.

Every September, Santiago de Cuba hosts the Festival del Son, a traditional Cuban music festival. This holiday lasts four days.

Cuban cuisine

Cuban cuisine has been strongly influenced by Spanish culinary traditions. Many Cuban dishes are very similar to those served in Andalusia (southern Spain). However, Cuban cuisine has also been influenced by African, Portuguese, French, Arabic and even Chinese culinary traditions.

The main foods are potatoes, malanga, yucca, wheat, fish and seafood (especially lobster), meat (chicken and pork), rice, bananas, vegetables, beans. Hot spices are rarely used.

We recommend that tourists try “Moros y Cristianos” (black beans with rice), “Arroz con Pollo” (yellow rice with chicken), “Ropa Vieja” (pieces of beef fillet), “Ajiaco” (vegetable stew with meat and garlic), “ Fufú (mashed boiled green bananas, often served with meat), Piccadillo (spicy beef with tomatoes and onions). Popular desserts are “Helado” (ice cream) and “Galletas” (sweet cookies).

The traditional non-alcoholic drink is coffee. The best Cuban coffee grows in the Sierra Maestra mountains.

Traditional alcoholic drinks– rum and cocktails with rum. Every self-respecting Cuban bartender should know at least 100 recipes for cocktails with rum or other alcoholic drinks.

Sights of Cuba

Most of the monuments of Cuban culture date back to the colonial era. Several monuments are considered objects World Heritage UNESCO:

  1. Havana Vieja Historic Center and Fort (Havana)
  2. Old Town of Trinidad (Sancti Spiritus)
  3. Sugar mills around Trinidad (Sancti Spiritus)
  4. Fortifications of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro (Santiago de Cuba)
  5. Ruins of the French coffee plantation La Gran Piedra (Santiago de Cuba)
  6. Desembarco del Granma National Park

Of great interest to tourists are the Alexander Humboldt, Almendares and Sierra Maestra national parks, the Los Indios nature reserve and marine park Punta Frances.

Cities and resorts

The most big cities– Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Santa Clara, Holguin, Bayamo, Cienfuegos, Guantanamo, Holguin, and, of course, Havana.

Cuba is world famous for its beach resorts, where residents of Europe and North America. The most popular of them are Varadero, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo and Holguin. Every year, for example, more than 1 million tourists vacation in Varadero (about 45% of them are foreigners).

Most local resorts offer tourists a well-developed recreation infrastructure, with restaurants, discos, nightclubs and entertainment shows in hotels. All resorts have excellent facilities for beach holiday, including diving, sea excursions and yacht trips.

Souvenirs/shopping

The most popular souvenirs from Cuba are any items with the image of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, folk art, ceramics, Cuban coffee, coffee cups, Cuban cigars and rum.

Office hours

Banks:
Mon-Fri: 09:00-15:00

The shops:
Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00
Sat: 10:00-14:00

Museums:
Tue-Sat: 09:00-17:00
Sun: 08:00-13:00

Visa

Ukrainians need a visa to visit Cuba.

Currency

There are two currencies in circulation in Cuba: the Cuban peso (CUP) and the convertible peso (CUC). Tourists must exchange dollars for convertible pesos. $100 = 87 CUC. In turn, 1 dollar = approximately 24 Cuban pesos. Credit cards not widely distributed.

Customs restrictions

Free economic zones were created. In 1997, there were already three SEZs operating in the country (Mariel, Vahay and the city of Havana).

Cuba exports, bringing income to its country's budget, tobacco, seafood, sugar, nickel, medical goods, coffee, and citrus fruits.

Cuba's export partners are China, Canada, Spain, and the Netherlands. China invested $500 million in the Cuban nickel industry, Brazil - the same amount in the development of Cuban hydrocarbon deposits and in the construction of a plant for the production of technical oils. A large nickel ore mining plant has been built in the province of Holguin.

The country today imports food, petroleum products, industrial equipment, and chemical products. Its import business partners are Venezuela, China, and Spain. Particularly close and productive ties in terms of the Petrocaribe oil program with Venezuela. Trade turnover between states annually reaches about $10 billion.

Since 1962, the country has introduced a card system for food distribution. The “black market” is thriving, since food cards are issued here irregularly.

Cuba has a developed system of free public services: health care, higher, secondary education.

Since October 2010, the list of types of business activities permitted by the government has increased in the country. In 2016, private small and medium-sized businesses were legalized.

Cuban branches of government

Cuba is a socialist republic of parliamentary type. Most of the deputies in parliament today represent the Communist Party of Cuba.

The head of state is the Chairman of the State Council (who is also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba), who exercises executive power in the country. The Chairman of the Council of Ministers, who is also the Second Secretary of the Central Committee, helps him.

The government of the Cuban state consists of two branches: the Council of Ministers and the Council of State. The ministry employs 31 ministers.

The highest authority on Liberty Island is the National Assembly of People's Power, i.e. parliament of the republic. It includes 609 deputies who are elected for 5 years. She is entrusted with forming a government and appointing the head of the State Council. The responsibilities of the Assembly also include electing the People's Supreme Court. Provincial courts are elected by provincial assemblies of people's power, municipal courts by municipal assemblies.

The Republic of Cuba is divided administratively into 16 provinces, which are respectively divided into 169 municipalities. Only one municipality, Juventud, is accountable to the central government; the rest are subordinate to local administrative structures.

Cuba's participation in international organizations

In recent years, having changed course in the political sphere and being squeezed by economic sanctions, Cuba has become more active in influential international organizations.

The Republic is a member of the World Trade Organization and takes an active part in international agreements: the Paris Convention, the New York Convention on International Arbitration, and the Madrid Protocol. Cuba is a member of the international organization of ACP states. For decades, Cuba has been participating in social programs at the international level.

There are 57 Cuban specialists working in 101 countries, of whom 70% are health workers. One of Cuba's programs, Operation Miracle, provides affordable medical care in 16 countries to poor, seriously ill people. In 28 countries of Latin America there is a program “Yes, I can” aimed at combating illiteracy.

No matter what direction Cuba goes, its beauty will remain unchanged. natural landscape, the originality of culture and the attractiveness of the Cuban mentality.

Cuba – large island in the Caribbean Sea and the island state of the same name. Cuba is famous all over the world for its beautiful beaches. north coast, magnificent ancient cities, incomparable and fiery Latin American music and, finally, hand-rolled cigars. This contrast makes the country unique and interesting for tourists to visit.

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Where is Cuba located on the world map

The official name of the state is the Republic of Cuba, the unofficial name is Liberty Island. The capital of Cuba is Havana. In the western hemisphere, it is the only state with a socialist form of government.

Cuba is located on the island of Juventud (the seventh largest in the world) between Northern and South America . All the islands and coral reefs that are located on the map around Cuba belong to the country. There are about 1,500 of them. They all belong to the group of Greater Antilles.

On the map the country is shown as a narrow strip of land that stretches from west to east and its length is 1250 km. Externally, the island looks like a crocodile, with its head facing the Atlantic and its tail heading towards the Gulf of Mexico.

Cuba is an island, so it is washed from all sides:

  • the Atlantic Ocean in the northeast;
  • Gulf of Mexico in the northwest;
  • Caribbean Sea in the south.

The total area of ​​the state is 114,524 square kilometers. Sierra Maestro Mountains located on the southeastern part of the state map and are highest point state (Turkino peak - 1973 meters).

Distance from Cuba to Moscow – 9580 km, to – 215 km, to Jamaica – 150 km, to the USA – 185 km, to Haiti – 78 km.

All about Cuba

Cuba is an island state, so the characteristics of nature and weather largely depend on the ocean and sea that wash the country.

Relief

The landscape of Cuba is mostly flat. Mountains and small hills occupy about a third of the island's entire territory. The state has three main mountain systems:

  • in the west - the Cordillera de Guaniguanico;
  • in the center - Escambray;
  • in the east - Sierra Maestro.

In Cuba it is very many small and large caves. The largest cave is Santo Tomas, it contains many so-called underground galleries, 25 km long. And there are also hills with steep slopes and flat tops. Areas that are slightly hilly have been developed and settled. The banks are often swampy, low, and even in some places overgrown with mangroves. Sandy beaches are not uncommon in Cuba and, as a rule, they stretch for several kilometers. For example, in fact famous resort Varadero (Hicacos Peninsula), spread out like this sand beach.

Climate

Cuba is magnificent: warm and soft, due to the geographical location of the country. The American state of Florida is separated from Cuba by a small Straits of Florida. Its width is only 150 km. Warm water currents pass through this strait, which are classified as the Gulf Stream.

Thanks to such warm currents, the water temperature on the beaches is winter time does not fall below 22 degrees, in summer – 28–30 degrees. In general, the climate in the country is trade wind-tropical and indicates that there is a clear division into dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season in Cuba lasts from May to October, and the dry and sunny weather is November-April, respectively.

By sea, Cuba is separated from the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) by a short distance. But also around the Republic of Cuba there are such magnificent places as Jamaica, Bahamas And . Cuba is separated from these states by small straits ranging from 80 to 170 km wide.

Population

The country's population is 11.5 million people. Most of the population is descendants of immigrants from Spain, the rest are mestizos, mulattoes, blacks, but also live on the island a large number of Chinese. The indigenous people were completely exterminated during the development and colonization of the island by the Spaniards.

The Spaniards needed more labor, so slaves began to be imported to the island from Africa. More than 1 million slaves were imported over 350 years. For the same reason, the Chinese (120,000 people) were also brought from Asia between 1854 and 1875. Indian slaves were also brought to work on the plantations, but their numbers were small. A constant flow of migrants was represented by European countries (France, England, Germany, Spain).

Very big wave of migration began during and after World War II. The main settlers of that time were Jews. Thus, the Cuban nation has absorbed the characteristics of many peoples of the world.

The majority of believers are:

  • 47% are Catholics;
  • 4% are Protestants.

The rest are the so-called Santeria. This is a belief based on the cult of African pagans, which is mixed with the Christian cult. The church is not subordinate to the state; the constitution states that every citizen has the right to freedom of religion.

What language is spoken in Cuba? Of course, the official language is Spanish. However, the staff in many hotels speaks fluent German, English, and Italian.

State structure

According to the 1992 Constitution, Cuba is a socialist republic, in which the Communist Party occupies the main place. The first secretary of the party is the president of the country.

Parliament consists of 609 deputies elected for a term of 5 years. The executive branch is the Council of Ministers and the State Council.

The country is divided into 15 provinces, which in turn are divided into municipalities (168) and the separate municipality of Juventud.

A brief excursion into history

Island discovered by Columbus in 1492, then it was inhabited by Indians. The island was captured in the 16th century by the Spaniards, who exterminated most indigenous population and brought slaves to the island from different continents. Slavery continued on the island until 1887.

As a result of the difficult and long confrontation (1868–1878) of the Cuban people against the colonial yoke, the independence of the island of Cuba was proclaimed. But in fact, the country was under the yoke of the United States. The withdrawal of American troops took place in 1901, but even after that the American government more than once resorted to an armed seizure of power in Cuba. In 1934 dictator batista established a pro-American regime in the country.

Under the command of Fidel Castro in 1959 the dictator was overthrown. The USSR provided special economic assistance in the formation of statehood. During this period, the United States imposed an embargo. During the Cold War (the Cuban Missile Crisis), the Soviet Union stationed nuclear warheads in Cuba. In 1975, Cuba was proclaimed an independent socialist state, and Castro became the leader of the country. And he still pursues a policy of blockade of Cuba, thereby causing economic damage to the island.

A long period of Spanish colonization and attempts to take possession of the island by the British and Americans failed to turn Cuba into an overseas country. That's why Cubans proudly mark the island on the map and call it Liberty Island.



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