Cuba - country, state, attractions, cultural features, cuisine, shopping. Geography of Cuba Cuba form of government

As one of the last strongholds of communism on the planet, the country is of constant interest. While the rest of the world is living in the fast pace of the digital age, Cuba is slowly going its own way, with only a minority having access to the Internet. Dinosaurs of the automotive world, mended and repainted American cars from the 1940s and 1950s, clumsily slink along the dimly lit city streets. In rural areas, ox-carts, omnibuses, Chinese bicycles and cycle rickshaws take the place of automobiles. The dwellings are furnished with furniture antiques inherited from the ancestors, and are lit with energy-saving light bulbs that allow you to save money.

Cuba is inseparable from the international politics of the second half of the 20th century. At the age of six, children become young pioneers - the builders of communism. Across the country, giant posters contain incantations from the country's leadership, such as "Socialismo o Muerte" ("Socialism or death") and "Viva la Revolution" ("Long live the revolution"). Portraits of Che Guevara, the revolutionary martyr of the 1960s, can be found everywhere on the walls of shops, institutions and residential buildings.

Under harsh communist rule, the country has always been bursting at the seams. Its economic condition is directly dependent on the global situation, and the situation is further aggravated by the US trade embargo and the damage caused by hurricanes. Many families continue to live in cramped conditions in dilapidated housing, the monthly income of many Cubans in terms of less than 25 US dollars.

The obvious weakness of the Cuban economy and the deprivation of the Cuban people cannot be overlooked. In addition, there is no real freedom of speech, press and movement outside the country on the island, although there are some indulgences under Raul Castro. However, there is not that glaring poverty here, which is striking, say, in Bangladesh, India, countries Latin America. Housing is provided by the state, and you hardly see homeless people sleeping on the streets anywhere in Cuba, and although Cubans do not get all the food they need on coupon books, no one is really starving. All residents of the country have the right to free health care and education. Life expectancy has increased from 57 years in 1958 to 77.7 years in 2011. This is the 57th indicator in the world. The infant mortality rate in Cuba is lower than in the United States and the European Union.

Dilapidation, poverty and restrictions only emphasize the unbending spirit of the Cuban people. These people are characterized by remarkable stamina, patience and love of life, which, it seems, cannot be undermined by any economic hardships. Cubans are extremely friendly and hospitable and always willingly invite guests of the island to their modest homes. Energetic schoolchildren - all in the same uniform - are everywhere: rushing through the streets, playing stickball in the yard, riding homemade skateboards, flying kites.

Cuba today

Modern Cuba is slowly but surely beginning to make concessions to certain capitalist benefits, which seemed completely unthinkable under Fidel. Moreover, here they are no longer so aggressive towards their eternal enemy - the United States. A few years ago, in order to somehow strengthen the shaky state economy, Cuba tried to develop tourism, which seriously changed its appearance.

The number of people wishing to visit the poor but proud island of socialism is only growing every year, which, of course, affects state reforms. Gradually, the country acquires the notorious "elements of the sweet life", contrasting with the picturesque ruins that have been preserved since the time of the revolution. So, for example, the ban on the import of foreign cars into the country was recently lifted, thanks to which you can now see quite modern taxis at the Havana airport. Coast of Cuba last years is being actively built up by fashionable hotel complexes and spa hotels. And even though the level of service in most of these establishments still gives off a “Soviet flavor”, rest here can be called quite civilized and comfortable.

Paradise Island

For many arriving on the island for the first time, Cuba is striking in its dissimilarity to the rest of the Caribbean. The best Cuban poet Nicolas Guillén compared the island to "a long green alligator". What is long, that's for sure - the distance from the "nose" to the "tail" is 1250 km. Comparable in area to England, Cuba is divided into 14 provinces and has about 450 islands and islets called "cayos", which means "reefs" and "keys".

Given its size, it would take at least a month to get to know the whole country. Most start in the capital, Havana, and then travel to the famous tobacco plantations to the west, after which they visit the sugar cane valleys and the most beautiful colonial cities in the central part of the island. The easternmost region, called Oriente, is known for its high mountains and the second largest and most musical city.

Along true Caribbean beaches, mainly the northern coast, has grown a lot resort hotels. Although many organized tourists still stay closer to the sea, each region of the island has its own charming towns that make people take trips inland.

Cuba's white-sand beaches are delightful, and the long stretches of Varadero coastline in the north are best known. Other beach tourism centers include Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and Coco and Largo Islands. Sailing enthusiasts pay tribute to countless natural harbors, anglers hunt for marlin off the coast, divers explore coral reefs and shipwrecks.

Most tourists prefer a full-service holiday, but the variety of attractions in Cuba attracts and big number independent travelers who find a lot of interesting things for themselves, in addition to the sea and beaches. At the eastern end of the island rises its highest mountain range, the Sierra Maestro (until 1974 m), the birthplace of many uprisings; in the west, in the province of Pinar del Rio, the green valley of Viña Forest stretches with huge mogotes, steep hills up to 400 m high made of limestone; in the central part of the island are the lush mountains of the Sierra del Escambray and the old sugarcane plantations of the De los Ingenios Valley.

But there are also large and small cities. Havana combines beautiful Spanish colonial architecture with vibrant street life and a range of cultural events and attractions; Trinidad, a shining pearl of the colonial era, draws in beautiful apartment buildings, churches and other buildings on winding cobbled streets; - a colorful cocktail that has absorbed elements of Spanish, French and African cultures.

Climate

Cuba belongs to the zone of tropical trade wind climate. As for the seasons, only two weather seasons can be distinguished in this part of the Caribbean: dry (October to April) and rainy, accompanied by quite strong hurricanes (May to September).

Cold is a concept that no Cuban is familiar with. Even in January, the temperature on the island rarely drops below +22 °C. The apotheosis of the heat falls on August, when the thermometer stops at +28 ° C in the shade. An additional bonus to ocean winds and tropical stuffiness is high humidity, which often overshadows the first days of travel. But you should not worry about a specific reason: it usually takes no more than a couple of days to get used to the local climatic realities.

Main tourist destinations

What Cuba really has is for a lazy beach holiday: in fact, the whole coastline the main island is a solid beach from the Bounty advertisement with starch-white sand and azure shallow waters. If your plans are not only regal reclining on a deck chair and getting a chocolate tan, try to stay longer in the main city of Cuba - Havana. Firstly, you still do not deprive yourself of a pleasant beach relaxation, because the city has snatched off a 20-kilometer piece of the sea coast, equipping it in accordance with the tastes of tourists. And secondly, you can fully enjoy the old architecture that the Cuban capital is famous for.

It is worth stopping by to plunge into the typical Caribbean flavor, gain impressions from exploring the historical part of the city (after all, it was from here that the Spanish colonization of the island began) and dance to the incendiary melodies of street musicians. The cradle of the Cuban revolution, Santa Clara, is mostly visited by those who are constantly haunted by the romanticized image of the ex-commandant Che Guevara. For your information, the remains of the Argentine rebel to this day rest in the local mausoleum. The cigar capital of Cuba, Pinar del Rio, is ready to offer its guests not only excursions to tobacco plantations, but also walks through the most picturesque valleys surrounding the city. You can rewind time and return to the colonial era in Trinidad. Some of the local mansions built by the "sugar kings" are even listed world heritage UNESCO.

Of all the islands of the Cuban archipelago, Cayo Largo, Cayo Caco and Cayo Guillermo are recognized as the most tourist-oriented. The first piece of land is notable for its coral reef and iguanas roaming freely along the coast. There is practically no local population on Cayo Largo, but there are plenty of hotels and bars with visiting staff, as well as clean municipal beaches. It is best to escape from the blues and relieve stress on Cayo Coco. The main feature of the island is a cave disco organized for tourists on Tuesdays. From Cayo Coco, you can cross the sandy dam to the neighboring island - Cayo Guillermo, whose main attraction is the pink flamingos living here. It’s a paradox, but the Cubans themselves are really not allowed here, unless they work in one of the island hotels, so only overseas guests can enjoy fantastic sunsets and all the benefits of the all inclusive system on Cayo Guillermo.

Attractions and entertainment in Cuba

The main historical sights of Cuba are concentrated in Havana and several other large cities. In the capital, first of all, you should pay attention to the Old Havana area with its cathedral St. Christopher, Prado Boulevard and Colon Cemetery, dotted with pretentious marble monuments. Contemplation of the Havana Capitol (a recognizable copy of the Washington one) will also give a pleasant experience. It is also interesting to wander around the old city squares, bordered by old colonial-style mansions. Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de San Francisco - all these paved spots are included in the mandatory minimum tourist program.

The tiny town of Remedios is well worth a visit for its Carnival Museum, the Alejandro Garcia Cuturla Music Museum, and the Church of St. John the Baptist. People go to Pinar del Rio to see the Guash Palace, go to a performance at the Milanes Theater and watch the production process of real Cuban cigars at the Francisco Donatien tobacco factory. In Matanzas, Vigia Square, San Severino Castle and Montserrat Chapel are considered must-sees.

Cuba is not Cuba without a mention of old Hemingway. Here the writer is loved, honored, but not missing the opportunity to earn a little on his fame. If you are also not indifferent to the work of old Ham, look at the Finca Vigia estate in the vicinity of San Francisco de Paula (Havana district), to which the genius gave 20 years of his life.

For ecotourists in a country with 14 national parks and more than two dozen biosphere reserves, almost limitless possibilities. The most famous and most visited protected natural areas are the Bacanao, Desembarco del Granma, Sierra del Rosario and Topes de Collantes parks.

It is difficult to ignore the Cuban resorts, the most major of which is Holguin. Rest here, though expensive, but fun and prestigious. In addition, the resort has the most beautiful beach country - Playa Esmeralda. Cheaper and less ostentatious, Varadero has made a name for itself with a vibrant nightlife. Regulars of this paradise- party fans, sex tourists and just lovers of all-inclusive holidays. Well, travelers who do not belong to any of the above categories can be advised to look into Varadero for an excursion to the Jose Smith sugar factory, where the production of the rum legend, Havana Club, was first launched.

All sights of Cuba

Divers in Cuba live freely without exaggeration. If you wish, you can go in search of underwater adventures directly from the beaches of Havana, Varadero and Santiago de Cuba. The transparency of sea water is high almost everywhere, and the bottom is replete with coral thickets and interesting finds. But it is better, of course, to choose less crowded places, tested by experts. These include the islands of Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Juventud and Jardines del Rey. You can also chase exotic fish near the coral reef in the province of Cienfuegos.

There is no shortage of experienced instructors on Liberty Island, but most of them speak only Spanish and a little less English. Russian-speaking diving gurus are found only in Varadero and Jardines del Rey. It is also possible to get training in primary diving skills in Cuba, but it is unlikely that you will be able to acquire a certificate of a more advanced level (PADI).

It is not necessary to bring diving equipment with you. Almost all Cuban diving centers have their own material and technical base: sometimes thoroughly shabby, but quite functional. On average, dive rates range from 30 (daylight hours) to 40 (at night) CUC.

Holidays to celebrate with Cubans

Communist holidays are still in trend on Liberty Island. Here, the First of May and the Day of the Cuban Revolution (January 2) are still celebrated with great pomp. On July 26, a wave of parades and demonstrations in honor of the Day of the National Uprising covers the country. On October 10, all Cuban patriots do not go to work, but gather at the monument to Carlos Manuel Cespedes to lay flowers and express their deep gratitude to the “father of the Motherland”.

Despite the fact that the vast majority of local residents are zealous Catholics, Christmas in Cuba is celebrated quietly, modestly and without traditional gifts. But on New Year in large cities unimaginable festive chaos reigns, accompanied by intoxicating parties and concerts.

Features of the national mentality

The indigenous population of Cuba lives mostly in poverty, but carefree and cheerful. All these tales about dancing in the middle of the street, amazing talkativeness of locals, prehistoric Cadillacs and Buicks, carefully inherited, as well as generous compliments towards white European women have a very real basis. The average Cuban behaves like a typical careless dreamer who dreams all his life about how one day he will get rich, but at the same time he will not agree to leave his usual comfort zone for any treasure. But there is a sacred meaning in such a way of life: to strain yourself in a country where there is a general leveling and revolutions break out from time to time, it is more expensive for yourself. Although scolding their regime in front of the Cubans is a kind of mauvais ton. Despite the fact that local residents have a meager salary, receive food on coupons and pay exorbitant prices for white sugar, which they themselves produce, outwardly they look quite content with such an existence.

As for the attitude towards tourists, then, of course, for most Cubans they are just fat wallets, from which, if possible, you need to shake out the maximum. If not everyone, then very many are engaged in a divorce for money on Liberty Island: starting from the state that put into circulation a special tourist currency, ending with petty scammers who deliberately provoke accidents in order to defraud a naive traveler of financial compensation. Recently, such an unprecedented phenomenon as the financial stratification of society has begun to be observed in the country: Cubans, involved in the tourism sector and having the opportunity to receive tips in addition to their main income, have become a real elite.

Religion

Catholicism in Cuba is closely intertwined with Afro-Cuban religions, in particular with such as Santeria. Tourists have the opportunity to experience many aspects of these religious practices. In the early 1960s, the government stripped the Catholic Church of much of its power and influence, but masses are still held in churches throughout the island, and since the pope's visit to Cuba in 1998, Catholic services and ceremonies have become more widespread.

Language

The entire population of Cuba speaks Spanish. Recently, in connection with the development of the tourism industry among the islanders, all kinds of courses for studying foreign languages, mainly European ones, have begun to gain popularity. In particular, the staff of luxury hotels and taxi drivers overwhelmingly speak good English. But since there is still a long way to go before mass mastering the language of Shakespeare, it is better to get a paper or electronic Russian-Spanish phrase book before the trip.

Food in Cuba

Spanish, Creole and African motifs are closely intertwined in Cuban cuisine. A favorite side dish here is rice, which often includes black beans or beans. It is served most often with pork or chicken, since beef in Cuba is a pleasure available only to the elite. It is worth trying the Creole ajiaco, which is a meat stew with vegetables and spices. By the way, it is better to look for the most peppery and spicy dishes in the vicinity of Santiago de Cuba.

In some establishments, you can also taste exotic meats (crocodiles, turtles). Quite popular types of dishes include huevos habaneros (a local variety of omelet with spicy sauce), chicharrones (crispy pork skin chips), pulpet meatloaf and the invariable lobsters, which are inaccessible to a simple Cuban, but are in great demand among the tourist fraternity. For dessert, you should take maduros (fried bananas), caramel cream dulce de leche (an analogue of domestic boiled condensed milk) and churros cookies, which are fried right on the street. In addition, Cuba has an abundance of fruits, so you can meet them not only in the form of desserts, but also as a side dish for meat dishes.

Of the drinks, it is worth appreciating Cuban rum and, of course, the legendary daiquiri, the favorite cocktail of John F. Kennedy and Papa Ham. Tourists drink guarapo cane juice more out of curiosity than pleasure. But local beer enjoys a good reputation. Coffee in Cuba is brewed the strongest, generously flavored with sugar, and sometimes splashing a couple of drops of rum into a cup.

In most hotels where breakfast or three meals a day is provided, the cuisine is more Europeanized. Usually the morning starts with a buffet with all the consequences. If you are looking for a typical Cuban tavern, welcome to the pubs in private houses (paladares), which have recently been actively replaced by classic restaurants.

Money

Theoretically, the currency of the country is the Cuban peso. In fact, there are two types of money in circulation: for the indigenous population, this is the same Cuban peso (CUP), and for tourists, it is a convertible peso or cookie (CUC). 1 cookie is 57.43 rubles, exactly 1 US dollar or 1.18 euros (for 2017).

It is most profitable to exchange euros (no commission) or Canadian dollars in local banks. The worst thing is to convert American currency, since the commission for its exchange can reach up to 20% of the amount. Money exchange is made at the airport, hotels and banks. The latter are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:00, and from 12:00 to 13:30 establishments are closed for a traditional siesta.

IN resort areas the islands accept credit cards. Not so long ago, Cuba lifted the ban on the "plastic" of American banks, but failures in the conduct of payment transactions with Mastercard still occur. Protection from such awkward situations will be a supply of cash, which will be gladly accepted in any institution.

It is customary to give tips on Liberty Island. In restaurants, this can be the traditional 10% of the bill. There will be enough change in the bars (in cookies). Porters, maids and street musicians are given no more than 1 cookie.

On a note: before leaving, try to lower all cookies in stores, or have time to exchange them at Havana airport. Otherwise, you risk returning home with a pile of useless pieces of paper - convertible pesos are not changed anywhere else.

Travel budget

Compared to the rest of Latin America and other developing countries, Cuba may be surprisingly expensive, but staying on the island will cost you no more than holidays in other Caribbean islands.

Road

Air tickets can become the main item of expenditure, especially for residents of Europe and Asia. It is cheaper to travel during the off-season, from mid-December to mid-April, and with a full service fee.

Accommodation

Car rent

You can rent a car in Cuba in any major city, but keep in mind that gasoline here is expensive: about 1.20-1.40 CUC / l. To rent a car, you must be 21 years old and have at least one year of driving experience. To conclude a lease agreement, a passport and an international driver's license will suffice.

The rental price is from 45 to 150 cookies per day with no mileage limit. Usually the tourist pays the rent, as well as a mandatory deposit of 150-300 CUC (can be in cash). You will need to buy insurance on the spot, even if you pre-paid for the rental before arriving in the country. If you take the car in one place and want to return it to another, you will have to pay the cost of the return trip. If your vehicle is damaged, you must pay the first few hundred dollars needed to repair it, unless you can prove that the damage was not your fault. Before you accept the car, inspect it for dents and scratches.

Useful information: even while driving a rented car, it is unlikely that you will be able to disguise yourself as a real amigo on Cuban roads. Cars in the country are identified by the color of the numbers: yellow ones belong to private owners, blue ones belong to government agencies, and red ones are given out to tourists.

Liberty Island was discovered by Christopher Columbus on October 27, 1492. After that, the Spaniards tried to colonize it for four centuries and turn it into their overseas province. The British and Americans also wanted to succeed in this later. However, none of them managed to establish their own rules there. Therefore, even now they say about Cuba that it is the “Island of Freedom”. Cuba is famous all over the world for its carnivals, dances, songs, boxing, volleyball, Cuban cigars and Cuban rum, 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, Youthud and several other archipelagos. The United States is located 180 kilometers north of Cuba, and Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic are located to the south and southeast. The total area of ​​the country is 110,860 sq. km.

The island of Cuba is the most big island throughout the Caribbean. Most of its territory is plains. Only in the west, in the center and in the southeast can be found mountain systems. The highest peak is 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 bays, 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 identify themselves as Catholics, but only about 5% of them attend church regularly.

State structure

According to the 1992 Constitution, Cuba is a socialist republic in which the "leading force of society and state" is the Communist Party. The First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba also acts 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 is vested in the Council of State and the Council of Ministers, which consists of 31 ministers.

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

Climate and weather

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

You can relax in Cuba almost all year round, but the best time is the winter months, when there is no rain.

average temperature air in Cuba:

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

Sea in Cuba

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

The average temperature of the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cuba:

1. January - +25C
2. February - +24C
3. March - +24С
4. April - +26С
5. May - +27С
6. June - +27С
7. July - +28С
8. August - +28С
9. september - +28C
10. october - +28C
11. November - +27С
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, providing drinking water to the capital. 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 since then the modern history of this island, and then the state, begins. At the beginning of the 17th century, Diego Velasquez founded the first seven settlement cities on the island - Baracoa, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Camaguey and Havana. In the process of colonization, the Spaniards almost completely destroyed indigenous people. During the 4 centuries of Spanish domination, tens of thousands of slaves from Africa were imported to Cuba.

The Spanish occupation of Cuba ended only at the end of the 19th century, but the country became politically dependent on the United States.

On January 1, 1959, the Revolution won in Cuba, and the country embarked on 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 in the Bay of Pigs.

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

culture

Cuban 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 known in the world not only for music and dancing, but also for sports 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 Havana hosts the famous Chariot Carnival, during which special stages with music and dance groups drive through the streets of the Cuban capital for three days, and street processions of musicians are also held. In general, the Carnival in Havana lasts, as a rule, 12 days, and the legendary cabaret Tropicana, founded in 1939, takes part in it.

Also in Havana, fairs of folk crafts are regularly held in the summer, in which various musical, dance and theater groups participate.

Every September, the festival of traditional Cuban music Festival del Son takes place in Santiago de Cuba. This holiday lasts for four days.

Cuisine of Cuba

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

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

Tourists are advised to try "Moros y Cristianos" (black beans with rice), "Arroz con Pollo" (yellow rice with chicken), "Ropa Vieja" (beef fillet pieces), "Ajiaco" (vegetable stew with meat and garlic), " Fufú" (mashed boiled green bananas, often served with meat), "Piccadillo" (spiced beef with tomatoes and onions). Popular desserts are Helado (ice cream) and Galletas (sweet biscuits).

The traditional soft drink is coffee. The best Cuban coffee comes from the Sierra Maestra.

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

Sights of Cuba

Most of the monuments of Cuban culture belong to the colonial era. Several monuments are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

1. Historic Center of Havana Vieja and Fort (Havana)
2. Old City 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

Tourists are of great interest National parks"Alexander Humboldt", Almendares and Sierra Maestra, Los Indios Reserve and Punta Frances Marine Park.

Cities and resorts

Most big cities- Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey, Santa Clara, Holguin, Bayamo, Cienfuegos, Guantanamo, Holguin, and, of course, Havana.

Cuba is world famous for its beach resorts, which are visited by residents of Europe and North America. The most popular of them are Varadero, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo and Holguin. Every year in Varadero, for example, more than 1 million tourists rest (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 opportunities for a 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 are not widely accepted.

Customs restrictions

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

Cuba exports, bringing income to the budget of its country, tobacco, seafood, sugar, nickel, medical products, coffee, citrus fruits.

Cuba's export partners are China, Canada, Spain, and the Netherlands. China has invested $500 million in the Cuban nickel industry, Brazil - the same amount in the development of Cuban hydrocarbon deposits, 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 imports today food, oil products, industrial equipment, chemical products. Its import business partners are Venezuela, China, Spain. Particularly tight and productive ties in terms of the Petrocaribe oil program with Venezuela. The trade turnover between the states annually reaches about 10 billion dollars.

Since 1962, the country has introduced a card system for the distribution of products. The "black market" thrives, as card products are issued irregularly here.

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

Since October 2010, the list 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 a parliamentary type. Most of the deputies in parliament still represent the Communist Party of Cuba.

The head of state is the Chairman of the State Council (he is also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba), which 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 has 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 was entrusted with the formation of the government, the appointment of the head of the state council. The duties of the Assembly also include the election of the People's Supreme Court. The provincial courts are elected by the provincial assemblies of people's power, and the municipal courts by the municipal assemblies.

The Republic of Cuba is divided administratively into 16 provinces, which are respectively divided into 169 municipalities. Central authorities only one municipality, Huventud, is accountable to the authorities, the rest are subordinate to local administrative structures.

Cuba's participation in international organizations

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

The Republic is a member of the World Trade Organization, takes an active part in international agreements: the Paris Convention, the New York Convention on International Arbitration, 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.

57 Cuban specialists work in 101 countries, of which 70% are health workers. One of the Cuban programs "Operation Miracle" provides affordable medical care in 16 countries to poor, seriously ill people. In 28 countries of Latin America, the "Yes, I can" program is operating, aimed at combating illiteracy.

Whatever direction Cuba goes, the beauty of its natural landscape, the originality of culture and the attractiveness of the Cuban mentality will remain unchanged.

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Cuba

Country Description

If you want to soak up paradise while alive, then best place than Cuba, you will not find. Beautiful white sand beaches, transparent sea ​​water, coral reefs and shallows for fishing, rich exotic flora and fauna - is it not paradise. Temperamental as the rhythms of "cha-cha-cha", bright as the plumage of a hummingbird, elegant as an orchid flower, Cuba has always attracted thousands of tourists. But Cuba is not only magnificent nature, it is, first of all, friendly and hospitable Cubans and a deep history. Many cities still keep the traces and spirit of the Spanish conquerors, the memory of the corsair raids. worldwide famous resort Varadero is located 140 km from Havana on the Atlantic coast. The surroundings of Varadero are very picturesque, and many kilometers of white sandy beaches and azure ocean waters attract thousands of tourists here.

Cuba! A magical island separating the Atlantic from the Caribbean Sea, the bottom of which is literally covered with treasures... A neighbor of Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico, it attracts not only with tropical exoticism, but also with the special flavor of island life, warmth, openness and hospitality local residents. Every day is a carnival here. There is no heat here, the caressing breeze from the ocean pleasantly cools. There are even no animals dangerous to humans. Here the crocodiles are only in the form of a roast. And countless fish, birds, shellfish become not only a delicacy for gourmets, but also the subject of an exciting hunt. The resulting booty can always be "washed" - with the world's best fiery cane drink - rum ... Kilometers of the smallest white sand and the azure blue of the ocean waters seem to be tailor-made for a world-class resort. People did the rest: in tourism there is a large share of Spanish capital and therefore the service meets the highest requirements. It all starts already at the airport: from it you will be delivered to the chosen hotel in luxurious vintage cars.

Geography

Area - 110992 sq. km.
The highest point is Turquino Peak 1974 m.
The most long river- Cauto 370 km.

Cuba is located in the West Indies, at the junction of North, Central and South America. According to its configuration, the territory of Cuba, stretching from west to east for 1250 km, is often compared with a lizard, the body of which is facing the Atlantic, and the tail is located at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. In the south, Cuba is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The distance from Cuba to the United States at the narrowest point of the Florida Strait is 180 km, to the island of Haiti through the Windward Strait - 77 km, to the island of Jamaica through the Strait of Colon - 140 km, to Mexico through the Yucatan Strait - 210 km.

The island is 1200 km long and 210 km wide at its widest point. The Cuban archipelago covers an area of ​​110,992 square kilometers and has more than 300 natural beaches covered with white sand and surrounded by crystal clear waters. The most famous beach in Cuba is Varadero. The landscapes of Cuba are very diverse. There are valleys, mountains and hills here. The main mountain ranges of the country are the Cordillera de Guaniguanico in the west, the Escambray in the center and the Sierra Maestra in the east. In the mountains of the Sierra Maestra, there is also the highest mountain in the country, Turquino Peak (1974 m above sea level). The rest of the island is a fertile plain. On the island you can admire the many caves. Most of the rivers in Cuba are small but very fast flowing. Rivers flow down from the mountains, forming beautiful waterfalls. Of particular interest are the Agabama and Salto del Carbuni waterfalls. The longest river in Cuba is Cauto (about 370 km), which flows in the eastern part of the island. There are many reservoirs and lakes in Cuba. Amateurs come here - ornithologists, because Cuba is a place of migration of resettled birds.

Time

Behind Moscow for 8 hours.

Climate

The climate of Cuba is tropical trade wind. Warm currents, observed in the waters washing the country, and constant northeast winds make the climate mild. The coldest month is January, when daily temperature air reaches +25..+27 degrees, and at night there is about 16..18 degrees of heat. The hottest month is August. During it, in the daytime, the air warms up to +30..+32 degrees, and at night it is quite warm - +20..+22 degrees. Relative humidity is high (70-75%) throughout the year, so the heat is especially hard to bear in summer.

The average annual rainfall in Cuba varies from 860 mm in the southeast of the island to 1700 mm in its western part. From May to November, the rainy season is established in Cuba. At this time, especially from August to November, in Caribbean region strong tropical hurricanes are born, which then go to Florida. The rainiest months are June and October, when 180 to 200 mm of precipitation falls per month. On the coast, the water temperature in winter time is about +24 degrees, in summer it warms up to +28 degrees.

Language

The official language is Spanish. However, hotel staff will answer you in English, German, Italian.

Religion

The majority of believers are Catholics (47%), Protestants (4%) and adherents of the so-called "santeria" - a syncretic cult based on African pagan beliefs, mixed with the cult of some Christian saints. The church is separated from the state, freedom of religion is constitutionally guaranteed.

Population

The population is about 11.4 million people. The majority of the population (about 2/3) are descendants of immigrants from Spain, the rest are blacks, mulattos, mestizos, there is also a fairly large Chinese colony on the island. The indigenous population of Cuba was completely destroyed during the years of the development of the island by the Spaniards. The Spanish colonists needed a lot of labor to work on the plantations and they began to import slaves from central Africa. Over 1 million African slaves were imported by the Spaniards in 350 years. For the same reason, between 1853 and 1874, more than 125,000 Chinese were brought into Cuba from Asia. Until now, in Havana, "China Town" has been preserved. In addition, Indian slaves were imported, but in small quantities, from the Yucatan, Central and South America. An intensive flow of emigrants was from Spain, Germany, France and Britain.

Cuba received a huge number of emigrants from neighboring islands: 250,000 arrived from the Antilles - Haiti and Jamaica. 850 thousand immigrants arrived from Spain, but not all of them remained to live in Cuba. At the beginning of the 20th century, many Americans settled in Cuba, who created their colonies on about. Pinos. There were very strong waves of emigration to Cuba during and after the First and Second World Wars. First of all, Jews moved here. The Cuban nation thus absorbed the features of the peoples of the whole world. Today, the population of Cuba is 11 million people. According to official sources, the composition of the population of Cuba is as follows: 65% - whites, 12% - blacks, 22% - mulattoes.

Electricity

Mains voltage: 220V

Emergency Phones

National Police: 82-0116
Fire brigade: 81-1115
Ambulance: 24-2811

Connection

For telephone conversations within the city, pay phones are used, working both on coins and on cards (much less often). To call from a "coin" machine, coins of 5 and 20 centavos are required. Calling other cities or provinces is difficult. International telephone calls are carried out exclusively from Telekorreos telephone exchanges, which are available in almost all large hotels. To call, you need a special card of 10 or 25 USD (sold by the hotel administrator). Connection statistics and its cost are displayed on the phone display. One minute of an international telephone call costs about 6.5 USD. Cellular communications and Internet telephony are poorly developed.

To call Cuba, dial 8 - 10 - 53 -<код города> - <номер абонента>. Codes of some cities and provinces: Varadero - 5, Villa Clara - 42, Havana - 7, Granma - 23, Guantanamo - 21, Camaguey - 32, Las Tunas - 31, Matanzas - 52, Holguin - 24, Pinar del Rio - 82, Playa Larga - 59, Sancti Spiritus - 41, Santiago de Cuba - 226, Ciego de Avila - 33, Cienfuegos - 432, Topes de Collantes - 2, Trinidad - 419, Juventud Island - 61.

Currency exchange

In Cuba, for foreign tourists (one might say) only dollars go. No one pays attention to the dilapidation of banknotes. Special attention you should pay attention to the fact that when you change, you may be given a so-called convertible peso. This type of peso is equal to the dollar 1:1. This is a new Cuban banknote that has nothing to do with the "wooden" Cuban pesos. In order not to get into a mess, the convertible peso should have “convertible” written on it. As a rule, they are given in small denominations: 1.5, 10. The exchange rate of the old Cuban peso to the US dollar is approximately 1:25. The Cuban convertible coin also circulates on par with the American cent. Often you will be hit back by both. Credit cards are also in use: VISA, EUROCARD, etc. Due to the political situation, AMERICAN EXPRESS cards are prohibited. You can exchange currency in Cuba at banks and many hotels. When exchanging dollars, a commission fee of 10% of the exchanged amount is charged.

Visa

Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to visit Cuba for the purpose of tourism for a period not exceeding 30 days. When entering the country, a foreign passport is required, the validity of which must be at least 6 months after the end date of the trip, a return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, an immigration card in 2 copies. When leaving the country, an airport tax is charged, usually equal to 15-20 Cuban pesos. $1=0.93 CUC.

Customs regulations

In accordance with the customs legislation of Cuba, duty-free import of 200 pieces is allowed into the country. cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, 1 liter of spirits, 250ml of eau de toilette or 50ml of perfume. The import of narcotic and psychotropic substances, weapons and ammunition, pornographic products, auto parts is prohibited. The export of animals and birds, sea shells, valuable wood, items of historical and cultural value is prohibited. To export cigars, you must have a receipt from the store and the original packaging. Import and export of foreign currency is not limited. Amounts over 5 thousand dollars are subject to mandatory declaration. The export of national currency is allowed within 100 pesos. When leaving the country, an airport tax is charged.

Holidays and non-working days

National holidays:
January 1 - New Year and Liberation Day
May 1 - Labor Day
July 26 - Day of the start of the National Uprising
October 10 - Anniversary of the start of the Cuban War of Independence
December 25 - Christmas

Carnivals, festivals, holidays:
Carnivals in Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba - February
International Jazz Festival in Havana - February
Cuban Cigar Festival in Havana - February
Varadero Electroacoustic Music Festival - April
Fair in Holguin - May
Havana International Guitar Festival - May
Feast of Saint Juan in Trinidad - June
Chariot Carnival in Havana - June-August
Celebration of Hispanic American Culture in Holguin - October
Havana Latin American Film Festival - December

Transport

Municipal transport in the country is quite dilapidated, there are few buses and they often break down, so tourists use public transport Not recommended. The main city transport is the bus ("va-va"). There are 2 types of buses - "sitting", where the number of passengers is clearly limited by the number of seats, and ordinary cars, which are often packed to capacity. There are no timetables at all, traffic routes are often not marked either. The fare is 1-2 CUP.

For transportation, it is recommended to use the so-called "tourist taxis", which are fairly modern cars with a radiotelephone and air conditioning. Payment is made only in dollars (approximately 2 USD for 1.5-2 km.). A tourist taxi can be ordered from any hotel or by phone, while the movement of the car is constantly monitored by operators, which ensures safety. Ordinary taxis, which pay in pesos, use quite old cars and there are not many of them. Many private traders make money by "carrying", especially in Varadero and other resort areas. Their prices are somewhat lower than those of state-owned companies, but there is no guarantee either.

The resort of Varadero is served by "shuttles", whose drivers are quite reliable, as well as tourist buses with a ticket for 4 CUC or EUR for the whole day. On this bus, having bought a ticket once, you can ride all day, getting off at any stop and sitting at any stop an unlimited number of times.

Tips

In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 10% of the amount indicated on the bill.

The shops

As souvenirs and gifts, of course, it is better to purchase coral products and jewelry in combination with silver. Also good are the guayabera (tropical shirt), folk percussion instruments, artistic fabrics, embroidery and lace, as well as tortoiseshell products, especially bracelets and hairpins (beware of fakes!). Be sure to buy Cuban rum and real Cuban cigars, among which the most highly valued brands are Bolivar, Coiba, Montecristo, Partagas, Punch, Ramon Allones, Sancho Panza, J. Upmann "," Romeo and Juliet "and" Trinidad ". Shops are open from 9.00 to 18.00 (some until 20.00) on weekdays, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 15.00 (some until 18.00). Supermarkets and shops in resort areas are usually open from 10.00 to 20.00. Most small shops have a separate opening hours. Almost all shops close for "siesta" around noon.

National cuisine

The basis of the Cuban diet is rice and black beans, pork and chicken. Cubans are not very fond of vegetables, but they love fruits, there are a lot of them and they are always fresh. Very tasty mango and banana. Baked bananas in Cuban cuisine come from African slaves. "Fufu" is bananas mixed with other ingredients. Chatinos - a light appetizer for an aperitif, also prepared on the basis of platanos. Cuban cuisine originated from the combined influence of Spanish and African traditions. The national dish is "el ajiaco" - soup-stew with root vegetables and various vegetables, usually cooked with pork. The taste depends on the type of root vegetables and the spices used. Other typical meals- skewers of pork, fried banana chips ("tachinos", "chatinos" or "tostones"), black beans, oriental congri (rice with red beans), moros and christianos (rice with black beans), chopped Havana steak , tamales, bakanes or ayacas (made from tender corn). If you order fruit juices, make sure they are freshly made. If your funds are limited, in the snack bars you will be offered a set lunch at a fixed price, you will choose the dishes yourself. Ice cream is very popular. There are many small restaurants right at the home of the Cubans, where you can eat for about $4. Speaking of cuisine, one cannot ignore Cuban coffee, which Cubans drink in large quantities throughout the day. Cuban coffee is very strong and sweet. There are many cafes in the cities where you can taste various infusions, decoctions and other drinks. Cubans put a lot of sugar in all drinks. The most popular alcoholic drink is rum. The most famous brand of rum is Havana Club. There are three varieties: Carta Oro (gold), Carta Blanca (white) and Anejo (old), which differ in aging. Cubans' favorite rum is Anejo (about $8 a bottle).

Attractions

Havana- administrative, political, cultural, scientific, as well as the main tourist centre country, cosmopolitan province. Havana is visited annually by more than half of all foreign tourists coming to the country. Its main charm is the city itself with its variety of architecture, wide avenues and famous boulevards, and especially its historical Center, in 1982 declared by UNESCO - Heritage of Humanity. The starting point of the tour can be El Templete- a small neoclassical chapel built in 1828 on the site where the city is supposed to have been founded; Armory Square(Plaza de Armas), Cathedral Square (Plaza de la Catedral) and Old Square (Plaza Vieja), around which magnificent old buildings and structures are grouped, which at one time were part of the walled city. Memorial to Jose Marti was opened in 1996, it houses various relics, original objects, documents and engravings related to the life and work of the apostle of the Cuban revolution. At the top of the obelisk - a concrete, marble-lined tower 138.5 meters above sea level - is the highest observation deck in the capital. More than 47 thousand exhibits are stored in the funds Palace of Fine Arts, which, after careful work on expansion, reorganization and restoration, is now considered one of the most significant among such institutions in the world. National Botanical Garden covers an area of ​​600 hectares. It is divided into 18 zones, and about a fifth of it is devoted to local plants. One of the main attractions - Japanese garden, donated by the government of this country in 1989 and created by the master garden art Yoshikuni Arake.

Provinces Santiago de Cuba has two features that make it unique: it is its hospitable, cheerful and carefree people and rich cultural and historical heritage. Differs in great originality main city province, founded in 1514, and its most important feature is a magnificent bay surrounded by high mountains, over which reigns fortress of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro, in 1997 proclaimed by UNESCO - Heritage of Humanity. A similar status has recently been given to the system of agro-industrial facilities and the remains of more than a hundred coffee plantations in the area of ​​​​Mount Gran Piedra, which were created by the French who fled Haiti. Cespedes Square is the busiest place in the city. The square is surrounded by buildings of great architectural and historical value: House Museum of Diego Velasquez, City Cathedral, former ayuntamiento- the city council, where the provincial government is now located, and the Casa Granda Hotel. The only stepped street in Cuba Padre Pico street, is a natural viewing platform. Here is the boundary between the upper and lower parts of the city. The street descends to the Tivoli area, where the famous Santiago carnival is held. The castle of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro is a Roman-style military building with two blind ditches and two symmetrical three-tiered bastions where cannons were installed. Its construction began in the 16th century and was completed two centuries later. Now here is Museum of Piracy.

Trinidad de Cuba- a city-museum of colonial architecture, declared by UNESCO as a heritage of mankind and a cultural monument of world importance. The city was founded in 1514 by Diego Velazquez. The main cities of the province Sancti Spiritus and Santisima Trinidad de Cuba are two of the first seven cities founded by the Spanish conquistadors on the island. Times have changed, but Trinidad itself is still the same as it was 2 centuries ago with its baroque churches, red-tiled roofs, paving stones and wrought iron railings. It is especially recommended to pay attention to Romantic Museum, Museum of Architecture, Archaeological Museum, Anti-Bandit Museum, Museum of Natural Sciences "Alexander Humboldt" and Archaeological Museum"Guamuaya".

Matanzas - the main city of the province - called Cuban Athens, as it is the land of poets, or Cuban Venice - due to the fact that the city is crossed by two rivers - Yumuri and San Juan, through which five bridges are thrown for the convenience of pedestrians and transport - and guests will interesting to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of this calm city who grew up on the shore of a huge bay. In the southern part of the province is Zapata Peninsula - real paradise for lovers of ecological tourism, but in addition, they will undoubtedly be delighted by the fabulously beautiful Yumuri Valley and the banks of the Kanimar River, which can be admired from bridge bacunayagua- pearls of Cuban engineering, this bridge, with a height of 110 m, is the highest in the country. Vigia Square is the place where the city was founded, from where it began its growth. The area is surrounded by architecturally interesting buildings - Theater "Sauto", Palace-Museum Junko, fire station building and others. Freedom Square(Plaza de la Libertad) - the second Armory Square of the city, overlooked by concert hall"White", named after the famous black violinist Jose White, Triolet Pharmaceutical Museum and Government House. On west bank the bay of Matanzas rises Castle of San Severino. Due to its size, it is considered one of the most important Spanish fortresses in the Americas. In the vicinity of the city of Matanzas are the caves of Bellamar. About 30 rooms have been studied, where large rock paintings, fossils and traces of the habitation of people who lived here 1,600 years ago were found.

Resorts

Varadero- the main area of ​​the Cuban archipelago, attracting those who prefer holidays by the sea, enjoys well-deserved international fame. This resort on the Hicacos peninsula has more than 20 km of beaches covered with fine white sand and washed by a sea that shimmers in a variety of shades of blue; one fifth of its territory is part of the ecological reserves. In addition, there are many caves, picturesque slopes and lagoons on the peninsula; along the coast stretches a series of virgin and easily accessible islets. The features of Varadero are complemented by its cultural, historical and natural attractions, closely connected with the neighboring cities of Matanzas and Cardenas and the Ciénaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve, as well as a number of modern comfortable hotels and a wide infrastructure of service industries.

province in the northeast of the country Holguin famous for being the region where the discovery of Cuba took place. Admiral Christopher Columbus first set foot on the land of the island in a place called Cayo Bariai, where a memorial complex now exists. It was October 27, 1492. The province's capital city of the same name is also called the City of Squares; here you can feel a strong Spanish influence, its straight streets indicate that it was built according to a strict plan. The city is active cultural life, especially in May, when the May Fair takes place, and in October, when the Festival of Iberoamerican Culture is celebrated. With more than 40 kilometers of coastline, there are 41 beaches, among which foreign tourists give particular preference to the beaches of Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and Playa Pesquero, with exceptionally beautiful seabed. This province also contains Banes, which is considered the archaeological capital of Cuba, since more traces of aboriginal habitation have been found here than anywhere else in the archipelago. Among the 22 bays available in the province of Holguin is one of the largest in the world and in Cuba - Nipe Bay. But also on the territory of the province there are forests and hills with steep slopes and massive peaks.

Cayo Largo- a small group of islands located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, 177 km from Havana and 170 km from Varadero. It serves as a refuge for hundreds of tropical birds: flamingos, hummingbirds, gray herons and many others. Both Havana and Varadero have a direct air connection. From other tourist spots in Cuba, you can also book a special tour here. You can move around the island on foot, by bike or by car. The waters of the Caribbean Sea are warmer than the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the northern coast of Cuba, which leads to a richer marine life off the coast of the island. The tourist infrastructure has everything you need to make you satisfied with your stay on this paradise island. Here you can visit a turtle farm and just a beach where sea turtles lay their eggs.

Cayo Coco- the fourth largest island of Cuba, the main tourist island of the archipelago Jardines del Rey (Royal Gardens). It is connected to the main island by a 17-kilometer dam road passing through the Bay of Dogs. Before the advent of tourism infrastructure, Cayo Coco was known mainly for the beautiful pineapples that grow here. To the north, magnificent beaches stretch not even with white sand, but with snow-white. In addition to the beaches of coral origin, considered perhaps the best in the entire Caribbean, there are amazing conditions for diving, fishing and water sports. Small island is a permanent home for flamingos, white ibises, pelicans, herons, wryneck cormorants and vultures. Near the island of Cayo Coco, a little to the west is island Cayo Guillermo . This island is also connected to the "mainland" through a bulk dam.

Island Cayo Santa Maria is located in the Atlantic Ocean, near the islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo and is located opposite the northern coast of the province of Villa Clara. The island is connected to the mainland by a 48.6 km long causeway. Distance to international airport the city of Santa Clara - about 110 km and 386 km to Havana. The location of Santa Maria is unique. You can combine relaxing time on the beach with active culture and entertainment program. Near the island of Cayo Santa Maria are small islands Las Brujas and Ensenchos. All three islands have beautiful beaches with soft white sand and very clear water. Their attractive surroundings are beautiful places for fishing, diving, water sports and sea ​​trips along the canals separating the islands. On the island of Las Brujas there is an airport where planes of local airlines from Havana arrive. On Cayo island Santa Maria is the hotel of the Spanish group SOL MELIA: SOL CAYO SANTA MARIA 4 *, ALL INCLUSIVE.

Coast Playa Esmeralda is located in the east of the island of Cuba, in the province of Holguin. Here is the highest Mountain peak Cuba and it is here - the most varied nature: more than a hundred beaches, many caves, rivers, mountains, waterfalls and natural springs. It was on this coast that the historic meeting of the sailors of Columbus with the Tainos Indians took place. The province of Holguin produces the best Cuban beer, the best fishing, the best diving, the most beautiful places. On the beaches of Playa Esmeralda you can practice almost all kinds of water sports. Among them are windsurfing, sailing, water biking, snorkelling. Diving is especially popular - in the Playa Esmeralda area there are about 20 dive sites.

Cuba(Spanish Cuba), the official name is the Republic of Cuba (Spanish República de Cuba), unofficial since 1959 - Freedom Island) - Island state in the northern Caribbean. The country occupies the territory of the island of Cuba as part of the Greater Antilles, Isle of Youth and many smaller islands. Cuba is separated from North America by the Strait of Florida to the north and the Yucatan Strait to the west.

The capital and largest city is Havana.

Geographical position

Cuba is located at the junction of North, Central and South America, on the island of Cuba (the largest in the West Indies), the island of Youth, as well as on the adjoining about 1600 small islands and coral reefs belonging to the Greater Antilles group. The coast is characterized by deep bays and many convenient bays. The island is framed by reefs and other coral formations.

The territory of Cuba is 111 thousand km². The island, stretching from west to east for 1250 km, is often compared to a lizard, whose body is facing the Atlantic, and the tail is located at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. In the south, Cuba is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, in the northwest by the Gulf of Mexico, and in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. The distance from Cuba to the United States at the narrowest point of the Florida Strait is 180 km, to the island of Haiti through the Windward Strait - 77 km, to the island of Jamaica through the Strait of Colon - 140 km, to Mexico through the Yucatan Strait - 210 km.

Relief

The relief of Cuba is predominantly flat. Hills and mountains occupy about a third of the territory. Highest mountain range Sierra Maestra stretches along the southeast 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 poorly populated.

In Cuba, karst is developed everywhere, in connection with this, many caves are known, including large ones. So, in the west, the cave of Santo Tomas has an extensive network of underground galleries with a total length of 25 km. Often there are so-called "mogotes" - forms of tropical karst, which are hills with almost vertical slopes and flat tops. Approximately 2/3 of the entire area of ​​Cuba is occupied by slightly hilly plains. They are the most populated and developed. The shores are usually low, sometimes swampy, in many cases overgrown with mangroves. Often found sandy beaches, which stretch for many kilometers (for example, on the Hicacos Peninsula, where the famous resort of Varadero is located).

Minerals

Cuba occupies one of the leading places in the world in nickel mining (2nd place in the world in terms of 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 winds. The average annual temperature is 25.5 °C. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is 22.5°C and the hottest (August) 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 amount of precipitation, which usually falls in the form of showers, is 1400 mm, but dry years also occur frequently.

There are two distinct climatic seasons in Cuba: 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 typical high humidity throughout the year. The combination of high humidity and high temperature has a generally unfavorable effect 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 distinguished by a certain constancy, so you can often see trees whose trunks also have a corresponding slope.

Cuba is subject to the action of 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 rains and strong winds that can cause great damage to the economy and the population of the island. The rivers in Cuba are short and shallow. Forests, covering about 10% of the territory, have been 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, molluscs, lobsters, shrimps, and sponges.

Administrative division

Cuba is a unitary state. For political and administrative purposes, the national territory is divided into 14 provinces and the special municipality of Isle of Youth.

• Isla de la Juventud (Spanish: Isla de la Juventud)
• Pinar del Rio (Spanish: Pinar del Rio)
• Havana (Spanish: La Habana)
• City of Havana (Spanish: Ciudad de La Habana)
• Matanzas (Spanish Matanzas) Cienfuegos (Spanish Cienfuegos)
• Villa Clara (Spanish: Villa Clara)
• Sancti Spiritus (Spanish: Sancti Spiritus)
• Ciego de Avila (Spanish: Ciego de Avila)
• Camagüey (Spanish Camagüey) Las Tunas (Spanish Las Tunas)
• Granma (Spanish: Granma)
• Holguin (Spanish Holguin)
• Santiago de Cuba (Spanish: Santiago de Cuba)
• Guantanamo (Spanish: Guantanamo)

Transport

The island of Cuba has Railway(Cuban Railway Spanish: Ferrocarriles de Cuba), network highways. Maritime and air communications have been established with other countries. Cuba's leading airline, Cubana de Aviación, has offices in 32 countries around the world.

Connection

After Castro came to power, the development of telecommunications on the island turned out to be extremely difficult. Cuba, however, received a lot of help from the Soviet Union, which provided some resources, such as communication channels.

In 2003, there were 2 ISPs operating on the island. National domain.cu.

Today there is only one operator in Cuba mobile communications- ETECSA under the trademark Cubacel. An interesting fact is that until 2008 the use of mobile services for ordinary residents of the country was prohibited. Mobile communication services were allowed to be used only by foreign citizens and senior officials countries. After Raul Castro abolished the terms of use mobile phones in the country, the national telecom operator - ETECSA - from April 14, 2008 began to provide communication services for ordinary citizens. Cuba currently operates the GSM 900 standard, and in some areas of Havana and the resort of Varadero - GSM 850.

Population

Cubans are a people of mixed origin. By the time the Spaniards arrived here, Cuba was inhabited by the tribes of Siboney, Arawak Indians, Guanachanabeys and Indians who had migrated from Haiti. But as a result of the Spanish colonization, the Indians were mostly exterminated.

Since the Spanish colonists needed a lot of labor, primarily to work on plantations, they began to import slaves from central Africa (mainly Yoruba, Ashanti, Ewe, Congo). Over 1 million African slaves were imported by the Spaniards over 350 years, their descendants make up 40% of the population. For the same reason, between 1853 and 1874, more than 125,000 Chinese were imported from Asia. Until now, in Havana, "China Town" has been preserved. In addition, Indian slaves were imported, but in small quantities, from the Yucatan, Central and South America. In the same period, 850,000 immigrants arrived from Spain, mainly Galicians, Castilians, Navarrese, Catalans, however, it should be noted that not all of them remained to live in Cuba. They are collectively called the Gallego (Galicians). From the end of the XVIII century. a large stream of French from Haiti and Louisiana also arrived here. A fairly intense flow of immigrants was also from Germany, Italy and Britain. At the beginning of the 20th century, many Americans settled in Cuba, who created their colonies on about. Pinos (present. Isle of Youth). There were very strong waves of immigration to Cuba during and after the first and second world wars, primarily Jews moved here.

Data about racial composition Cubes are inconsistent. According to official data, the population of Cuba consists of whites - 65.1%, mulattoes - 24.8%, blacks - 10.1% (according to the 2002 census). According to the Institute for Cuban Studies at the University of Miami, 68% of Cubans are blacks and mulattoes. Minority rights group International claims that 51% of the population is mulatto.

In 1953, the proportion of the white population was 84%, but then decreased, mainly as a result of emigration after the revolution.

Story

The first European to arrive here was Columbus, who landed in the east of the archipelago in October 1492. In 1511, Diego Velasquez de Cuellar subjugated the indigenous population of the islands, built Fort Baracoa, and became the first Spanish governor of Cuba. By 1514, seven settlements had been founded. In 1515, Cuellar moved his headquarters to Santiago de Cuba, which became the first capital of Cuba. Colonization took place in the conditions of struggle with the indigenous population of the island - the Taino Indians, who made up 75% of the population.
In 1823, the first independence uprising was crushed.
In 1868, the Ten Years' War for Cuban Independence began; The rebels were backed by the US. Hostilities reached highest point in 1872-1873, but then the rebels fought only in the eastern provinces, Camagüey and Oriente. In 1878, a peace agreement was signed that eliminated the most unpleasant legislative acts for the inhabitants of the island.
In 1895, a detachment of Cuban patriots landed in Cuba under the leadership of José Marti. This event was the starting point of a new war with the Spaniards, during which the Cubans gained control over almost the entire territory of the island, excluding major cities (see War of Independence of Cuba).
In 1898, the United States began a war with Spain, in which they won. Cuba becomes dependent on the US. The constitution stipulated the right of the United States to send troops to the territory of the country. This clause was abolished in 1934.
In 1933, as a result of a coup organized by revolutionaries led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista, the dictator Gherardo Machado y Morales was overthrown and a democratic regime was established.
On March 10, 1952, Fulgencio Batista carried out a coup d'état and established a personal dictatorship.
On July 26, 1953, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro attempted to take over 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 1955 the revolutionaries were granted amnesty. On December 2, 1956, a new group of revolutionaries landed from the Granma yacht in the east of the island and began military operations against the Batista government.
On January 1, 1959, the dictator Batista fled Cuba. At that moment, the rebel forces occupied the city of Santa Clara in the center of the island and controlled large areas of the area in the east, although the capital was not in immediate danger, and Batista remained at the disposal of significant military forces. Amid the power vacuum created by Batista's flight, on January 8, the rebel column entered Havana, where it was greeted with popular rejoicing.

As a result of the victory of the revolution, the government of the "left" orientation, headed by Fidel Castro, received power in Cuba, which then leaned towards the path of building socialism and is in power to this day. The ruling and only permitted party of the country is the Communist Party of Cuba. The government of Fidel Castro carried out agrarian reform, nationalized industrial assets, launched broad social transformations, which alienated many groups of the population, and the result of the same process was the mass emigration of dissatisfied people, mainly to the United States, where a large diaspora of opponents of Castro and his policies was created.
In April 1961, Cuban emigrants, with the active support of the United States, landed an armed assault on south coast islands with the aim of organizing a mass protest against the policy of the new government in the future, but the intervention was quickly suppressed, and the expected social explosion did not occur. Subsequently, emigrant organizations repeatedly organized terrorist attacks and small-scale landings on Cuba, but without much result.

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 the Marxist rebels and the Marxist regimes of 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 70,000 Cubans were abroad on military and humanitarian missions.

Immediately with the revolution of 1959, political repressions began (see repressions during the reign of Castro), primarily directed against the figures of the overthrown regime of the dictator Batista and CIA agents.

Castro reacted negatively to the perestroika policy in the USSR and even banned the distribution of a number of Soviet publications in Cuba (Moscow News, Novoye Vremya, etc.), and at the same time supported Gorbachev's main opponent, Yeltsin. According to Yeltsin's memoirs, Castro expressed sympathy for him both during the years of disgrace and later, after he came to power, despite the obvious anti-socialist nature of the reforms in Russia.

With the collapse of the USSR, Cuba suffered huge economic losses (up to half of GDP), and analysts predicted the imminent fall of the Castro government, but by 1994 the situation had basically stabilized, and the country's economic condition is currently assessed by international organizations as quite satisfactory.

On February 19, 2008, through the Granma newspaper, Fidel Castro announced his resignation from the post of chairman of the State Council and commander-in-chief of the Cuban troops. “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 made, 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 circulation.

Certain fears for the political stability of Cuba among observers are caused by the process of transfer of power from Fidel Castro to his heirs.

State structure

State administration is a republic. The legislature is a unicameral parliament (National Assembly).

Executive power belongs to the Chairman of the State Council (Head of State) and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Head of Government).

Economy

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

Weaknesses: Due to the US embargo, lack of access to important markets and investments. Acute currency deficit. Fluctuations in world prices for sugar and nickel. Sophisticated trade restrictions and a lack of regulation discourage investment. Bad 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 use of the term "underdeveloped" for pre-revolutionary Cuba, which, in his words, caused false associations with truly backward countries, and suggested calling it "medium developed." On the other hand, the Groningen Growth and Development Centre, having carried out their own retrospective calculations using a special method, received data stating that Cuba in 1958 was inferior to these countries and a number of Latin American ones.

According to statistics, in 1951 there were 122 thousand cars in Cuba for 5.5 million people, 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, 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 state-owned economies in the world. In the second half of the 1960s. the government has been trying to abandon central planning in favor of sectoral planning and is moving towards experiments involving morale incentives and the widespread use of free forced labor. The fall in the level of production and the 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 block in Cuba, the basis of the industry is being created.

After the collapse of the USSR, there was a reduction in purchases of Cuban sugar and the cessation of economic assistance. For 1989-1993 Cuba's GDP has shrunk by a third. Economic collapse was averted by opening up the country to foreign capital in industry and tourism.

Venezuela (Hugo Chavez is a personal friend of Fidel Castro) provides Cuba with cheap oil; Cuba provides Venezuela with medical care.

According to official data, in 2006 GDP growth amounted to 12.5%. According to the CIA handbook, in 2007 real GDP growth was 7%.

The main branch of the Cuban economy is the sugar industry. The capacities of sugar factories in Cuba are 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, in order to attract foreign investment, creates free economic zones (FEZs). In 1996, a law was adopted on the procedure for the creation and functioning of free economic zones. The term of the concession for the right to operate in the SEZ is 50 years. In 1997, three SEZs (Mariel, Havana City and Wahai) began to operate.

Exports ($3.8 billion in 2008) - sugar, nickel, tobacco, seafood, medical products, citrus fruits, coffee. The main export partners are China (28%), Canada (25%), Spain (6%), the Netherlands (5%), Iran (4%).

In November 2004, during a visit to Cuba by Chinese President Hu Jintao, an agreement was reached that China would invest $500 million in Cuba's nickel industry. In January 2008, Brazilian President Lula da Silva and the head of the state oil company Petrobras, Jose Sergio Gabrielli, who visited Cuba, announced their intention to invest $500 million in the exploration of Cuban hydrocarbon deposits in the Gulf of Mexico and the construction of an industrial oil plant in Cuba.

Cuba imports ($14.5 billion in 2008) oil products, foodstuffs, industrial equipment, chemical products. The main import partners are Venezuela (31.5%), China (11.8%), Spain (10.6%), Canada (6.7%), USA (6.6%).

The banking system of Cuba 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. The Western media reported on the currency fraud of the top Cuban leadership and the F. Castro family.

Since 1962, a card system has been operating in Cuba, products are issued according to the same norms for the whole country. According to Cuban experts, at present, the population receives from 40 to 54 percent of the minimum required calories from products distributed by cards. Milk is given free of charge by the state to children under 6 years of age or purchased by the population in the market. Throughout the post-revolutionary years, there was a black market in Cuba. A number of goods, the distribution of which by cards is carried out irregularly or intended only for beneficiaries, are still purchased on the black market.

In 2008, Cubans were allowed to buy cell phones, computers, and DVD players, as well as 19- and 24-inch televisions, electric pressure cookers and electric bicycles, car alarms, and microwave ovens (but only with convertible currency). About 100 thousand cars are registered in the country, of which 60 thousand are old American cars that were on the island before the revolution.

According to the BBC broadcaster, 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 clothes are given to workers. There is a system of free medical care and free higher and secondary education.

Foreign policy

Panama

August 23, 2004 - President of Panama Mireya Moscoso announced the recall of the Panamanian ambassador from Cuba in response to a warning made on August 22 by the Cuban Foreign Ministry about its readiness to break off diplomatic relations with Panama if its authorities pardon the criminals who were preparing an assassination attempt on Fidel Castro. At the same time, the President of Panama noted that the recall of the Panamanian ambassador from Havana does not mean a break in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
August 25, 2004 - Cuban Ambassador to Panama Carlos Zamora, at the request of the Panamanian authorities, left for his homeland. Before leaving, he made a statement to the press, in which he noted that "Cuba considers it its duty to achieve an exemplary punishment of the terrorists" who were preparing an assassination attempt on Fidel Castro. March 2004 Supreme Court Panama sentenced six conspirators detained in Panama in 2000 to prison terms. The new President of Panama, Martin Torrijos, who takes office on September 1, expressed the hope that the Panama-Cuban conflict would be resolved on the basis of mutual "respect and common sense."

Russia

From the very beginning of the revolution in Cuba, the attitude of the leadership of the CPSU towards the Island of Freedom was ambiguous, in a sense similar to the position regarding the SFRY. First, neither the Castro brothers nor their associates were formally Leninists. Their theoretical base was limited to the legacy of Marx and Engels. Secondly, among other things, Cuba was fundamentally not part of military blocs. Highly appreciating freedom, Cuba, starting from the Belgrade Conference (Yugoslavia, September 1-6, 1961), was one of the most active participants in the Non-Aligned Movement. She joined the CMEA only in 1972.

January 21, 1964 - The USSR and Cuba signed a long-term agreement on the supply of sugar to the USSR.

Relations between Cuba and Russia changed after the collapse of the USSR, which, in particular, was caused by the cessation of economic assistance to Cuba and the reduction of the Soviet (Russian) military presence on the island. Soviet military bases were placed here in the early 1960s. Their existence was based on an agreement between the Soviet and American leadership reached after the "Caribbean crisis" in 1962. In 2001, the last Russian military base in Cuba was closed, and all remaining Russian troops were withdrawn from Liberty Island. Recently, since November 2008, there has been a revival of interest in building relations between Russia and Cuba that are economic, political, scientific and social in nature.

The United States owns the Guantanamo Bay military base in Cuba. The military base of Guantanamo Bay is located on the territory of southeastern Cuba, occupied by the United States under a 1901 treaty, which the Cuban authorities later abandoned. In January 2002, a prison for suspected international terrorism was established at the base, where the first 20 people accused of participating in hostilities on the side of the Taliban were brought from Afghanistan.

In relation to Cuba in 1961, the United States introduced an embargo regime, any ties with Cuba were prohibited, US sanctions against Cuba continue to operate as of 2008; this blockade is regularly condemned by the UN General Assembly.

However, now the US share in Cuba's imports is 6.6% (in 2008).

In 1962, the US Department of Defense planned Operation Northwoods, the purpose of which was to prepare American public opinion for an armed invasion of Cuba and the overthrow of the government of Fidel Castro. The operation was part of the Mongoose operation, developed by the US government at the initiative of President John F. Kennedy, directed against Cuba, and involved the implementation of terrorist acts with imaginary and / or real victims in the United States, Cuba and other countries, including hijacking, imitation of hostile actions under a false flag, state-organized acts of terror. However, Kennedy rejected the project.

In 2001, five Cuban agents (the "Cuban Five") were sentenced to long prison terms in the United States. According to them, they transmitted information about the upcoming terrorist attacks against Cuba.

In 2006, a committee was created at the US State Department to develop US policy towards Cuba in the event of the death of Fidel Castro.

Participation in international organizations

Cuba is a member of the WTO and the World Customs Organization. Participates in international agreements - the New York Convention on International Arbitration, the Paris Convention and the Madrid Protocol.

healthcare

On the eve of the revolution, there were 6,000 doctors in Cuba, that is, 1 doctor per 1,000 people, which was equal to France. However, unlike developed countries, Cuba did not have a system of health insurance and cheap or free social medicine. Therefore, for example, the infant mortality rate was 100-110 per 1000, which corresponded to the level of the most backward countries. Western Europe Spain and pre-war Italy.

Immediately after the revolution, about 3 thousand doctors left the country. However, this shortcoming was filled 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. A 2009 CIA estimate put the average life expectancy in Cuba at 77.45 years. Cuba has the lowest infant mortality rate among Latin American countries. All types of medical care are free.

Public spending on health care (2004): 5.5% of GDP.

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, elementary schools (state and church) were attended by 90% of school-age children. In 1951, illiterates accounted for 22% of the adult population, which was lower than in Spain and pre-war Italy.

In 1961, a massive campaign to eradicate illiteracy began. As a result, in 1980 the number of illiterates was only 2%, and in 1990 Cuba became a country of complete literacy. A public average and graduate School. During the 1960s, the number of students doubled (from 717,000 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.

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

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

Budget spending on education (2002-05): 9% of GDP.

culture

Painting

Independent Cuban painting arose only at the end of the 19th century. In the 1930s, artists who visited Europe got acquainted with modern artistic trends there and brought them to Cuba. So, Marcelo Pogolotti used cubism to create images on topics related to the poverty of the Cuban people. The most famous Cuban artist, Wifredo Lam, painted in a surrealist style. On Mario Carreno big influence rendered by the work of Mexican muralists. Jorge Arche is known for his portraits, similar in style to those of other Latin American artists of the 1930s.

The science

Illiteracy was virtually eradicated in Cuba in 1961. Education here is free at all levels. primary school to higher educational institutions - and obligatory up to the end of nine classes. All graduates of primary, secondary, high school and technical schools are guaranteed the opportunity to continue their studies, and graduates of higher educational institutions are guaranteed the right to work. Since 1959, higher education in Cuba has been made available to everyone. Now there are about 700,000 people with higher education in the country. Out of every seven Cuban workers, one has a diploma from a higher educational institution.

The country has about 9,500 primary schools, about 2,000 secondary and 48 higher educational institutions. The school is considered the basic cultural institution.

There are more than 170 research institutes in Cuba.

After the victory of the Revolution, up to the present day, about 630 thousand people graduated from higher educational institutions in various specialties in Cuba, and millions have received secondary education. The illiteracy rate (among the population aged ten years and over) is 3.8 percent.

There are 1,115 kindergartens in the country attended by 145.1 thousand children. Kindergarten services are used by 135,000 working mothers.

The total number of primary school students - 1,028,900 children of secondary school students - 778 thousand; students of higher educational institutions - 127 thousand. More than 100 thousand people are covered by the system of secondary and higher evening and correspondence education.

There are 9,487 elementary schools, 1,943 secondary schools and 48 institutions of higher education in Cuba. There are a total of 17.8 teachers for every thousand inhabitants. 9 percent of GDP is allocated for education. The country allocates significant funds for scientific research, in particular, related to human health, in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering, the production of vaccines and numerous medicines; the results of these studies have received universal recognition. All this became possible thanks to the existence of significant human resources, including highly qualified specialists trained within the framework of the national education system.

Cuba also ranks 4-5 among the countries of Latin America (and 51 in the world) according to the UN classification in terms of Human Development.

Religion

In Cuba, the church is separated from the state, and the Cuban Constitution guarantees freedom of religion for the people. 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 currents were formed from them, which still exist and are popular today. These are Regla de Ocha (Spanish: Regla de Ocha) or Santeria (Spanish: Santeria), Las Reglas de Palo (Spanish: Las Reglas de Palo) and La Sociedad Secret Abakua (Spanish: La Sociedad Secreta Abacu). As a result of the historical process, a mixture of Catholic dogmas and African cults was also formed. For example, the Most Pure Virgin of Mercy of Cobra is considered by Catholics to be the patroness of Cuba. In Santeria, she goes by the name Ochun.

In recent years, Protestant churches have begun to appear, especially in the provinces.

Sport

Sports in Cuba are available to everyone, and this mass nature of it allows you to constantly replenish national teams in various sports that brought a small Caribbean island important world and Olympic awards. Cuba is the birthplace of world famous athletes. Baseball, boxing, athletics and volleyball stand out among the sports.

Armed forces

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

The Cuban constitution indicates that the president of the country is the supreme commander and determines the structure of its army.

The Cuban army includes the following units:
Ground troops
Navy
Air Force and Air Defense.

The Cuban army is under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief Raul Castro.

The daily newspaper of the Island of Freedom "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 a guerrilla struggle against the Batista regime. The newspaper is the official guide and promoter of the policies pursued by the Cuban Communist Party (CCP). Once a week for English language Granma Internacional is released. Also, the press of Cuba is represented by such publications devoted to the problems of economy, tourism, finance, culture, politics, such as Opciones, Bohemia, Juventud Rebelde, Trabajadores.