World Atlas: Cuba

Information about Cuba

Here you can find online selected information about the geography, inhabitants, government, economy and history of Cuba. Included are selected statistics, an overview map and the detailed map of Cuba. But let's start with the flag of Cuba here:

Cuba - Overview:

What you should know about Cuba? Let's start with this: The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the European discovery of the island by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next several centuries. Large numbers of African slaves were imported to work the coffee and sugar plantations, and Havana became the launching point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from Mexico and Peru. Spanish rule eventually provoked an independence movement and occasional rebellions that were harshly suppressed. US intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898 assisted the Cubans in overthrowing Spanish rule. The Treaty of Paris established Cuban independence from Spain in 1898 and, following three-and-a-half years of subsequent US military rule, Cuba became an independent republic in 1902 after which the island experienced a string of governments mostly dominated by the military and corrupt politicians. Fidel Castro led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his authoritarian rule held the subsequent regime together for nearly five decades. He stepped down as president in February 2008 in favor of his younger brother Raul Castro. Cuba's communist revolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. On 8-9 September 2017, Hurricane Irma passed along the north coast of Cuba causing extensive damage to structures, roads, and power supplies. The country faced a severe economic downturn in 1990 following the withdrawal of former Soviet subsidies worth $4-6 billion annually. Cuba at times portrays the US embargo, in place since 1961, as the source of its difficulties. Over the past decade, there has been growing communication with the Cuban Government to address national interests. As a result of efforts begun in December 2014 to re-establish diplomatic relations with the Cuban Government, which were severed in January 1961, the US and Cuba reopened embassies in their respective countries on 20 July 2015. However, the embargo remains in place. Illicit migration of Cuban nationals to the US via maritime and overland routes has been a longstanding challenge. In FY 2016, the US Coast Guard interdicted 5,228 Cuban nationals at sea. Also in FY 2016, 44,553 Cuban migrants presented themselves at various land border ports of entry throughout the US. On 12 January 2017, the US and Cuba signed a Joint Statement ending the so-called “wet-foot, dry-foot” policy – by which Cuban nationals who reached US soil were permitted to stay – facilitating the repatriation of Cuban migrants. Illicit Cuban migration has since dropped significantly.

Geography of Cuba

Where on the globe is Cuba? The location of this country is Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida. Total area of Cuba is 110,860 sq km, of which 109,820 sq km is land. So this is not a large country. How could we describe the terrain of the country? This way: mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast. The lowest point of Cuba is Caribbean Sea 0 m, the highest point Pico Turquino 1,974 m. And the climate is tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October).

Inhabitants of Cuba

Let's take a look how many people live in Cuba. The number is: 11,147,407 (July 2017 est.). So this is not very populous country. Who lives here? white 64.1%, mulatto or mixed 26.6%, black 9.3%. What are the languages in Cuba? Spanish (official). And the religions: nominally Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jewish, Santeria. How old are the people in average? 41.5 years. We have to add that this number is the median - so one half of the people is older than this, one half is younger. And what is their life expectancy (at birth)? This: 78.8 years. Where the people live in Cuba? Here: large population clusters found throughout the country, the more significant ones being in the larger towns and cities, particularly the capital of Havana. The major urban areas of Cuba are: Havana (capital) 2.137 million (2015).

Government and Economy of Cuba

The capital of Cuba is Havana and the government type communist state. Let's take a look at the administrative divisions - 15 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special municipality (municipio especial); Artemisa, Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla de la Juventud, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Mayabeque, Pinar del Rio, Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara. Regarding the economy of Cuba, important industrial products are petroleum, nickel, cobalt, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, construction, steel, cement, agricultural machinery, suga. Important agricultural products are sugar, tobacco, citrus, coffee, rice, potatoes, beans; livestock. The most important export commodities are petroleum, nickel, medical products, sugar, tobacco, fish, citrus, coffee and the most important export partners are Russia 22.9%, Venezuela 15.4%, Spain 10.3% (2016). The most important import commodities are petroleum, food, machinery and equipment, chemicals and the most important import partners are China 29.2%, Spain 14%, Italy 5.1%, Brazil 4.7%, Mexico 4.4%, Russia 4.3%, Canada 4.1%, US 4% (2016). How rich is Cuba and how rich are people in this country? The most important number here is GDP per capita (PPP): $11,900 (2016 est.). This is quite good. Let's add that this means Gross Domestic Product per person, which is recalculated with respect to the relative cost of local goods and services. And one more important number - population below poverty line: NA%.

Map of Cuba