Characteristics of the cube according to plan. Complete description of Cuba. Transport in Cuba

Republic of Cuba

Cuba- a state located on the largest island of the West Indies and several nearby islands. In the north it is washed by the Strait of Florida, in the southwest by the Yucatan Strait, in the east by the Windward Strait, and in the south by the Caribbean Sea.

The name of the country comes from “Akoba”, which means “land, dry land” in the language of the local Indians.

Capital

Square

Population

And 184 thousand people.

Administrative division

The state is divided into 14 provinces and the special municipality of Isla Juventud.

Form of government

Republic.

Head of State

Chairman of the State Council.

Supreme legislative body

National Assembly, which elects the Council of State.

Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Holguin, Guantanamo, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Matanzas. Official language. Spanish.

Religion

55% are atheists, 40% are Catholics, 3% are Protestants.

Ethnic composition

65% are descendants of Europeans, 20% are mulattoes, 12% are Africans, 1% are Chinese.

Currency

Climate

The climate in Cuba is subtropical. Average annual temperature is about + 25 °C. The water temperature off the coast is + 24 °C in winter and + 30 °C in summer. The rainy season lasts from May to October. The average annual precipitation is 1400 mm.

Flora

Tropical plant species grow in Cuba, which are very diverse; there are more than 30 species of palm trees alone. Mahogany, ebony, poplar, sandalwood, Virginia pine, passionflower, and citrus fruits are common in the forests. The plains are covered with grassy savanna.

Fauna

Of the mammalian representatives of the animal world, the hutia and the slittooth should be distinguished. The island is home to a huge number of bats, almost 300 species of birds, including vulture, quail, finch, macaw, and hummingbird. More than 700 species of fish and shellfish live in coastal waters. There are numerous insects, including very dangerous ones - the sand flea and the malaria mosquito.

Rivers and lakes

The largest river is Kauto.

Attractions

In Havana - National Museum, Colonial Museum, Museum of Anthropology, Moro Castle, Santa Clara Monastery, La Fuerza Fortress, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, city ​​hall, America's largest zoo; in Santiago de Cuba - Museum natural history; In Cardenas - the Oscar M. de Rojas Museum; in Camagüey there are a large number of churches and mansions from the colonial period. On the shore of the bay is the world's largest aquarium.

Useful information for tourists

As souvenirs from Cuba, you can bring black coral and jewelry made from it, items made from tortoise shell (especially bracelets and hairpins). Don't forget to buy one or two bottles of this unique
Cuban rum and real Cuban cigars. When purchasing crocodile leather products, ask the seller for an export license, otherwise this souvenir will be confiscated upon passing customs control. A good gift from Cuba would also be a tumbadora or bongo - percussion musical instruments. Another gift is the guayabera, a shirt worn by officials in the tropics. You will probably have to use currency shops, since pesos can only buy books and medicine.
In Cuba, it is customary to pay a tip of 5-15% of the cost of services. The porter and maid at the hotel are given 1 dollar.

Liberty Island Cuba is loved by tourists for its luxurious nature, great beaches and a lot of colonial and revolutionary sights. The white-stone beauty of Havana, the resorts of Varadero and Holguin, rum, cigars and Fidel - all about Cuba: tours, holidays, prices and maps.

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Perhaps some still remember how they deciphered the name of this country 15 years ago: “Communism off the coast of America.” Jokes aside, Cuba really remains one of the few strongholds of a bright socialist ideology with such familiar attributes: the legendary Comandante Che and his most living follower, an external ideological enemy in the person of the States and unprecedented patriotism local residents. There are, however, radical differences from the USSR - a steady influx of tourists all year round, hotels with high level service and rich opportunities for entertainment: diving, snorkeling, yachting and the list goes on. Plus, of course, let's not forget about the famous rum and cigars. The latter, by the way, secretly smoked (and smokes) the same ideologically enemy leadership, despite the embargo on Liberty Island.

Time difference from Moscow

− 7 hours in winter −8 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

Maps of Cuba

Visa and customs

For a tourist trip of up to 30 days, citizens of Russia and Belarus do not require a visa to Cuba. For your own peace of mind, you should take out travel medical insurance in advance for the entire duration of your trip.

To enter Cuba at the border, you need to fill out a migration card (in two copies - the second one is presented upon departure), a return ticket and proof of financial solvency at the rate of 50 USD per day per person (a simple credit card statement will do). Hotel reservations are not required, but be prepared to answer the question of where you plan to stay.

Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco is allowed; 3 bottles of alcoholic drinks; perfumes, medicines and household items - within the limits of personal needs. One photo and video camera (plus 5 cassettes for each) are also imported duty-free. It is prohibited to import drugs, pornography and firearms (with the exception of sport hunting rifles belonging to tourists who come to the country for this purpose and have the appropriate permit issued by Cuba upon arrival).

Fans of Cuban cigars should not forget about the following point: although you can export as many of them as you like from the island with a receipt, according to our customs rules, you can import no more than 50 pieces into Russia.

You can export up to 1000 CUP and up to 5000 USD without declaration, no more than 23 cigars per person (if the cigars are sealed in packaging with a hologram, purchased in a special store that issues receipts and export permits, you can export as much as you like), goods worth not more than 1000 CUP (jewelry is exported only with a license issued by the store).

Systems Tax free not in socialist Cuba.

The export of animals, cultural property, sea shells, antiques, and precious metals is prohibited. When purchasing jewelry or goods made of crocodile skin, you must request an export license from the seller, otherwise the goods will be seized during customs control. These licenses are usually issued only in stores. In markets where crocodile leather products cost 3-5 times less, but export licenses are not issued, such goods should not be purchased.

How to get to Cuba

The easiest and fastest way to get to Cuba is direct non-stop regular Aeroflot flights Moscow - Havana (about 12 hours of flight, departure from Sheremetyevo). Other options: transit via Paris with Air France to Havana, via Amsterdam with KLM, via Madrid with Iberia, via Frankfurt with Condor to Havana and Varadero and other European carriers. The journey will take from 16 to 20 hours.

Flights from CIS countries are carried out either through Moscow or with connections in European cities.

If tourists fly with KLM, due to inconvenient flight connections, they will have to spend the night in Amsterdam. To do this you need to register transit visa, and also book a hotel in advance. It is more convenient to stay in the center of Amsterdam: the train journey from the airport to the station in the city center is only 20 minutes.

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Transport

Public transport in the country is underdeveloped; the most convenient way is to rent a car. Cubans themselves often use hitchhiking to get around within cities or around the country.

Public transport

Buses are considered the main urban transport, but they can only be recommended for extreme sports enthusiasts: the stops are not marked in any way, it is almost impossible to find them, the buses are jam-packed, and they do not have a clear schedule or routes. Buses - in Havana they are called camallos (due to their resemblance to camels) - stop every 4 blocks. The fare costs 3-5 CUC, it is not recommended to check with the driver - he will suspect you of being a tourist and will charge much more. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

There are special “tourist” taxis for tourists - these are always modern and serviceable cars. They can be ordered from any hotel or simply by phone; Travel is paid only in dollars. The cost of the trip is from 0.5 to 1 USD for each km of the route. Regular taxis that accept pesos are quite old cars and there are not many of them. Finally, there are also private “bombers” in Cuba. Their prices are slightly lower than those of state taxi drivers, but there are no guarantees of quality.

Intercity communication

Local residents often hitchhike around the country. There is even a law in Cuba that government vehicles are required to take hitchhikers on board if they are in the car. free seats. The implementation of this rule is closely monitored by special people, like our traffic cops.

All major cities in Cuba have bus stations from which departures are made. intercity buses. Unlike city transport, they run more or less on schedule. Most a budget option- this is Astro Bus. The bus fleet leaves much to be desired, but a trip from Havana to Varadero will cost only 8-10 CUC. Viazul Bus is a more modern fleet and the buses even have air conditioning. Travel prices are higher: from Havana to Varadero a ticket will cost 8-15 USD. The company has its own website (translated into English) where you can buy tickets online. In other cases, travel cards are purchased at the ticket office at the station, and this must be done in advance.

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Cuba Hotels

Consulate General in Havana: 5-a Avenida esq. a 66, no. 318, Miramar, La Habana,; tel.: 204-10-74, 204-10-85.

Police: 116 and 820-116, ambulance: 242-811, fire brigade: 811-115, airport information desk: 45-31-33.

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Beaches of Cuba

The beaches in Cuba are some of the best on the planet: sandy, with convenient access to the sea, many are marked Blue flag, in addition, they are all municipal and free.

Most hotels on the coast are assigned separate protected areas of the beach, where you practically won’t meet the local population. Sun beds and umbrellas are free.

You can safely go to any resort and be satisfied. But if you choose the ideal from the best, then you should pay attention to the following beaches:

The longest beach in Cuba is Varadero: almost 22 km of snow-white sand with sun loungers, umbrellas, beach cafes, etc. tourism infrastructure. Almost all the beaches here are at hotels, so they are always clean and there are no suspicious strangers. Varadero is perhaps the most fun and noisy resort in Cuba; there are many discos here, so young and not so party-goers should go here. Varadero is also suitable for tourists who prefer an all-inclusive holiday - most of these hotels are concentrated here.

For family vacation Santa Lucia Beach (about 110 km northeast of the city of Camagüey) is suitable for children. There is a comfortable flat sandy bottom, there are no waves, and since regular buses you can’t get to this beach, there aren’t many people even in high season. It's very calm and Beautiful places, but for extreme sports fans there is also entertainment: diving with sharks.

Cuisine and restaurants of Cuba

Creole cuisine is widespread on the island, the main ingredients of which are pork and chicken, prepared in various ways. One of the most popular national dishes- “Creole ajiaco” - pork with vegetables and big amount spices It’s also worth trying lobsters with lemon, crocodile or turtle meat dishes, and turtle eggs. In Cuba, they cook a lot from fruits and serve them with almost every dish. The coffee they brew here is very strong and sweet.

National drinks are Cuban rum and numerous cocktails based on it: mojito, Cuba libre, daiquiri and many others.

There are few restaurants in the classical sense of the word in Cuba, and they are all located in tourist areas and resorts. They usually accept credit cards, but glitches are common, so it's best to go with cash (convertible pesos). The average bill in a good restaurant is approximately 30-40 CUP per person without drinks; in a more budget restaurant you can spend 10-15 CUP. There are also many pizzerias and hamburger joints in Cuba. You can have a meal there cheaply (2-5 CUP) and often around the clock, but only for cash. Cuban bars are a different story. Most of them are very colorful and have a history; they don’t serve food (maximum nuts and chips), but you should definitely try all the daiquiris.

Guides in Cuba

Entertainment and attractions

There are not as many cultural attractions in Cuba as in other countries; many were destroyed by Spanish colonialists back in the 16th century. The main wealth of the island is its natural beauty. Picturesque landscapes, national parks and amazing undersea world- this is what attracts thousands of tourists to Cuba every year.

Historical attractions are concentrated in cities, most of them, of course, in the capital - Havana. The most interesting area from a tourism point of view is Old Havana, included in the UNESCO List world heritage humanity. You should definitely see the Cathedral of St. Christopher, the Havana Capitol - larger in size than Washington. Also interesting are the city squares: the Armory (Plaza de Armas), the Cathedral (Plaza de la Catedral) and the Old (Plaza Vieja), around which ancient buildings and structures are located, as well as the Jose Marti Revolution Square with a memorial and an obelisk . At the top of the latter is the highest observation deck in the city.

The province of Havana will be especially interesting for fans of environmental and adventure tourism; there are many quiet, secluded beaches. The Escaleras de Jaruco area has many caves and steep cliffs: it is good for speleologists. In San Antonio de los Baños you can visit the Museum of Humor, while the coastal village of Santa Cruz del Norte is famous for producing the famous Havana Club rum.

In the city of Santa Clara (province of Villa Clara) there is a Memorial named after. Che Guevara and his remains are kept. In the small town of Remedios, noteworthy are the city's Carnival Museum, the Alejandro García Caturla Music Museum and the main parish church of St. John the Baptist, which is considered one of the most interesting in Cuba.

The city of Pinar del Rio in the province of the same name is interesting for its Museum of Natural Sciences, the Guasch Palace, the Milanes Theater and the Francisco Donatien cigar factory.

Juventud Island is the second largest island in the Cuban archipelago. Here is the famous Los Indios San Felipe natural reserve with unique flora and fauna, the Presidio Modelo prison, a copy of the American Joliet prison in Illinois (Fidel Castro served his prison sentence there), the national marine park"Punta Frances" and the international dive center "El Colony".

In the province of Matanzas, in addition to caves with rock paintings, it is worth visiting the provincial capital of the same name. Must-sees: Vigia Square (the founding site of the city), Liberty Square, Montserrat Chapel (built in the image of a temple in Catalonia), San Severino Castle (due to its size, considered one of the main Spanish fortresses in America) and the ruins of the Triumvirato. - there, in the 19th century, the largest uprising of African slaves in the history of Cuba took place. The main attractions of the Zapata Peninsula: the Taino Indian village in Guama, the crocodile nursery in La Boca, the Santo Tomas and La Salina fauna reserves, as well as Historical Museum in Playa Giron.

You should also definitely take a trip to the amazingly beautiful national parks of Cuba.

New Year (January 1), on the contrary, is celebrated noisily and cheerfully. On this night, beach discos are open, concerts and parties are held, and they approach things on a special scale in big cities.

January 2 marks the most important day in the country - the Day of Liberation and Victory of the Cuban Revolution. This is an official day off throughout the country, solemn processions take place in cities, the president gives a pathetic speech, Cubans congratulate everyone on the street, and it all ends with public festivities until dawn.

The country is very fond of holidays, a legacy of the communist era. Here they still celebrate May Day the way it was customary in the Soviet Union - with demonstrations, flowers, cheerful patriotic songs and festivities around the city. On July 26, the National Uprising Day is celebrated, also with parades and demonstrations, and October 10 is Independence Day: the main venue is the monument to Carlos Manuel Cespedes (“Father of the Motherland”, one of the leaders of Cuba’s Ten Years’ War against the Spanish colonialists) in the square in Havana, to to whom flowers are laid. No one works on this day either.

In July and August in Cuba you can visit two carnivals at once - in Havana and Santiago de Cuba.

On weekends from July 15 to August 15, Cuba hosts perhaps the most colorful and fun event of the year: the Havana Carnival. These days, freaks from all over the country gather in the capital, dress up in costumes, dance, drink daiquiris and have fun literally around the clock. Many perform in teams and prepare for the carnival in advance in order to be sure to outshine all other participants in the dance. Another carnival takes place at the end of July in the city of Santiago de Cuba. The scenario is the same: dress up, drink and dance. It is very convenient that both holidays fall at approximately the same time: you can visit both carnivals on one trip.

In the first week of December, one of the most important cultural events for the entire Spanish-speaking population of the planet takes place in Cuba - the Festival of New Latin American Cinema. In terms of prestige, this film award is equal to the Oscar - for directors, actors and other film workers it is a great honor to be awarded this award.

And at the end of February, smokers from all over the world come to Havana, as the International Cuban Cigar Festival takes place here. It lasts 5 days, during which time excursions to factories and tobacco plantations, auctions and competitions are held, as well as concerts, presentations and festive receptions, where you can try a variety of cigars over a glass of wine or rum.

Cuba represents a collection of exceptional emotions: it is sunshine and bright colors, it is joy and warmth. A traveler who once passes through Cuban soil, enjoys the magnificent golden beaches and understands its soul, will return here again and again in search of those amazing sensations that this hospitable country can give you. Tourists who come to Cuba will discover much more than just a good holiday. The golden rule of these places: trust your feelings and follow the path to which your soul lies. Cuba is the tunes of a violin and the beat of drums. Cuba is both white and black, both a city and a village, and an amazing, gentle sea. These are snow-white sand beaches. This is a city caressed by the winds of other times, This is a diverse nature. And this, first of all, is its people, full of enthusiasm and sensuality, a welcoming atmosphere, warmth, and care for people.

Geographical location The Cuban archipelago is located in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, 74 degrees 7 minutes and 55 seconds west longitude and 19 degrees 49 minutes and 32 seconds north latitude.

The Cuban archipelago consists of: Cuba Island, Juventud Island and approximately 4,195 islets. Approximately 140 km separate it from the Bahamas, from Haiti - 77, from the state of Florida -180, from Cancun - 210 and from Jamaica -146 km. The island of Cuba, elongated and narrow in shape, reaches 1,200 km in length and from 32 to 145 km in width. total area The territory is 110.922 sq. km, thus the island of Cuba is the largest among the Antilles. About 35 airlines from Europe and America, including the local airline Cubana de Aviación, operate regular flights to the Island, which has 11 international airports.

Climate

Temperate subtropical with two distinct seasons: the rainy season - from May to October, the dry season - from November to April. The average annual relative humidity is about 80%. Average annual precipitation is 1500mm.

January and December are the coldest and driest months. July and August experience the highest temperatures, but the heat is tempered by refreshing winds from the sea - a real treat during the summer season.

The temperature of warm coastal waters varies from 25 to 28 ° C - ideal conditions for beach lovers and scuba diving.

Territory

The total area of ​​the Cuban archipelago is 110,922 km2. It includes the island of Cuba, the largest of the Antilles, the Island of Youth and 4195 adjacent islets. The maximum length of Cuban territory is 1250 km: from Cape San Antonio, in the westernmost province of Pinar del Rio, to Cape Camados, in the easternmost province of Guantanamo. From north to south, the greatest width of the island is 191 km, between Tararacos beach and the cape Camaron Grande in the province of Camaguey. The minimum width, barely reaching 31 kilometers, is located between the bays of Rio and Mahana in the province of Havana.

Administrative division

From west to east, there are 14 Cuban provinces: Pinar del Rio, Havana, Havana City, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo. Youth Island has the status of a special municipal district.

Population and language

Cuba's population exceeds 11 million people. Official language- Spanish. Knows English quite well big number population, and in travel agencies everyone speaks this language well. You often meet Cubans who speak Russian, French, Italian and German languages.

Symbolism

The Republic of Cuba is the same one that for more than a hundred years was in the first echelon of its people’s struggle for independence: the lone star flag, the anthem of Bayamo and the coat of arms with the royal palm.

The Cuban flag has a rectangular shape with alternating three blue and two white stripes. The red isosceles triangle symbolizes the deep-rooted ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity, while the lone star in the center expresses the necessary unity of the nation and complete independence. The three blue stripes symbolize the three departments into which it was divided at that time: The national flag was first raised in the city of Cardenas, Matanzas province), in 1850.

Coat of Arms: It is oval in shape and has a golden key at the top, symbolizing Cuba's key position between the two Americas. This is where the name “Key of the Bay” came from. The rising sun symbolizes the birth of a new nation. The three blue stripes separated by two white stripes have the same meaning as on the flag.

On the other hand, the vertical fields of the coat of arms reflect the blue and white stripes of the Cuban flag, as well as the typical rural landscape of the island, in which the slender royal palm stands out, growing on a green plain against the backdrop of distant mountains. An expression of strength and trust are the oak and laurel branches framing the coat of arms on the right and left, respectively. The Phrygian cap with a white central star expresses the Cubans' love of freedom.

National flower: White butterfly. This is a species of endemic jasmine that was used by Cuban women during the Revolutionary Wars to convey messages to the front. The White Butterfly is a symbol of purity, indomitability and independence. National bird: Tocororo (Priotelus temnurus) A distinctive bird of the quetzal family, with a color pattern that follows the colors of the Cuban flag: red, blue and white.

National tree: Royal palm. Although this tree is not native to Cuba, it is part of the national landscape and symbolizes the unique Cuban character, capable of withstanding the fiercest winds without bending.

Island. Two white stripes remind of the purity of the people's attempts to fight for independence, an equilateral triangle represents freedom, equality and fraternity. Its red color symbolizes the color of the blood that was necessary to shed to achieve independence. The white and lonely star is a symbol of absolute freedom.

National Anthem: The music for the anthem was composed in 1867 by Perucho Figueredo. Later, in 1868, when troops fighting for independence took the city of Bayamo (Granma province), Figueredo himself composed the words:

Go into battle, Bayamans,
After all, Motherland is watching you.
Don't be afraid to die for victory. To die for the Motherland means to live
To live in shackles means to live in humiliation and shame.
Hear the trumpets call
To arms, brave men, into battle.

Where to go from Cuba

From the largest Antilles Island you can reach in a short time the Maya Way, Montego Bay, Nassau, Grand Cayman, Cancun or any other continental or island destination Caribbean. Travel agencies such as Cubanacan Viajes, Avanatur, Cubatur, Gaviota Toure, Rumbos Cuba and San Cristobal organize travel all over the world.

National airlines:

Cubana de Aviation: Calle Infanta, corner Humboldt, City of Havana. Phone: (53-7) 870-5961.

Aerocaribean: Calle 23, corner P, Vedado, City of Havana. Phones: (53-7) 879-7524. Aerogaviota: Calle 47, no. 2814, between streets 28 and 34, Playa, City of Havana. Phone: (53-7) 203-0668.

Air taxi: Calle 27, no. 102, between Calle M and Calle N, Vedado. Phone: (53-7) 33-4064.

Car rental:

Standard, economy and luxury cars can be rented at airports, hotels, travel agencies and rental shops throughout the country. To do this, you need to have a driver's license, have a passport with you and be an adult. The road sign system is international.

Car rental agencies and their telephone numbers: Cubacar: (53-7) 33-7233, 204-2718, 204-2104.

Avanautos: (53-7) 831-9107 Rent-e-car Transtour: (53-7) 33-4038, 55-1944

Via Rent-e-car: (53-7) 33-9780 and 66-6777.

Mikar: (53-7) 204-3457.

Panautos: (53-7) 830-4765.

Rex: (53-7) 33-9160.

Grand Car: (53-7) 41-7980.

Palkokar: (53-7) 201-3676.

Rent-e-car Phoenix: (53-7) 863-9527 and 863-9580.

Autocaravanas Kampertur: (53-7) 33-7558.

Taxi

Avanataxi: (53-7) 41-9600. Panataxi: (53-7) 55-5555. Taxi OK: (53-7) 204-9518 and 19. Taxi Transtour: (53-7) 208-6666, 204-6163 and 204-9198. Gaviota Taxi: (53-7) 33-9780 and 66-6777 Phoenix: (53-7) 863-3149. Avanautos Taxi: (53-7) 832-3232.

Buses:

Avanatur: (53-7) 204-7300, 204-2464, 204-7299 and 204-2795. Omnibus Transtour: (53-7)66-6138 and 66-6139. Veracuba: (53-7) 201-6753 and 201-7374 Viazul: (53-7) 881-1413 and 881-5652. Transgaviota: (53-7) 33-9780. :

Railway transport

Central Station: Avenida de Belghica and Arsenal, Old Havana, Havana City. Phone: (53-7) 861-8540.

Climate

Cuba, located near the Tropic of Cancer, has a warm climate. It rains frequently and regularly, although there are two seasons: the dry season, from November to April, and the rainy season, from May to October. The average daytime temperature is plus 27.5 degrees Celsius or 81.4 degrees Fahrenheit, with night temperatures reaching plus 21 degrees Celsius or 69.7 degrees Fahrenheit. July and August are the hottest months of the year, while December and January are the coldest.

Religion

The Constitution of the Republic guarantees absolute freedom of religion. The most common religion is Catholicism, although some other religions show a strong influence of Afro-Cuban faiths.

Baggage

Light and loose clothing, sportswear and swimsuit, sun cream, sunglasses, insect repellent, in case you suffer from allergic diseases. It is also necessary to have a sweater or light coat (raincoat) with you if you are going to visit mountain zones or traveling in winter.

Connection

In order to call Cuba from abroad, you must first dial 53, then the medical center of the province where you are calling, and then the telephone number that you need to reach through the KUBASEL yumpany (telephone: 880-2222) and “ S-yum" (phone: 264-2266) you can purchase services mobile communications.

Province codes:

• City of Havana Ciudad de la Habana -7
• Pinar del Rio - 82
• Matanzas -45
• Varadero -45
• Playa Larga -45-9
• Cienfuegos -432
• Villa Clara - 42
• Sancti Spiritus - 41
• Trinidad -419
• Topes de Collantes - 42
• Ciego de Avila - 33
• Camaguey - 32
• Las Tunas - 31
• Holguin - 24
• Granma - 23
• Santiago de Cuba - 22
• Guantanamo - 21
• Largo del Sur islet Cayo L del Sur) - 45
• Special Municipality of Isla de la Juventud - 61

Where to eat

The country has a large number of establishments offering light food and restaurants serving international cuisine: Chinese, Italian, Spanish, French, Arabic and, of course, Cuban. Typical Cuban dishes are: fried pork, baked or in fracase sauce, congri (rice and black beans), yuca (fried plantain, potatoes, sweet potatoes), vegetable salads, ajiaco (broth of vegetables and meat) and homemade desserts: from coconut, guava, mango, served with cheese.

The most extensive chain of restaurants throughout the country belongs to the Palmares company, which serves high-end restaurants, as well as more economical cafes such as: La Vicaria, Ditu (chicken dishes), Dichin (Chinese cuisine), Dinos (pizza and pasta), Pan .com (sandwiches). You can try light food in the cafeterias: Deprisa (owner - Islasul company), El Rapido (owner - SIMEX company), Cubanitas (owner - Cubalse company), Piropo (owner - Rumbos company) and in the establishments of Avaguanex JSC. The last three companies also have a chain of restaurants.

Holidays and festivals

Cuba is home to important festivals such as: New Latin American Cinema Festival, International Festival Ballet Festival, Guitar Festival and Theater Festival (all held in Havana), Golden Bolero Festival, Jazz Square Festival, Humor Festival (held every two years), in the city of San Antonio de los Baños, House of the Americas Award, International Exhibition of the Book of Havana, as well as celebrations of the Caribbean (Fire Festival) and Ibero-American Cultures, Carnivals and traditional parades.

Monetary system

Even though the Cuban Peso is national currency, to pay for all tourist services, the American dollar is used, which circulates freely throughout the territory, and the convertible peso, which can be purchased at currency exchange offices (CADECA). In the province of Varadero (Jardines del Rey, near Sau Largo del Sur, Holguin, Covarrubias y Playa Santa Lucia), in addition, Euros are accepted for payment. This trend is gaining momentum in other regions of the country. One peso is equal to 100 cents; banknotes are used in 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 pesos, as well as coins in denominations of 1 and 3 pesos and 20, 5 and 1 Cents.

Banks

As a rule, banks are open from Monday to Friday. Opening hours: from 08.30 to 15.30, with the exception of the last working days of each month, when banks are open only in the morning (until 12.00). In the event that a special cash desk service is provided (for checks with the right to withdraw cash, traveler's checks and purchases of US dollars), opening hours are from 09.00 to 19.00 from Monday to Saturday and on Sunday from 09.00 to 14.00. The network of automatic ATMs is expanding in the country.

How to pay

It is possible to pay in cash or using credit cards VISA INTERNATIONAL, MASTERCARD, ACCESS, BANKOMER INTERNATIONAL, EUROCARD, BANAMEX, DINERS CLUB INTERNATIONAL, XB, CABAL and CARNET and other cards issued in the country (BFI and RED cards), as well as traveler's checks and vouchers. Cards issued by banks of the United States of America and their branches are not accepted for payment. Prices for food and drinks vary depending on the category of establishment (shop, restaurant). A soft drink can cost between 45 cents and $2, a meal can cost between $5 and $30, a beer can cost between 75 cents and $2, while a bottle of wine can cost between $5 and $200.

In case of loss (loss, theft) of credit cards, you need to call (53-7) 55444 or territorial (regional) branches of the International Financial Bank.

Purchases

In shops in all hotels and in various establishments of this kind, the visitor can purchase personal items, handicrafts and souvenirs, rum, tobacco (cigars), music, Cuban films and documentaries.

Immigration Rules

To enter Cuba, you must have a valid passport and the appropriate visa or tourist card issued by your travel agent or your country's Cuban Consulate. The exception is the countries with which Cuba has signed a Visa-Free Entry Agreement.

Customs regulations

Citizens entering Cuba for tourism purposes may bring tax-free personal items and jewelry, imported non-commercial items not exceeding US$50.00 in value, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of dry tobacco, or a combination of all three of the previous types. tobacco weighing no more than 250 grams, as well as 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages (for adults over 18 years of age). Cameras (cameras), video cameras, radios and tape recorders that tourists carry with them upon entry must be removed. It is prohibited to transport firearms, with the exception of hunting weapons accompanied by appropriate permits. As for household electrical appliances that are imported into the country, it is necessary to present a purchase receipt and pay a tax amounting to 100% of the cost of the product. Any purchase made in a national retail chain can be taken out of the country upon presentation of a cash receipt. The export of cigars (tobacco products) with a value of up to 2,000 US dollars is allowed with the appropriate receipt, and 50 cigars without it, as well as representatives of flora and fauna (live or stuffed), always accompanied by sanitary documents and an export permit. For the export of art and antiques, permission from the National Register of Cultural Property is required. Departure tax is USD 25.00 per person.

Entry procedure by sea

When entering Cuban national waters (12 miles from the island platform), contact port services on HF (35V) 2760 (national shore frequency) and 2790 (tourist frequency) on channels 68 and 16 or on VHF, on channel 19.

Sanitary requirements

Travelers coming from countries where there have been cases of yellow fever and endemic cholera, or from infected countries declared by the World Health Organization, must present a certificate of vaccination issued at least 10 days before the date of entry into the Island.

It is possible to import meat products, provided they are properly packaged and sterilized, as well as vegetables, if they have undergone industrial processing, the same applies to pasteurized products and cheeses. Dried fruits and fresh fruits require the appropriate Agricultural Health Certificate. If you are traveling with animals, plants or products that do not comply with the above regulations, it is necessary that you contact Cuban health authorities upon arrival to become familiar with the requirements in each case.

Drug use is prohibited in Cuba.

Photography video filming

There are special rules for photography and video shooting in museums. It is strictly forbidden to take photographs or film a video camera in military zones and in some industrial centers, in factories and research centers where prior approval is required.

Electricity

Electrical voltage 110 Volts, 60 Cycles. In many hotels the voltage is 220 volts.

Time

Time in Cuba is minus 5 hours from the Greenwich Meridian (standard time in the Eastern United States of America and Canada). From April to October there is summer time(clocks are set forward an hour) to make the most of the sunshine.

The Republic of Cuba has the unofficial name of Liberty Island, and occupies the entire territory of the island of Cuba, which is part of the Greater Antilles. The history of the Republic is closely connected with political events during the Cold War and the confrontation between the United States and the Russian Federation in the political arena, which is due to its favorable location and proximity to the North, South and Central parts of America.

The official name of the Republic of Cuba has two versions of its origin story. Some scientists believe that this word came from the language of local Indian tribes, who called fertile lands that way. Others believe that this is what Columbus named this island at the time of its discovery, giving the island the name of a settlement with a similar name in Portugal.

Geographical characteristics

The island is located at the junction of three parts of America - North, South and Central. This is the most large island, which belongs to the territory of the West Indies, and it represents a large part of the territory of the Republic. It also includes adjacent islands and coral reefs from the Greater Antilles.

In terms of territory, Cuba is quite impressive, and occupies 110,860 square kilometers, which stretch from west to east for 250 kilometers. The outline of the Republic on the map is very reminiscent of a lizard that has turned its head towards the Atlantic.

People of mixed national origin live here. When the Spaniards reached the island, it was inhabited by tribes of Indians of the Arawakan group, as well as those who had recently migrated from Haiti. However, during the process of colonization, the indigenous people were practically destroyed, and most of the territory was occupied by the Spaniards and other colonizing peoples. Today the population of the state is more than 11 million people, of which only about 65% of citizens can be classified as white.

Nature

Rivers and lakes

The rivers on the territory of the Republic are not large. They are usually quite short and not very watery. More than 600 rivers or streams are found here, many of them heading north, although others flow south into the Caribbean Sea.

There are a huge number of swamps on the banks, the largest of which is called Zapata. Lakes, like rivers, are small and most often freshwater, although there are also salty lagoons. The largest fresh water lake is called Laguna de Leche, and its waters are distinguished by a whitish milky hue, which is explained by the chalk content in the water...

Sea, bay and ocean surrounding Cuba

The southern part of the territory of the Republic is washed by the Caribbean Sea, and from the northwest the island bends around the Gulf of Mexico. The northeastern coast faces the Atlantic Ocean...

Plants and animals

More than 3,000 species of tropical fruiting plants and flowers grow in Cuba and the surrounding islands. The forests contain both deciduous and evergreen trees, and it is not uncommon to find redwood or logwood. In the mid-20th century, forest plantations were actively planted, and today more than 30% of the territory is covered with green spaces and forests...

One of the most interesting mammals in Cuba is the almost exterminated Cuban slittooth. The island is home to 23 species of bats, as well as many different rodents. Parrots and thrushes predominate among the birds, and flamingos and hummingbirds also live in large numbers.

Amphibians include alligators and a variety of lizards, including the iguana, as well as turtles and crocodiles. Among snakes there are many varieties that are non-venomous and not dangerous to humans. More than 7 thousand species of insects and 500 species of fish complement the fauna of this Republic.

Climate of Cuba

The tropical location next to the Gulf Stream and warm trade winds provides a fairly warm climate in Cuba. average temperature in January it usually does not fall below 22.5 degrees Celsius, and in August it reaches 27-28 degrees on average. From the beginning of May until October there can be quite heavy rainfalls, and in the fall the picture is complemented by hurricanes. From November to March the most favorable tourist season...

Resources

Industry and Agriculture

The subplatform areas on which the state is located consist mostly of limestone fossils. There are practically no expensive minerals in the country that could bring profit to the Cuban budget. The main types of industry are light, textile and food; heavy industry occupies a very small place in the country.

Fertile lands produce rich harvests, which is why Cuba has a fairly well-developed Agriculture. The bulk of the plantations is occupied by sugar cane, but other aspects of agricultural structures are also actively developing. Cuba supplies the world market with a large number of elite cigars and sugar, as well as nickel in quite significant quantities...

Cuba(Spanish Cuba), official name - Republic of Cuba (Spanish República de Cuba), unofficial since 1959 - Liberty Island) - an island state in the northern part Caribbean Sea. The country occupies the territory of the island of Cuba as part of the Greater Antilles, Isla Juventud and many smaller islands. From North America Cuba is separated 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 Juventud, as well as on the adjacent about 1,600 small islands and coral reefs belonging to the Greater Antilles group. The coastline 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, which stretches 1,250 km from west to east, is often compared to a lizard, whose body faces the Atlantic and whose tail is located at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. In the south, Cuba is washed by the Caribbean Sea, in the northwest by the Gulf of Mexico, and in the northeast by the Atlantic Ocean. The distance from Cuba to the United States at the narrowest point of the Strait of Florida is 180 km, to the island of Haiti through the Windward Strait is 77 km, to the island of Jamaica through the Strait of Colon is 140 km, to Mexico through the Yucatan Strait is 210 km.

Relief

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

In Cuba, karst is widespread, and therefore many caves, including large ones, are known. Thus, in the west, the Santo Tomas cave 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 banks are generally low, sometimes swampy, and in many cases overgrown with mangroves. There are often sandy beaches that 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 reserves and 3rd in production), has significant reserves of chromium, manganese, iron and copper ores, asbestos, rock salt, and phosphorites. Oil and gas fields have been discovered in the west of the country.

Climate

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

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

A feature of Cuba's climate is its typical high humidity throughout the year. The combination of high humidity and high temperature has 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 characterized by a certain constancy, so you can often see trees whose trunks have a corresponding slope.

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

Administrative division

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

• Juventud Island (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

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

Connection

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

In 2003, there were 2 Internet providers on the island. Nationaldomain.cu.

Today, Cuba has the only mobile operator - ETECSA under the Cubacel brand. An interesting fact is that until 2008, the use of mobile communication services for ordinary residents of the country was prohibited. Only foreign citizens and senior officials of the country were allowed to use mobile communication services. After Raul Castro abolished the rules for the use of mobile phones in the country, the national telecom operator, ETECSA, began providing communication services to ordinary citizens on April 14, 2008. In Cuba the GSM 900 standard is currently in use, and in some areas of Havana and the resort of Varadero - GSM 850.

Population

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

Since the Spanish colonists needed a lot of labor, primarily for work on plantations, they began to import slaves from central Africa (mainly Yoruba, Ashanti, Ewe, Congo). Over 350 years, the Spaniards imported more than 1 million African slaves, their descendants making up 40% of the population. For the same reason, more than 125,000 Chinese were imported from Asia between 1853 and 1874. To this day, “China Town” has been preserved in Havana. In addition, Indian slaves were imported, but in small quantities, from Yucatan, Central and South America. During the same period, 850,000 immigrants arrived from Spain, mostly Galicians, Castilians, Navarreans, and Catalans, although it should be noted that not all of them remained to live in Cuba. They are collectively called Gallego (Galicians). From the end of the 18th century. a large influx of French from Haiti and Louisiana also arrived here. There was also a fairly intense flow of immigrants from Germany, Italy and Britain. At the beginning of the 20th century, many Americans settled in Cuba and created their own colonies on the island. Pinos (presently Isle of Juventud). There were very strong waves of immigration to Cuba during and after the First and Second World Wars, primarily Jews moving here.

Information about racial composition Cubes are contradictory. 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 of Cuban Studies at the University of Miami, 68% of Cubans are black or mulatto. Minority rights group International says 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 Velazquez 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 context of a struggle with the indigenous population of the island - the Taino Indians, who made up 75% of the population.
In 1823, the first uprising for independence was suppressed.
In 1868, the Ten Years' War for Cuban Independence began; The rebels were supported by the US. Hostilities reached their climax in 1872–1873, but then the rebels fought only in the eastern provinces of 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 under the leadership of Jose Marti landed in Cuba. This event became the starting point of a new war with the Spanish, during which the Cubans achieved control over almost the entire territory of the island, excluding large cities (see War of Cuban Independence).
In 1898, the United States went to war with Spain, which it won. Cuba becomes dependent on the United States. The Constitution stipulated the right of the United States to send troops into the country. This clause was repealed in 1934.
In 1933, as a result of a coup organized by revolutionaries led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista, dictator Gerardo Machado y Morales was overthrown and a democratic regime was established.
On March 10, 1952, Fulgencio Batista carried out a coup d'etat and established a personal dictatorship.
On July 26, 1953, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro attempted to seize the Moncada barracks. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the participants in the assault ended up in prison, but this event became the starting point of the Cuban Revolution. In 1955, the revolutionaries were granted amnesty. December 2, 1956 a new group revolutionaries landed from the Granma yacht in the east of the island and began military operations against the Batista government.
On January 1, 1959, dictator Batista fled Cuba. At this point, rebel forces occupied the city of Santa Clara in the center of the island and controlled large swathes of terrain to the east, although the capital was not in immediate danger and Batista still had significant military forces at his disposal. In the conditions of the power vacuum that arose as a result of Batista's flight, on January 8, a column of rebels entered Havana, where they were greeted with popular jubilation.

As a result of the victory of the revolution, power in Cuba was given to a left-wing government headed by Fidel Castro, which then leaned towards the construction of socialism and is in power to the present day. The country's ruling and only permitted party is the Communist Party of Cuba. The government of Fidel Castro carried out agrarian reform, nationalized industrial assets, and launched broad social reforms, which alienated many groups of the population; the result of the process was the mass emigration of the dissatisfied, mainly to the United States, where a large diaspora of opponents of Castro and his policies was created.
In April 1961, Cuban emigrants, with the active support of the United States, landed armed troops on south coast islands with the goal of organizing a mass protest against the policies of the new government in the future, but the intervention was quickly stopped, and the expected social explosion never happened. Subsequently, emigrant organizations repeatedly organized terrorist attacks and small-scale landings on Cuba, but without much results.

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

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

Castro had a negative attitude towards the policy of perestroika in the USSR and even banned the distribution of a number of Soviet publications in Cuba (Moscow News, New Time, 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 largely stabilized, and the economic condition of the country 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 forces. “To my dear fellow citizens, who have given me the immeasurable honor of electing me as a member of Parliament, in which the most important decisions for the fate of the revolution will be taken, I inform you that I do not intend and will not give my consent to take the post of Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief,” it says in circulation.

Observers have some concerns about the political stability of Cuba regarding the process of transfer of power from Fidel Castro to his heirs.

State structure

Public administration is a republic. The legislative branch 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 shortage of foreign currency. Fluctuations in world prices for sugar and nickel. Complicated trade restrictions and lack of legal regulations hinder investment. Poor infrastructure. Shortage of fuel, fertilizers and spare parts. Hurricane damage in 2001

There are different points of view regarding the level of development of Cuba before the revolution. According to a number of sources, in terms of GNP per capita, Cuba was ahead of Spain and Japan at that time. Robin Blackburn also wrote that Cuba was one of the richest countries in the underdeveloped category. Professor Maurice Halperin, who worked in Cuba immediately after the revolution, objected to the application of the term “underdeveloped” to pre-revolutionary Cuba, which, according to him, caused false associations with truly backward countries, and proposed calling it “moderately developed.” On the other hand, the Groningen Growth and Development Center, having conducted its own retrospective calculations using a special methodology, obtained data stating that Cuba in 1958 was inferior to these countries and a number of Latin American countries.

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

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

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 fell by a third. Economic collapse was avoided by opening 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 assistance.

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

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

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

Exports ($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 the Cuban 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 a plant for the production of technical oils in Cuba.

Cuba imports ($14.5 billion in 2008) petroleum products, food, 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 Cuban banking system consists of the Central Bank, 8 commercial banks, 13 non-banking financial institutions, 13 representative offices of foreign banks and 4 representative offices of foreign financial institutions. There are 2 types of currency in Cuba. Citizens of Cuba receive black and white Cuban pesos, foreigners receive colored (convertible) pesos when exchanging currency. Western means mass media reported on currency fraud by the top Cuban leadership and the F. Castro family.

Since 1962, a card system has been in effect in Cuba; products are issued according to the same standards for the entire country. According to Cuban experts, the population currently receives from 40 to 54 percent of the minimum required calories from food distributed on ration cards. Milk is provided free of charge by the state to children under 6 years of age or purchased by the population at the market. Throughout the post-revolutionary years, a black market existed in Cuba. A number of goods, the distribution of which by cards is carried out irregularly or are intended only for 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, there is an increase in prostitution and corruption in Cuba. The average monthly salary in Cuba is $12, but there are many government benefits. For example, free clothing is provided to workers. There is a free system 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 the warning issued by the Cuban Foreign Ministry on August 22 about its readiness to sever diplomatic relations with Panama if its authorities amnestied 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 severance of 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 exemplary punishment for the terrorists” who were preparing the assassination attempt on Fidel Castro. In March 2004, the Supreme Court of 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 CPSU leadership towards Liberty Island was ambiguous, in some ways similar to the position regarding the SFRY. First, neither the Castro brothers nor their associates were formally Leninists. Their theoretical basis was limited to the legacy of Marx and Engels. Secondly, among other things, Cuba, in principle, was not part of the military blocs. Highly valuing freedom, Cuba, starting from the Belgrade Conference (Yugoslavia, September 1-6, 1961), was one of the most active participants in the Non-Aligned Movement. It 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 was caused, in part, by the cessation of economic aid to Cuba and the reduction of the Soviet (Russian) military presence on the island. Soviet military bases were established 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, starting in November 2008, there has been a revival of interest in building relations between Russia and Cuba of an economic, political, scientific and social nature.

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

The United States imposed an embargo on Cuba in 1961, any ties with Cuba were prohibited, US sanctions against Cuba continue to be in force as of 2008; this blockade is regularly condemned by the UN General Assembly.

However, now the US share of Cuban 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 overthrow the government of Fidel Castro. The operation was part of Operation Mongoose, developed by the US government on 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 aircraft, simulating hostile actions under a false flag, State-sponsored acts of terror. However, Kennedy rejected the project.

In 2001, the United States was sentenced to long periods imprisonment of five Cuban agents (“Cuban Five”). According to them, they conveyed information about impending terrorist attacks against Cuba.

In 2006, a committee was created at the US State Department whose task is 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. Takes part 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 thousand doctors in Cuba, that is, 1 doctor per 1000 people, which was equal to the figures in France. However, unlike developed countries, Cuba did not have a health insurance system or cheap or free social healthcare. 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 deficiency was compensated for by the organization of the medical education system.

Currently, the Cuban health care system is considered one of the best in the world and has extensive primary health care and scientific development programs. 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.

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

In 1961, a massive literacy campaign began. As a result, in 1980 the number of illiterate people was only 2%, and in 1990 Cuba became a country of complete literacy. A public secondary and higher school was created. During the 60s, the number of students doubled (from 717 thousand 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.

Cuba currently has compulsory nine-grade education (the average is 12-grade education). There are 50 centers of higher education. 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 taught there as the main foreign language (faculty of the Pais brothers). The work of this faculty was supervised by the Moscow State University Center for Education. After 1999, English became such a language. Other universities in Cuba: Agricultural University of Havana.

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

Culture

Painting

Independent Cuban painting emerged only at the end of the 19th century. In the 1930s, artists who visited Europe became acquainted with modern artistic movements there and brought them to Cuba. Thus, Marcelo Pogolotti used cubism to create images on themes 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 influenced by the work of Mexican muralists. Jorge Arche is known for his portraits, which are similar in style to the work of other Latin American artists of the 1930s.

The science

Illiteracy was virtually eliminated in Cuba in 1961. Education here is free at all levels - from primary school to higher education - and compulsory until the end of the ninth grade. 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 become accessible to everyone. There are currently about 700,000 people in the country with higher education. Out of every seven Cuban workers, one has a university degree.

There are about 9,500 primary schools, about 2,000 secondary and 48 higher education institutions in the country. The school is considered a basic cultural institution.

There are more than 170 research institutes in Cuba.

After the victory of the Revolution, to this day in Cuba, about 630 thousand people have graduated from higher educational institutions in various specialties, 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. 135 thousand working mothers use the services of kindergartens.

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

There are 9,487 primary schools, 1,943 secondary schools and 48 higher education institutions 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 national education system.

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

Religion

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

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

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

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

Sport

Sports in Cuba are available to everyone and this mass nature allows them to constantly replenish national teams in various sports, which brought little Caribbean island important world and Olympic awards. Cuba is the birthplace of world famous athletes. Among the sports, baseball, boxing, athletics and volleyball stand out.

Armed forces

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

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

 

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