Cuba

Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is an island country in the Caribbean. It has the main island of Cuba and many smaller islands, islets, and cays. It is where the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean meet. Cuba is east of the Yucatán Peninsula, south of Florida and the Bahamas, west of Hispaniola, and north of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Havana, the capital, is its largest city. Cuba has about 10 million people, making it the third-most populous country in the Caribbean after Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It is also the largest Caribbean country by area. Culturally, Cuba is part of Latin America.

Cuba has a rich history. People lived there as early as 4,000 years ago. The Guanahatabey and Taíno peoples were there when Spanish colonization began in the 15th century. Cuba stayed with the Spanish Empire until 1898. Then the Spanish–American War led to U.S. occupation and later independence in 1902. Political changes continued through the 20th century. In 1959, the Cuban Revolution brought Fidel Castro to power, making Cuba a communist country during the Cold War, a time when the world was tense between the Soviet Union and the United States.

Today, Cuba is a socialist state with a government led by the Communist Party. It has a universal health care system offering free medical care to all citizens. Many people face economic challenges. Tourism, along with exports of sugar, tobacco, and coffee, helps support the economy. However, the long-lasting United States embargo against Cuba continues to impact daily life for many Cubans.

Etymology

Historians think the name Cuba comes from the Taíno language. It might mean "where fertile land is abundant" or "great place."

Some people also think the island was named after a town called Cuba in Portugal.

History

Main articles: History of Cuba and Timeline of Cuban history

Pre-Columbian era

Humans first settled Cuba around 6,000 years ago, coming from migrations from northern South America or Central America. The ancestors of the Taíno people, who spoke Arawakan languages, arrived in the Caribbean from South America about 1,700 years ago. The earliest signs of the Taíno in Cuba date back to the 9th century. Some of the first settlers stayed in the western part of the island until Europeans arrived, and they were known as the Guanahatabey people.

Spanish colonization and rule (1492–1898)

Main articles: Governorate of Cuba and Captaincy General of Cuba

Christopher Columbus reached Cuba on 27 October 1492. He claimed the island for the new Kingdom of Spain.

In 1511 the first Spanish settlement was founded by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar at Baracoa. Other towns followed, including San Cristobal de la Habana, founded in 1514. The Taíno people were forced to work for the new rulers. Many Taíno died from diseases brought by Europeans.

By 1570, most people in Cuba were of mixed Spanish, African, and Taíno heritage. Cuba grew slowly and focused on many types of farming. It became more of a city-based society that helped support the Spanish empire. By the mid-1700s, there were enslaved people on the island. Between 1790 and 1820, many Africans were brought to Cuba as enslaved people.

In 1812, a rebellion by enslaved people happened but was stopped. By the 19th century, a system developed allowing enslaved people to buy their freedom. With fewer white workers, Black people became important in city jobs. Farming stayed mixed with small farms, supplying cities with food and goods.

In the 1820s, while many parts of Spain’s empire in Latin America became independent, Cuba stayed loyal to Spain because its economy depended on supporting the empire. By 1860, Cuba had many free people of color.

Independence movements

Main article: Republic of Cuba in Arms

Full independence from Spain was the goal of a rebellion in 1868 led by sugar planter Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. Céspedes freed his enslaved people to fight with him for an independent Cuba. This started a long conflict called the Ten Years' War. The Cuban rebels were joined by volunteers from many countries. Céspedes was killed by Spanish soldiers in 1874.

The United States did not recognize the new Cuban government. In 1878, Spain promised more self-government for Cuba. In 1879–80, Cuban patriot Calixto García tried to start another war but didn’t get enough support. Slavery in Cuba ended in 1875, with the process finishing by 1886. Exiled activist José Martí created the Cuban Revolutionary Party in New York City in 1892 to work for Cuban independence from Spain. In 1895, fighting began in Cuba, and Martí was killed in battle later that year.

Around 200,000 Spanish soldiers were in Cuba, outnumbering the smaller rebel army. The Spanish moved people into fortified towns to control them. Many Cuban civilians died from hunger and disease. The U.S. battleship USS Maine was sent to Havana but later exploded and sank. Spain and the United States declared war on each other in late April 1898.

Republic (1902–1959)

Main article: Republic of Cuba (1902–1959)

First years (1902–1925)

After the Spanish–American War, Spain gave up control of Cuba, and Cuba became independent on 20 May 1902. The United States kept the right to interfere in Cuban affairs. The U.S. also leased the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base from Cuba.

After disputed elections in 1906, the first president faced a revolt, which the U.S. stopped by occupying Cuba. Self-government returned in 1908. In 1912, an attempt to create a separate black republic was stopped with much violence.

In 1924, Gerardo Machado became president. Tourism grew, with American-owned hotels and restaurants built for tourists. The Wall Street crash of 1929 caused sugar prices to fall, leading to political trouble. Students protesting Machado turned to violence. A general strike and an army revolt forced Machado to leave in August 1933.

Revolution of 1933–1940

In September 1933, a revolt led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista overthrew the government. Ramón Grau San Martín became the temporary president. Grau stepped down in 1934, clearing the way for Batista, who controlled Cuban politics for the next 25 years.

Constitution of 1940

The 1940 Constitution of Cuba included ideas such as the right to work and right to health care. Batista was elected president the same year and served until 1944. His government made major social changes.

Batista followed the 1940 constitution’s rules that stopped him from being re-elected. Grau was elected president again in 1944. Carlos Prío Socarrás became president in 1948. The two terms brought investment, improving the economy and creating a middle class in cities.

Batista regime

After leaving office in 1944, Batista ran for president again in 1952. Expecting to lose, he led a military coup to take power before the election. Back in control and supported by the United States, Batista took away most political freedoms. He worked with large sugar farm owners. Despite Cuba’s high standard of living compared to other Latin American countries, many people were poor.

In the 1950s, several groups tried to get public support for change. In 1956, Fidel Castro and about 80 followers landed from the yacht Granma to start a rebellion against Batista. In 1958, Castro’s 26th of July Movement became the main revolutionary group. Batista fled to the Dominican Republic on 1 January 1959. Castro’s forces entered the capital on 8 January.

Revolutionary government (1959–present)

Consolidation and nationalization (1959–1970)

Main articles: Consolidation of the Cuban Revolution and Revolutionary Offensive

The U.S. government at first supported the Cuban Revolution. But Castro’s support for the Communist Party and the executions of some of Batista’s officials caused relations to worsen. The Agrarian Reform Law, which took land from large U.S. owners, made things worse. In response, the U.S. put trade limits on Cuba. In February 1960, Castro made a trade deal with Soviet Vice-Premier Anastas Mikoyan.

In March 1960, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved a plan to train and arm Cuban refugees to remove Castro’s government. The invasion (known as the Bay of Pigs Invasion) happened on 17 April, during President John F. Kennedy’s time in office. About 1,400 Cuban exiles landed at the Bay of Pigs. Cuban soldiers defeated the invasion by 19 April. In January 1962, Cuba was removed from the Organization of American States. The failed attack helped the Soviet Union decide to put missiles in Cuba, leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962.

By 1963, Cuba was becoming a full communist state like the USSR.

Starting in 1968, a campaign called the "revolutionary offensive" began to nationalize small private businesses. The goal was to industrialize Cuba and focus the economy on sugar production. The harvest goal was not met. The economy declined because many areas were ignored while urban workers were sent to the countryside.

Living conditions in the 1970s were very simple, and many people were unhappy.

Foreign interventions (1971–1991)

Main article: Foreign interventions by Cuba

During the Cold War, Cuba received help from the Soviet Union, and Cuban forces were sent to many parts of Africa as military advisors or fighters.

In November 1975, Cuba sent soldiers and tanks to Angola. In 1975–76 and again in 1988 at the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, the Cubans and their allies fought rebels and South African forces. In December 1977, Cuba sent soldiers to Ethiopia to help stop a Somali invasion. Cuban forces stayed in Ethiopia until September 1989.

Cuba also played an active role in the Middle East during the Cold War. In 1972, a large military mission was sent to South Yemen. Cuban military advisors went to Iraq in the mid-1970s. The Cubans were also involved in the Syrian-Israeli conflict in 1973 and 1974 after the Yom Kippur War.

After the U.S. lost to communist forces in the Vietnam War, Castro started helping Marxist uprisings in several countries. After the 1983 coup in Grenada, U.S. forces invaded Grenada in 1983, removing the pro-Castro government.

Cuba slowly pulled its troops out of Angola between 1989 and 1991.

Political readjustments (1991–present)

Main article: 2006–2008 Cuban transfer of presidential duties

Soviet troops started leaving Cuba in September 1991, and Castro’s rule was tested after the Soviet collapse in December 1991. The country faced a big economic drop after losing Soviet help, causing food and fuel shortages. The government didn’t accept U.S. donations until 1993. In 1996, after Cuban fighter jets shot down two small planes flown by a Florida-based anti-Castro group, the U.S. Congress passed the Helms–Burton Act, strengthening U.S. trade limits.

Cuba then found new help and support in the People’s Republic of China. Also, Castro, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, and Bolivian President Evo Morales became allies. In 2003, the government arrested and jailed many civil activists.

In February 2008, Castro stepped down as President of the State Council because of illness. On 24 February, the National Assembly chose his brother Raúl Castro as president. In his speech, Raúl said some restrictions on freedom in Cuba would be lifted. In 2013 Cuba ended a rule from 1961 that required citizens to get an expensive government permit to travel abroad.

In 2014 the trade limits between the U.S. and Cuba were relaxed to allow some imports, exports, and limited trade.

Raúl Castro left the presidency in 2018, and Miguel Díaz-Canel was chosen as president of the State Council by the National Assembly. Raúl Castro stayed as First Secretary of the Communist Party.

Cuba approved a new constitution in 2019. The constitution says the Communist Party is the only legitimate political party, describes health and education as basic rights, sets presidential term limits, guarantees the right to a lawyer after arrest, allows private property, and strengthens rights for multinational companies investing with the state.

In 2021, U.S. President Donald Trump added Cuba to the State Sponsors of Terrorism list and put more economic sanctions on the country. In July 2021, there were big protests against the government.

The 2024–2026 Cuba blackouts were the worst crisis for the country since the Soviet Union broke up in 1991.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of Cuba, Environment of Cuba, and List of islands of Cuba

Cuba is an archipelago with many islands in the northern Caribbean Sea. It sits where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean. To the north is Key West, Florida, about 150 km away, and The Bahamas are close by. Mexico is west, Haiti is east, and Jamaica is south.

The largest island is called Cuba, stretching very long. It has flat areas and some mountains, with Pico Turquino being the highest point. The second-largest island is Isla de la Juventud. Cuba’s total area is 109,884 km².

Climate

Main article: Climate of Cuba

Cuba has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. It is warmed by steady trade winds and ocean currents. Temperatures are cooler in winter and warmer in summer. There is a dry time from November to April and a rainy time from May to October. Cuba can face hurricanes, especially in the autumn.

Biodiversity

Cuba has many unique plants and animals. It has different kinds of natural areas, like forests and wetlands. Special wildlife includes the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird, and the Cuban trogon, which is the national bird. Other notable animals are the Cuban crocodile and the Cuban hutia.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Cuba

Cuba is a country where one group makes all the decisions. It follows ideas from older thinkers about how society should work. The most important leader is called the First Secretary of the Communist Party. This person leads the main groups that help run the country.

People in Cuba vote, but there is usually only one choice for each position. Voting is done by secret ballot, and everyone over 16 can vote if they have not broken any laws.

Cuba works closely with many countries around the world. It has helped send doctors to places that need them and has taken part in many international groups.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Provinces of Cuba and Municipalities of Cuba

The country is divided into 15 areas called provinces and one special area called Isla de la Juventud. These areas are further split into smaller parts called municipalities.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Cuba

See also: Cuban medical internationalism

Cuba is part of many groups that help countries work together. It has sent help to other countries, like doctors during difficult times. In recent years, Cuba has kept friendly ties with Russia, even when other countries were not.

Embargo by the United States (1960–present)

Main article: United States embargo against Cuba

Since 1960, the United States has limited trade with Cuba. This started because Cuba took over American businesses. The United States said this was to pressure Cuba to change its ways, but Cuba says it is unfair. Over the years, some rules have changed, but the trade limits are still in place.

Military

Cuba spends money on its military, but not as much as some other countries. During a time when many countries were competing for power, Cuba had a bigger army, but now it is smaller. Cuba signed a treaty to not use certain kinds of weapons.

Law enforcement

Main article: Law enforcement in Cuba

See also: Crime in Cuba

All groups that keep order in Cuba work under one big group called the Ministry of the Interior. They work with other countries to share information about safety.

Censorship

Main article: Censorship in Cuba

Some people worry that Cuba does not let everyone share their ideas freely. There have been reports about people being watched or put in prison for speaking out against the government.

Identity politics

Main articles: LGBT rights in Cuba and Women in Cuba

Cuba tries to treat everyone equally, no matter who they are. In recent years, the country has made changes to support people who are different, like those who are part of the LGBT community. The government has helped make sure everyone has access to healthcare, including for those who want to change their gender.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Cuba

Further information: Dual economy of Cuba, Rationing in Cuba, Sociolismo, and United States embargo against Cuba

Cuba's economy is mostly run by the government. Most jobs and businesses are owned by the state, but there are more private jobs now. The government spends most of the country's money. Since 2010, people have talked about changing the economy to include some market-style changes.

Every Cuban family gets a book to buy basic food and goods at low prices. The U.S. trade ban, which started in the 1960s, has affected Cuba's economy. In 2019, money sent to Cuba by families abroad dropped because of the COVID-19 pandemic and travel limits. This affected tourism and caused many younger people to leave the country.

Cuba does not have many natural resources, but it has sugar, tobacco, fish, fruits, coffee, and livestock. The country also has nickel mines, which are important for making batteries. There have been efforts to find oil off the coast, but it is still too early to know how much there is.

Resources

Cuba's natural resources include sugar, tobacco, fish, citrus fruits, coffee, beans, rice, potatoes, and livestock. Cuba's most important mineral resource is nickel. In 2011, nickel made up 21% of total exports. That year, Cuba produced 71,000 tons of nickel, close to 4% of the world's production. As of 2013^[update] its nickel reserves were estimated at 5.5 million tons, over 7% of the world total. Sherritt International of Canada operates a large nickel mining facility in Moa. Cuba is also a major producer of refined cobalt, a by-product of nickel mining.

Oil exploration in 2005 by the US Geological Survey showed that the North Cuba Basin might hold a lot of oil. In 2006, Cuba began testing these locations for possible drilling.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Cuba

Tourism in Cuba has grown over the years. In 2011, over 2.6 million visitors came to the country, mostly from Canada and Europe. Before 2016, travel from the United States was very limited, but rules have changed since then. Cuba has many beautiful places to visit and activities like hiking, biking, diving, and exploring caves that could attract even more tourists.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Cuba

Demographics

Cuba has a large population of over 11 million people, with almost the same number of men and women. The number of babies born each year is low, making Cuba one of the places with the fewest new babies in the Western Hemisphere. The population grew by four million since 1961, but growth slowed down, and the number of people started to go down in 2006. This happened because not many babies were being born and many people were leaving the country.

Largest cities

See also: List of cities in Cuba

Ethnoracial groups

Racial groups in Cuba (2012 census)

1. Whites (64.1%)
2. Mulattos (26.6%)
3. Blacks (9.26%)

Cuba’s people come from many different backgrounds, making it a mix of many cultures. Because people have mixed backgrounds, it can be hard to know exactly what each person’s racial background is. Some studies say most Cubans have African roots, while others say most have European roots. On average, most Cubans have a mix of European, African, and Indigenous roots. There are also small groups of people from Asia, mostly from China, Japan, and the Philippines, who came to work on farms a long time ago.

Afro-Cubans have roots from different African groups, like the Yoruba, Bantu, Kalabari, and Arará peoples, as well as some from North Africa.

Migration

Immigration

Main articles: French immigration to Cuba and Spanish immigration to Cuba

Many people from different countries moved to Cuba over the years. Between the 1800s and early 1900s, lots of people from places like the Canary Islands, Catalonia, Andalusia, and Galicia in Spain came to live there. Other groups included people from France, Portugal, Italy, Russia, the Netherlands, Greece, Britain, Ireland, and even some from the United States. By 2015, there were about 13,000 people in Cuba who were born in other countries.

Emigration

After a big change in the country’s government in 1959, many Cubans left the island. Over the next 30 years, more than one million Cubans—about 10% of the population—moved to the United States. Before 2013, it was hard for Cubans to leave the country because they needed special permission. Most who left did so by boat in small, unsafe ways.

In 2022, many Cubans tried to get to the United States because life was very hard at home. Thousands left, and many sold their homes to pay for trips through Mexico. This was one of the biggest times for people leaving Cuba.

Cuba’s economy has struggled, especially after a global health crisis in 2020. People also had trouble getting food and things they needed. Even with these problems, many Cubans stay strong and keep going. Since 2018, more people have been able to use the internet.

As of 2013 the top emigration destinations were the United States, Spain, Italy, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

Languages

The main language spoken in Cuba is Spanish, especially a special kind called Cuban Spanish. There is also a language called Lucumí, used in religious practices, and Haitian Creole, spoken by people from Haiti. Other languages like Galician and Corsican are also spoken by some groups. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, Russian will be taught as a foreign language in schools.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Cuba

Cuba is a country where people can choose their own religion. In recent years, more people have been allowed to practice their beliefs freely. Many Cubans are Christian, mostly Roman Catholic, which began when Spain ruled the island. Even though not all Cubans are Catholics, it is still the biggest religion. Other Christian groups, like Pentecostal and Evangelical Protestants, have grown a lot. Cuba also has people who practice Santería, a mix of Catholic and African beliefs, as well as smaller groups like Jews, Muslims, and members of the Baháʼí Faith.

Education

Main article: Education in Cuba

Cuba has free schools for everyone. Children must go to school from age six until they finish basic secondary education around age 15. All students wear uniforms. Cuba has a very high rate of people who can read and write—almost everyone—thanks to free education at all levels. There are many colleges and universities, and the government helps people from other countries who cannot afford to pay for school.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in Cuba

Cuba has a system where everyone can get medical care for free. People live about 80 years on average, and babies are taken good care of. Even though there are not enough medical supplies sometimes, there are lots of doctors and nurses. Cuba is known for training doctors and sending them to help other countries. The country has done well in keeping people healthy, even though it faces challenges like not having enough medicine and money. Doctors in Cuba are very important, and many work to help people around the world.

Culture

Cuban culture is a mix of many cultures, mainly from Spain, West Africa, and the indigenous Guanahatabey and Taíno people. After the 1959 revolution, the government taught everyone to read and write. They offered free education and created special programs for sports, ballet, and music.

Cuban architecture shows many different styles from different times. Early buildings were built in the Spanish style, with houses around a central church. Some famous old cities like Havana, Camagüey, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad have beautiful old buildings.

Cuban literature began in the early 1800s and often talked about freedom and independence. Many famous writers came from Cuba.

Cuban music is very famous and includes many types of songs and dances. Some well-known styles are son, danzón, mambo, cha-cha-chá, and salsa music.

The culture has many kinds of dances. Danzón was the official dance of Cuba. Other popular dances include mambo, cha-cha-cha, and salsa dancing.

Main article: Mass media in Cuba

Since 2013, Cuba has had special places called cybercafes where people can use the internet. The government has its own online encyclopedia called EcuRed. Getting online used to be hard, but now more people in Cuba can use the internet.

Cuban cuisine combines foods from Spain and the Caribbean. Common meals include rice and beans, plantains, roast beef, Cuban bread, and pork. Many dishes use spices like garlic, cumin, and oregano.

Main article: Sport in Cuba

Many people in Cuba enjoy sports like baseball. Other favorite sports are volleyball, boxing, athletics, wrestling, basketball, and water sports. Cuba is very good at boxing and has won many medals in big competitions. Chess is also popular.