Travel information Cuba

The Caribbean island state of Cuba (officially known as the Republic of Cuba) with its capital Havana (La Habana) is a socialist republic. The head of state and head of government since 2018 has been Miguel Díaz-Canel-Bermúdez.
The supreme state body is the People's Congress (Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular o Parlamento), whose members are elected every five years. The People's Congress elects the members of the Council of State (Consejo de Estado), the second Cuban state institution. The highest executive body is the Council of Ministers (Consejo de Ministros). The only authorized party in Cuba is the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), whose party leader since April 2021 is also Miguel Díaz-Canel-Bermúdez. Cuba has been a communist state since 1976 in accordance with its constitution.

Cuba is not only the largest Caribbean island in terms of area, but also the most populous. However, with more than 11 million inhabitants, the population density is relatively low compared to other Caribbean states. Almost a quarter of the population lives in the capital Havana. Cuba is divided into 15 provinces (Pinar del Río, Artemisa, La Habana, Mayabeque, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Las Tunas, Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo) and one special administrative district (Isla de la Juventud). The indigenous Indian population (Taíno people) has now been completely wiped out. After the colonial period, the few survivors mixed with the Spanish and the African slaves, so that shades of all skin colors are represented on the island. The Cuban population is 65% white, 10% African-American and 25% mestizo. More about the history of Cuba

The official language in Cuba is Spanish, but this stands out from the pure "Castellano" due to its strong dialect. However, English is also spoken in the vacation regions.

The northwest of the island borders on the Gulf of Mexico, the south on the Caribbean Sea and the northeast on the Atlantic Ocean. At around 1,250 km long and 160 km wide in the east and 30 km in the west, Cuba is the largest and most populous island in the Caribbean. Its surface area of 110,922 km² extends over an area characterized by diverse landscapes. The 7,000 km long coastline offers endless, palm-fringed beaches that invite you to relax and swim. Cuba's picturesque old colonial towns invite you to stroll around.

The approximately 8,000 different plant species and the diverse wildlife make the island so interesting. The underwater world with its 900 different species of fish is particularly attractive. Cuba is also home to 350 bird species, 185 butterfly species and over 1,000 insect species. In the wild mangrove forests of the south you can discover all kinds of water birds, while in the north there are impressive flamingo breeding colonies. Around 25% of the island is covered in pine and mahogany forests, and there are also large sugar cane and tobacco plantations.

The best-known tree in Cuba is the royal palm, which is mainly found in hills and valleys. The palm is also the national tree of the Caribbean island. The south coast has a flat and often swampy landscape where mangroves thrive. The north coast, on the other hand, is characterized by a rather rocky and steep landscape. Near Havana and Varadero there are several bays of fine shell sand. The river valleys consisting of red alluvial soil, laterite, provide the basis for growing the best tobacco in the world.

Tourism remains Cuba's most important source of income. In addition to this sector, other economic factors such as the sugar, nickel, rum, coffee and pharmaceutical industries as well as biotechnology have been able to develop and establish themselves. After the revolution, 90% of industry and over 70% of agriculture were nationalized. With the help of the states of the former Eastern Bloc, industry and agriculture were able to develop very well, resulting in faster mechanization. However, the collapse of the Eastern Bloc led to an economic crisis in Cuba. The situation has recovered since 1993, when the government partially permitted private companies and the possession of US dollars was no longer prohibited for Cubans. Nevertheless, the economic situation is still tense.

Cuba has a very well-developed healthcare system. The island has a dense network of health stations that guarantee free medical care, even in rural areas. This has a positive impact on the health of society. There are 175 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants. This is almost twice as many as in Germany. Due to the unique healthcare system for a developing country, infant mortality is the lowest in Latin America and life expectancy is as high as in western industrialized countries. Cuba occupies a leading position in biotechnology. The state has invested a lot of money in biotech and medical research, which has enabled Cuban scientists to develop vaccines against meningitis and new cancer drugs.

The education system is very well developed and free for all Cubans. The state supports society and provides all teaching materials. Schooling is compulsory up to the 10th grade (segunda enseñanza): All Cuban children wear a school uniform so that the differences between children of poor and rich families are not visible. It is not clear how long the high standard of education can be maintained, as more and more teachers are trying to earn a living elsewhere due to low wages. Since 1961, the illiteracy rate has fallen from 24% to 2%. In order to achieve Fidel Castro's goal of literacy after the revolution, cultural houses, "Casas de la Cultura", were built all over the island and are very popular. Many foreigners come to Cuba especially to study.

Cuban cuisine consists of Spanish, African and Caribbean dishes. Local vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, potatoes, yucca and peppers are often accompanied by pulses, pumpkin, cabbage, chicken and pork. Black beans and rice are staple foods. Fish and seafood are often only available in expensive (hotel) restaurants. In addition to more upmarket restaurants, there are normal (state-run) restaurants and informal paladares where you can get cheap Cuban food. There are many international restaurants, especially in Havana.

Cuban rum has enjoyed an international reputation since the 16th century and is one of the best in the world. The most famous cocktails include the Mojito and the Cuba Libre.