Cuba

Name: Cuba — country profile data
Creator: CountryReports

Capital:Havana

Population:11.5M

Currency:Cuban pesos (CUP)

Language:Spanish (official)

Declare Your Relationship to Cuba

See full leaderboard →

CountryReports Community

Studying1
From Cuba1
Cuba heritage0
Visited0
Want to visit0

Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Cuba.

Cuba Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

illicit migration is a continuing problem; Cubans attempt to depart the island and enter the US using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, direct flights, or falsified visas; some 2,500 Cubans took to the Straits of Florida in 2002; the US Coast Guard interdicted about 60% of these migrants; Cubans also use non-maritime routes to enter the US; some 1,500 Cubans arrived overland via the southwest border and direct flights to Miami in 2002

Cubans are a generous, resourceful and cheerful people. Daily life is challenged by economic and political problems. Nevertheless, Cubans are happy people, always wanting to help and enjoy having fun. Cubans have a straightforward approach to life.

Cultural Attributes

Cubans are a generous, resourceful, and cheerful people. Daily life is challenged by economic and political problems. Nevertheless, Cubans are happy people, always wanting to help and enjoy having fun. Cubans have a straightforward approach to life.

Island of Resilience and Rhythm

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

Cubans speak rapidly and may not pronounce the final consonants of certain words. This makes it difficult for people who are learning Spanish to understand them easily. When meeting someone for the first time, or when speaking to elderly people, Cubans speak in a more formal way as a sign of respect.

In Cuba, women may be addressed as “compañera” and men as “compañero“ which means “comrade.” It is common to shake hands when meeting someone and when saying goodbye. Men commonly exchange a hug “un abrazo” as a sign of affection. It is also common for men and women to greet friends and family with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Maintaining eye contact while talking is important. When making a point Cubans may stand close together and touch or tap each other. It is not considered rude to interrupt a friend or acquaintance during a conversation.

It is customary to bring either wine or a small gift for the hosts.

Casual dress and lightweight slacks are the norm during the day with more formal wear in the evenings. Shorts are popular at the beach but no shorts are allowed at night in public places.

Diet

Traditional Cuban cuisine is called criollo. Traditional Cuban cooking uses hints and blends of Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, Portuguese, French, Arabic and even Chinese culinary influences and techniques. The basic ingredients are rice, beans, eggs, tomatoes, lettuce, chicken, beef and pork. Yucca (also known as cassava) and malanga are root vegetables that can be boiled or baked. The most common seasonings are onion and “ajo” or garlic.

“Ajiaco” is a stew made with meat, garlic and vegetables. Pork may be served with a garlic sauce called mojo criollo. Congrí is rice cooked with red kidney beans. Rice with black beans is called moros y cristianos, which means “Moors and Christians.” Fufú is made from green bananas that have been boiled and mashed. It is sometimes served with crumbled pork rinds. Fritúra de maíz (corn fritters) are often served at street stalls. Plátanos maduros fritos (fried sweet bananas) may be served as a dessert.

Rationing was introduced in 1962 to ensure that all Cubans have equal access to food. The ration book “libreta” is supposed to guarantee a regular supply of foods such as sugar, rice, beans and cooking oil to all Cubans.

Coffee is usually served strong and sweet. Another favorite drink is guarapo, a clear juice made from sugar cane. Cuba's national drink is rum, and Cuba is famous for its rum cocktails. The mojito is made with white rum, ice, fresh lime juice, sugar, soda water and fresh mint leaves. The daiquiri consists of white rum, sugar, fresh lime juice and crushed ice.

A typical Cuban breakfast consists of toast (tostadas) dipped in white coffee (café con leche), a combination of strong coffee and warm milk. Lunch and dinner, usually consist of a hearty spread, usually with dishes combining white rice, black beans and other legumes, meats and salads. Cuban sandwiches and empanadas (meat or chicken pasties) are popular for lunch, as are mariquitas, which are thinly sliced plantain chips. There are many tasty Cuban desserts to enjoy, such as the Cuban flan and bread pudding .

Family

Very few new homes have been built in Cuba since the early sixties, therefore it is not unusual for three generations to live in one apartment. In the countryside, some people still live in traditional Cuban “bohíos”. These are palm wood huts with roofs made of palm leaves.

With the help of child-care centers - as well as maternity benefits - many women have entered the workforce. In 1974, the Family Code was passed, which set out the responsibilities of married couples. The Code gave men and women equal rights and responsibilities for housework, child-rearing, and education.

Recreation

Baseball “pelota” is Cuba's favorite sport. Baseball was brought to Cuba in the 19th century by North Americans. Cubans also enjoy dancing, watching television, listening to the radio, playing music or dominoes, and going to baseball and boxing matches.

Holidays

Independence Day
12/10
Independence Day
10 December 1898 is the date of independence from Spain, 20 May 1902 is the date of independence from US administration; Rebellion Day, 26 July (1953)
Birth date - Alma Flor Ada
1/3
Birthday
Birth date - Alma Flor Ada, Cuban author, was born Jan. 3, 1938.

Dates of Interest

January 3rd
Birth date - Alma Flor Ada, a Cuban author, was born on January 3, 1938.

How do people greet each other in Cuba?

Shake hands when meeting and leaving
Greet friends and family with a hug and a kiss on the cheek
Use more formal speech with elders or first meetings

Good to know

Women may be addressed as "compañera" and men as "compañero" (comrade)
Men commonly exchange a hug ("un abrazo") as a sign of affection
Cubans speak rapidly and may drop final consonants, making Spanish harder to follow

What is Cuban food and dining like?

Good to know

Try classics like moros y cristianos (rice with black beans), congrí, ajiaco stew and pork with mojo criollo
Breakfast is often toast dipped in café con leche
Sample rum cocktails such as the mojito and daiquiri
Guarapo, a sugar cane juice, is a popular drink

What etiquette should I know when visiting a Cuban home?

It is customary to bring a small gift for your hosts when visiting.

Bring wine or a small gift for the hosts

How should I dress in Cuba?

Casual dress and lightweight slacks are normal during the day, with more formal wear in the evenings.

Wear lightweight, casual clothing during the day
Dress more formally in the evenings

Don’t

Don't wear shorts at night in public places

Good to know

Shorts are popular at the beach

What should I know about gestures and body language in Cuba?

Eye contact is important, and Cubans often stand close, touching or tapping to make a point. Interrupting a friend during conversation is not considered rude.

Maintain eye contact while talking

Good to know

Expect close personal space and touching when making a point
Interrupting friends in conversation is acceptable

What is family life like in Cuba?

Housing shortages mean three generations often share one apartment, and the 1974 Family Code gives men and women equal rights and responsibilities in the home.

Good to know

Many women have entered the workforce with the help of child-care centers
In the countryside some people live in traditional palm-wood huts called "bohíos"

What do Cubans do for fun?

Baseball ("pelota") is Cuba's favorite sport. Cubans also enjoy dancing, music, television, radio, dominoes, and attending baseball and boxing matches.

Good to know

Catch a baseball or boxing match
Enjoy dancing and playing dominoes

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Cuba

View all 31 photos

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Currency: 1
Time Difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate: Cuba is bordered on the south by the Caribbean Sea and on the north by the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida. Prevailing trade winds combine with warm waters of the Gulf Stream to produce a mild and semitropical climate. Cuba's mean temperature is about 77°F (25°C) in winter and only slightly more, perhaps 80°F to 85°F (26°C), in summer. Averages range only between 70°F (21°C) and 82°F (27°C) for the coldest and warmest months. Summer readings as high as 100°F (37°C) have been recorded. Occasional near-freezing temperatures occur only in mountain areas. Relative humidity varies from 60% to 70% in the daytime and from 80% to 90% during the night, regardless of the season, of which there are only two. The dry season lasts from November to April. During the May through October rainy season, Cuba receives up to 75% of its yearly rainfall, which averages 54 inches (137 cm).
Airports: 136
Recommended Vaccinations: How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.

Premium Content

Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.

View full travel guide

Recipes

Featured Dish

Platanos Dulces Fritos (Fried Sweet Plantains)

Side Dish

Browse all 6 recipes

History

Historical Eras

Pre-Colonial Cuba
1250 – 1492
The Taíno people, arriving from the east around 1250, established flourishing agricultural and fishing communities across the island. They lived in organized villages under cacique chieftains, cultivating cassava, tobacco, and corn. This era ended abruptly with Columbus's arrival in 1492, which set in motion the near-total destruction of the indigenous population through disease, forced labor, and violence.
Spanish Colonial Era
1492 – 1868
Spain transformed Cuba into a vital imperial hub, with Diego Velázquez directing colonization from 1511 and Havana becoming the staging point for treasure fleets bound from the Americas to Seville. The indigenous population was rapidly replaced by enslaved Africans imported to work expanding sugar and tobacco plantations, making Cuba one of the hemisphere's most profitable colonies. Slavery was finally abolished in 1886, but social inequalities and Spanish misrule had already ignited calls for independence.
Wars of Independence
1868 – 1898
Cuba fought two major independence wars against Spain: the Ten Years' War (1868–1878) and the final campaign launched in 1895 by national hero José Martí, who died in battle that same year. U.S. intervention followed the mysterious sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor in February 1898, drawing Washington into the Spanish-American War. Spain was defeated and relinquished Cuba under the Treaty of Paris in December 1898, ending nearly four centuries of Spanish rule.
Republic & U.S. Influence
1898 – 1959
Cuba formally gained independence on May 20, 1902, but the Platt Amendment allowed the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs and secured the lease of Guantánamo Bay, limiting true sovereignty. Decades of political instability followed, punctuated by authoritarian rule; Fulgencio Batista rose from a 1933 sergeants' revolt, was elected president in 1940, and returned via coup in 1952. Corruption and repression under Batista's dictatorship galvanized opposition, setting the stage for revolutionary overthrow.
Castro's Revolution
1959 – 1991
Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement toppled Batista on January 1, 1959, and rapidly consolidated a one-party Communist state, executing or imprisoning thousands of opponents. Cuba aligned closely with the Soviet Union, survived the U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, and stood at the center of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The regime actively exported revolution to Latin America and Africa throughout the 1960s–1980s, becoming a defining ideological force of the Cold War.
Post-Soviet Cuba
1991 – present
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 plunged Cuba into a severe economic crisis known as the "Special Period," forcing painful austerity and limited market reforms. Fidel Castro governed until illness led him to transfer power to his brother Raúl in 2008, and a slow process of normalization with the United States began under President Obama in 2014–2016. Cuba continues to navigate economic hardship, emigration pressures, and cautious political transition under Communist Party rule.

Overview

Spanish settlers established the raising of cattle, sugarcane, and tobacco as Cuba’s primary economic pursuits. As the native Indian population died out, African slaves were imported to work the ranches and plantations. Slavery was abolished in 1886.

Cuba was the last major Spanish colony to gain independence, following a lengthy struggle begun in 1868. Jose Marti, Cuba’s national hero, helped initiate the final push for independence in 1895. In 1898, the United States entered the conflict after an explosion of undetermined origin caused the USS Maine to sink in Havana Harbor on February 15. In December of that year, under the Treaty of Paris, Spain relinquished control of Cuba to the United States. On May 20, 1902, the United States granted Cuba its independence but retained the right to intervene to preserve Cuban independence and stability in accordance with the Platt Amendment. In 1934, the Platt Amendment was repealed. The United States and Cuba concluded a Treaty of Relations in 1934 which, among other things, continued the 1903 agreements that leased the Guantanamo Bay naval base to the United States.

Independent Cuba was often ruled by authoritarian political and military figures who either obtained or remained in power by force. Fulgencio Batista, an army sergeant, organized a non-commissioned officer revolt in September 1933 and wielded significant power behind the scenes until he was elected president in 1940. Batista was voted out of office in 1944 and did not run in 1948. Both those elections were won by civilian political figures with the support of party organizations. Running for president again in 1952, Batista seized power in a bloodless coup 3 months before the election was to take place, suspended the balloting, and began ruling by decree. Many political figures and movements that wanted a return to the government according to the Constitution of 1940 disputed Batista’s undemocratic rule.

On July 26, 1953, Fidel Castro, who had been involved in increasingly violent political activity before Batista’s coup, led a failed attack on the Moncada army barracks in Santiago de Cuba in which more than 100 died. After defending himself in a trial open to national and international media, he was convicted and jailed, and subsequently was freed in an act of clemency, then went into exile in Mexico. There he organized the “26th of July Movement” with the goal of overthrowing Batista, and the group sailed to Cuba on board the yacht Granma, landing in the eastern part of the island in December 1956.

Former Cuban Capitol Batista’s dictatorial rule fueled increasing popular discontent and the rise of many active urban and rural resistance groups, a fertile political environment for Castro’s 26th of July Movement. Faced with a corrupt and ineffective military, itself dispirited by a U.S. Government embargo on weapons sales to Cuba, and public indignation and revulsion at his brutality toward opponents, Batista fled on January 1, 1959. Although Castro had promised a return to constitutional rule and democratic elections along with social reforms, Castro used his control of the military to consolidate power by repressing all dissent from his decisions, marginalizing other resistance figures, and imprisoning or executing thousands of opponents. An estimated 3,200 people were executed by the Castro regime between 1959-62 alone. As the revolution became more radical,

Timeline of Key Events

1250
Taino Indians arrive from the east.
Taino Indians arrive from the east.
1492
The navigator Christopher Columbus claims Cuba for Spain.
The navigator Christopher Columbus claims Cuba for Spain.
1511
Spanish colonization of the island begins under the direction of Diego Velazquez.
Spanish colonization of the island begins under the direction of Diego Velazquez.
1514
The city of Havana is established by Pánfilo de Narváez.
The city of Havana is established by Pánfilo de Narváez. The city is named after San Cristóbal de Habana, a local chief.
1526
Importing of slaves from Africa begins.
Importing of slaves from Africa begins.
1602
Cuba’s population is estimated at about 20,000.
Cuba’s population is estimated at about 20,000, of which about 13,000 live in and around Havana.
1603
In order to end smuggling activities the government sets out a decree.
In order to end smuggling activities (mostly in Bayamo) the government decrees that the sale of tobacco to foreigners is punishable by death.

View full timeline (27 events)

Premium Content

Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.

View expanded history

Interesting Facts

During the 17th century, pirates buried stolen treasure on an island off Cuba called the Isle of Youth. According to legend, this was the famous Treasure Island described in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel.
About 150 million years ago, Cuba was part of a submerged North American mountain range. Movements of the earth's crust below the sea made the mountain tops appear above the surface of the water. These peaks became the Caribbean islands that we know today.
The royal palm is the symbol of Cuba. It occupies the central position in Cuba's national coat of arms and symbolizes strength.
Many mountains, rivers and towns in Cuba retain the names given to them by the indigenous peoples. The name “ Cuba” comes from the Taino word cubanacán, meaning a centre or central place.
José Martí (1858-95) was a leading figure in Cuba's struggle for independence. He spent many years in exile, and wrote poems and essays about the need for Cubans to break free of Spanish and American domination. In 1895, he helped lead an army against the Spanish at Dos Rios. He was killed when he rode headlong into the enemy lines. Today, Cubans revere Martí as a hero.
Men usually do two years of compulsory military service between the ages of 16 and 30. Recently, they have been given the option of doing agricultural service instead.

Premium Content

See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.

View all interesting facts

Geography and Environment

With an area of more than 44,000 square miles (114,447 sq. km.), Cuba is the largest island in the West Indies, accounting for more than one-half of the total Caribbean land mass. The island is more than 745 miles (1,200 km.) long, and ranges from 20 to 125 miles (35–200 km.) in width. Cuba’s coastline is highly uneven and is broken into hundreds of bays, inlets, and narrow, shallow rivers. The Isle of Youth (known as the Isle of Pines in pre-Revolution days), and some 1,600 keys and islets lie offshore. The deep-water harbors of Havana, Guantánamo, and Bahía Honda rank among the world’s finest. Topographically, three-fifths of Cuba displays flat or gently rolling fields and wide, fertile valleys—ideal for sugar cane and tobacco that have been the agricultural staples of the Cuban economy. The northern coast is low and somewhat rocky; the southern coast more marshy. Most of what remains, particularly at the southeastern end of the island, forms steep and at times formidable mountains. Three mountain ranges dominate the Cuban terrain, but by far the best known and most rugged is the eastern Sierra Maestra, where peaks rise to almost 6,000 feet (1,829 m.) above sea level.

Terrain: mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast
Climate: Cuba is bordered on the south by the Caribbean Sea and on the north by the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida. Prevailing trade winds combine with warm waters of the Gulf Stream to produce a mild and semitropical climate. Cuba’s mean temperature is about 77ºF (25 ºC) in winter and only slightly more, perhaps 80ºF to 85ºF (26ºC), in summer. Averages range only between 70°F (21°C) and 82°F (27°C) for the coldest and warmest months. Summer readings as high as 100°F (37°C) have been recorded. Occasional near-freezing temperatures occur only in mountain areas. Relative humidity varies from 60% to 70% in the daytime and from 80% to 90% during the night, regardless of the season, of which there are only two. The dry season lasts from November to April. During the May through October rainy season, Cuba receives up to 75% of its yearly rainfall, which averages 54 inches (137 cm.).
Natural Hazards: the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November (in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other year); droughts are common
Current Environmental Issues: air and water pollution; biodiversity loss; deforestation

Premium Content

Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.

View full geography

People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Spanish (official)

Spanish

Population

Population: 11,477,459
Population: Male/Female: male: 5,441,507 female: 5,524,531
Population Distribution: large population clusters found throughout the country, the more significant ones being in the larger towns and cities, particularly the capital of Havana
Urban Population: urban population: 77.5% of total population rate of urbanization: 0.19% annual rate of change
Population in Major Urban Areas: 2.149 million HAVANA (capital)
Nationality Noun: noun: Cuban(s) adjective: Cuban
Ethnic Groups: White 64.1%, Mulatto or mixed 26.6%, Black 9.3%
Language Note: Spanish (official)

Education

Literacy Definition: age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth: total population: 80.1 years male: 77.8 years female: 82.6 years
Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk: degree of risk: intermediate food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A vectorborne diseases: dengue fever
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 4.7 liters of pure alcohol beer: 1.77 liters of pure alcohol wine: 0.23 liters of pure alcohol spirits: 2.69 liters of pure alcohol other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol
Tobacco Use: total: 17.9% male: 25.5% female: 10.3%
Child Marriage: women married by age 15: 4.8% women married by age 18: 29.4% men married by age 18: 5.9%
Infant Mortality Rate: total: 4 deaths/1,000 live births male: 4.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.5 deaths/1,000 live births

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth: total population: 80.1 years male: 77.8 years female: 82.6 years
Median Age: total: 42.6 years male: 41 years female: 44.4 years
Age Structure: 0-14 years: 16.3% (male 918,066/female 866,578) 15-64 years: 66.5% (male 3,670,531/female 3,623,658) 65 years and over: 17.2% (male 852,910/female 1,034,295)
Infant Mortality Rate: total: 4 deaths/1,000 live births male: 4.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.5 deaths/1,000 live births

Premium Content

Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.

View full people and society

Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name: Cuba
Full Country Name: Republic of Cuba
Local - Long: Republica de Cuba
Local - Short: Cuba

Government Structure

Government Type: Communist state
Legal System: based on Spanish and American law, with large elements of Communist legal theory; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch: chief of state: President of the Republic Miguel DIAZ-CANEL Bermudez (since 19 April 2018; reelected 21 October 2019 for a five-year term); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President of the Republic Miguel DIAZ-CANEL Bermudez (since 19 April 2018); Prime Minister Manuel MARRERO Cruz (since 21 December 2019); note - the office of Prime Minister was reinstated under the 2019 constitution, separating some executive responsibilities previously held solely by the president cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president and ratified by the National Assembly of People's Power; a smaller Executive Committee of the Council of Ministers oversees day-to-day governance elections: president elected by the National Assembly of People's Power for a five-year term; under the 2019 constitution, a president is limited to two consecutive five-year terms; election last held 21 October 2019 (next to be held in 2024) election results: Miguel DIAZ-CANEL Bermudez reelected president; percent of legislative vote - 97.7%
Legislative Branch: unicameral National Assembly of People's Power or Asemblea Nacional del Poder Popular (609 seats, elected directly from slates approved by special candidacy commissions; members serve five-year terms) elections: last held 19 January 2003 (next to be held in 2008) election results: percent of vote - PCC 97.6%; seats - PCC 609
Judicial Branch: People's Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo Popular (president, vice president, and other judges are elected by the National Assembly)
Suffrage: 16 years of age; universal
Constitution: 24 February 1976, amended July 1992 and June 2002
Independence: 20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from 1898 to 1902)
National Holiday: Independence Day, 10 December (1898); note - 10 December 1898 is the date of independence from Spain, 20 May 1902 is the date of independence from US administration; Rebellion Day, 26 July (1953)

Capital City

Capital Name: Havana
Capital - geographic coordinate: 23 07 N, 82 21 W
Capital Time Difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

The sites of Spanish colonial cities often retained their original Taino names; Habana, the Spanish name for the city, may be based on the name of a local Taino chief, HABAGUANEX

Military

Branches: Revolutionary Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias, FAR): Revolutionary Army (Ejercito Revolucionario, ER, includes Territorial Militia Troops (Milicia de Tropas de Territoriales, MTT)); Revolutionary Navy (Marina de Guerra Revolucionaria, MGR, includes Marine Corps); Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Forces (Defensas Anti-Aereas y Fuerza Aerea Revolucionaria, DAAFAR), Youth Labor Army (Ejercito Juvenil del Trabajo, EJT)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

The United States does not maintain an embassy in Cuba.

For current information on Cuban entry and customs requirements, travelers should contact:

Cuban Interests Section (an office of the Cuban government)

2630 16th Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

Telephone (202) 797-8518/8520

Fax (202) 797-8521

Consular Section (part of the Cuban Interests Section)

2639 16th Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

Telephone (202) 797-8609/8610/8615

Fax (202) 986-7283

Premium Content

Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.

View full government details

Economy

Cuba's centrally planned economy continues to struggle as the government attempts to balance limited market-oriented reforms with a desire for firm political control. In recent years, authorities have pursued measures such as the 2021 monetary unification that ended the dual-currency system, the expansion of self-employment categories, and the legalization of small and medium-sized private enterprises. Despite these reforms, the economy remains hampered by chronic inefficiencies, a bloated state sector, and severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and basic consumer goods.

The economy is marked by a stark dichotomy between relatively productive export and tourism enclaves and stagnant domestic sectors. Key sources of foreign exchange include tourism, professional services exports such as medical missions abroad, nickel mining, and remittances from Cubans living overseas. The standard of living for the average Cuban has deteriorated significantly, with conditions in many respects worse than during the "Special Period" depression of the 1990s that followed the collapse of Soviet aid. Soaring inflation, frequent blackouts, and acute scarcities have driven record levels of emigration.

The tightening of U.S. sanctions, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism, and reduced support from allies such as Venezuela have deepened the crisis. The government continues to rely on a growing hard-currency retail sector, where goods are sold in stores that accept only foreign currency, further widening inequality between Cubans with access to dollars and those dependent on the peso economy.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code: Cuban pesos (CUP)
GDP Real Growth Rate: 8%

Banknotes

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year: calendar year
Annual Budget: $23,000,000,000 (USD)
External Debt: $13,100,000,000 (USD)
Investment (% of GDP): 9.8%
Economic Aid: $68,200,000 (USD)
Current Account Balance: -$748,000,000 (USD)
Reserves of Foreign Exchange: $2,147,483,647 (USD)

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation: agriculture 24%; industry 25%; services 51%
Industries: sugar, petroleum, tobacco, construction, nickel, steel, cement, agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals
Agriculture Products: sugar, tobacco, citrus, coffee, rice, potatoes, beans; livestock
Export Commodities: sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, coffee
Export Partners: Netherlands 18.5%, Russia 17.5%, Canada 13.8%, Spain 9.2%, China 7%
Import Commodities: petroleum, food, machinery and equipment, chemicals
Import Partners: Spain 16.3%, China 11.3%, Venezuela 11.1%, Italy 8.6%, France 7.2%, Canada 5.9%, US 5.3%, Mexico 4.7%

Energy

Oil Production: 72,000 bbl/day
Oil Consumption: 205,000 bbl/day
Oil Reserves: 532,000,000 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production: 704,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption: 704,000,000 cu m
Natural Gas Imports: 0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports: 0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves: 7,079,000,000 cu m

Communications

Telephone System: General assessment: greater investment beginning in 1994 and the establishment of a new Ministry of Information Technology and Communications in 2000 has resulted in improvements in the system; national fiber-optic system under development; 95% of switches digitized by the end of 2006; mobile-cellular telephone service is expensive and must be paid in convertible pesos; cell phones in Cuba number around 2 million; state communications started service of email to cell phones through nauta.cu accounts; the Cuban Government has opened Internet cafes around the island, which are expensive and offer slow-speed connections Domestic: fixed-line density remains low at 10 per 100 inhabitants; mobile-cellular service expanding but remains only about 10 per 100 persons International: country code - 53; the ALBA-1 fiber-optic submarine cable links Cuba, Jamaica, and Venezuela; fiber-optic cable laid to but not linked to United States network; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region)
Internet Country Code: .cu

News & Weather

Current Weather

Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

Cuba is bordered on the south by the Caribbean Sea and on the north by the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida. Prevailing trade winds combine with warm waters of the Gulf Stream to produce a mild and semitropical climate. Cuba's mean temperature is about 77°F (25°C) in winter and only slightly more, perhaps 80°F to 85°F (26°C), in summer. Averages range only between 70°F (21°C) and 82°F (27°C) for the coldest and warmest months. Summer readings as high as 100°F (37°C) have been recorded. Occasional near-freezing temperatures occur only in mountain areas.

Relative humidity varies from 60% to 70% in the daytime and from 80% to 90% during the night, regardless of the season, of which there are only two. The dry season lasts from November to April. During the May through October rainy season, Cuba receives up to 75% of its yearly rainfall, which averages 54 inches (137 cm).

Videos

2 curated YouTube videos.

Source: YouTube
Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Cuba?

The population of Cuba is approximately 11.5M.

How do people greet each other in Cuba?

Cubans commonly shake hands when meeting and saying goodbye, and greet friends and family with hugs and a kiss on the cheek. They speak more formally with strangers and elderly people as a sign of respect. Do: Shake hands when meeting and leaving Greet friends and family with a hug and a kiss on the cheek Use more formal speech with elders or first meetings Women may be addressed as "compañera" and men as "compañero" (comrade) Men commonly exchange a hug ("un abrazo") as a sign of affection Cubans speak rapidly and may drop final consonants, making Spanish harder to follow

What is Cuban food and dining like?

Traditional Cuban cuisine, called criollo, blends Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, Portuguese, French, Arabic and Chinese influences, based on rice, beans, meats and vegetables. Coffee is served strong and sweet, and rum is the national drink. Try classics like moros y cristianos (rice with black beans), congrí, ajiaco stew and pork with mojo criollo Breakfast is often toast dipped in café con leche Sample rum cocktails such as the mojito and daiquiri Guarapo, a sugar cane juice, is a popular drink

What etiquette should I know when visiting a Cuban home?

It is customary to bring a small gift for your hosts when visiting. Do: Bring wine or a small gift for the hosts

How should I dress in Cuba?

Casual dress and lightweight slacks are normal during the day, with more formal wear in the evenings. Do: Wear lightweight, casual clothing during the day Dress more formally in the evenings Don't: Don't wear shorts at night in public places Shorts are popular at the beach

What should I know about gestures and body language in Cuba?

Eye contact is important, and Cubans often stand close, touching or tapping to make a point. Interrupting a friend during conversation is not considered rude. Do: Maintain eye contact while talking Expect close personal space and touching when making a point Interrupting friends in conversation is acceptable

What is family life like in Cuba?

Housing shortages mean three generations often share one apartment, and the 1974 Family Code gives men and women equal rights and responsibilities in the home. Many women have entered the workforce with the help of child-care centers In the countryside some people live in traditional palm-wood huts called "bohíos"

What do Cubans do for fun?

Baseball ("pelota") is Cuba's favorite sport. Cubans also enjoy dancing, music, television, radio, dominoes, and attending baseball and boxing matches. Catch a baseball or boxing match Enjoy dancing and playing dominoes

What is the capital of Cuba?

Havana (La Habana) is the capital and largest city of Cuba, serving as the nation's political, cultural, and economic center. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it became one of the most strategically important ports in the Americas, functioning as the primary launching point for Spanish treasure fleets carrying wealth from Mexico and Peru back to Europe. Today, Havana is renowned for its striking colonial architecture, classic American automobiles, and vibrant street life, and it remains the seat of the Cuban government.

Where is Cuba located?

Cuba is an island nation situated in the Caribbean, positioned at the intersection of the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. It lies approximately 150 kilometers south of the Florida peninsula and 210 kilometers east of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. As the largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba occupies a commanding geographic position that has shaped its history as a major hub of colonial trade and, later, Cold War geopolitics.

What are Cuba's ocean and sea borders?

As an island nation, Cuba has no land borders, instead being surrounded by open water on all sides. To the north lie the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida; to the east, the Windward Passage separates Cuba from Haiti and the Dominican Republic; to the south lies the Caribbean Sea; and to the west, the Yucatán Channel separates the island from Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. These strategic waterways made Cuba a pivotal point in Atlantic maritime trade for centuries.

What religion is practiced in Cuba?

Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Cuba, practiced by approximately 85 percent of the population, a legacy of nearly four centuries of Spanish colonial rule. The remaining 15 percent follow other belief systems, which notably include Santería, a syncretic religion that blends West African Yoruba traditions with Catholic elements and was carried to the island by enslaved Africans. Religious practice underwent significant restrictions following the 1959 revolution but has experienced a gradual revival in subsequent decades.

What is the currency of Cuba?

The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso, with the ISO code CUP. Cuba's monetary system underwent significant reform in 2021 when the government unified its dual-currency system by eliminating the convertible peso (CUC), leaving the Cuban peso as the sole legal tender. The economy remains heavily state-controlled under the country's communist government, and persistent shortages of goods and foreign exchange continue to shape everyday financial life for ordinary Cubans.

What language is spoken in Cuba?

Spanish is the official and overwhelmingly dominant language of Cuba, spoken by virtually the entire population. Cuban Spanish carries distinct characteristics, including the softening or dropping of certain consonants and a vocabulary influenced by West African languages—a reflection of the island's complex colonial and slave-trade history. There are no widely spoken indigenous languages remaining, as the native Amerindian population declined sharply following European colonization beginning in 1492.

What is the geography of Cuba like?

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, characterized by a varied landscape that includes low rolling plains across much of the interior, three main mountainous regions—including the Sierra Maestra in the southeast—and an extensive coastline of more than 5,700 kilometers dotted with beaches, mangroves, and natural harbors. Geologically, the island's origins trace back roughly 150 million years to a submerged North American mountain range whose peaks gradually rose above sea level to form the Caribbean islands. The tropical climate supports lush vegetation, including the royal palm, Cuba's national symbol and a central motif on the country's coat of arms.

What is Cuba known for?

Cuba is internationally recognized for its hand-rolled cigars, widely regarded as among the finest in the world, and for sugar and rum production that have defined its agricultural economy for centuries. The country is also celebrated for its contributions to music and dance—particularly son, salsa, and the bolero—as well as for its fleet of preserved 1950s American automobiles, which remain a vivid emblem of the pre-revolution era. Historically, Cuba played a pivotal role in the Cold War, and the legacy of Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution continues to shape the island's political identity and daily life.

Last reviewed 2026

Cuba

Declare Your Relationship to Cuba

CountryReports Community

Quick Look Factsheet

Customs and Culture

About the People

Cultural Attributes

Greetings, Gestures & Visiting

Diet

Family

Recreation

Holidays

Independence Day

Birth date - Alma Flor Ada

Dates of Interest

How do people greet each other in Cuba?

What is Cuban food and dining like?

What etiquette should I know when visiting a Cuban home?

How should I dress in Cuba?

What should I know about gestures and body language in Cuba?

What is family life like in Cuba?

What do Cubans do for fun?

Photos of Cuba

Travel and Tourism

Recipes

Platanos Dulces Fritos (Fried Sweet Plantains)

Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef)

Puerco Asado (Cuban Pork Roast)

Puerco Asado (Cuban Pork Roast)

Moros (black beans and rice)

Yuca (Cassava)

Platanos Dulces Fritos (Fried Sweet Plantains)

History

Historical Eras

Pre-Colonial Cuba

Spanish Colonial Era

Wars of Independence

Republic & U.S. Influence

Castro's Revolution

Post-Soviet Cuba

Overview

Timeline of Key Events

Taino Indians arrive from the east.

The navigator Christopher Columbus claims Cuba for Spain.

Spanish colonization of the island begins under the direction of Diego Velazquez.

The city of Havana is established by Pánfilo de Narváez.

Importing of slaves from Africa begins.

Cuba’s population is estimated at about 20,000.

In order to end smuggling activities the government sets out a decree.

Interesting Facts

Geography and Environment

People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Population

Education

Health Information

Life Expectancy

Government & Politics

Country Identity

Government Structure

Capital City

Military

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

Economy

Snapshot

Banknotes

Budget & Public Finance

Labor, Industry & Trade

Energy

Communications

News & Weather

Current Weather

Latest News

Climate Overview

Videos

Frequently Asked Questions