People and Society of Cuba

Nationality

noun: Cuban(s) adjective: Cuban

Ethnic Groups

White 64.1%, Mulatto or mixed 26.6%, Black 9.3%

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)

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)

Median Age

total: 42.6 years male: 41 years female: 44.4 years

Sex Ratio at Birth

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female

Medical care in Cuba does not meet U.S. standards. While medical professionals are generally competent, many health facilities face shortages of medical supplies and bed space. Many medications are unavailable, so travelers to Cuba should bring with them any prescribed medicine in its original container and in amounts commensurate with personal use. Travelers may also wish to consider bringing small additional amounts of prescribed medicines and over-the-counter remedies in the event that a return to the United States is delayed for unforeseen reasons. A copy of the prescription and a letter from the prescribing physician explaining the need for prescription drugs may facilitate their entry into the country. Travelers to the Havana area should be aware that U.S. and other foreign visitors are generally referred to the “tourist” Cira Garcia Hospital located in the Miramar neighborhood of Havana. Treatment at Cira Garcia and any other medical consultation requires payment in cash (see the section on Medical Insurance), and the Cuban Government disallows the use of U.S. dollars.

Life Expectancy at Birth

total population: 80.1 years male: 77.8 years female: 82.6 years

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

Major Infectious Diseases

degree of risk: intermediate food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A vectorborne diseases: dengue fever

Drinking Water Source

improved: urban: 98.9% of population rural: 97% of population total: 98.5% of population unimproved: urban: 1.1% of population rural: 3% of population total: 1.5% of population

Sanitation Facility Access

improved: urban: 94.8% of population rural: 87% of population total: 93% of population unimproved: urban: 5.2% of population rural: 13% of population total: 7% of population

Tobacco Use

total: 17.9% male: 25.5% female: 10.3%

Alcohol Consumption

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

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Total School Life Expectancy

total: 14 years male: 13 years female: 15 years

• Roman Catholic85.0%
• Other15.0%

Spanish (official)

Spanish (official)

• Spanish

• CARLOS MANUEL DE CÉSPEDES Y DEL CASTILLO

  He was born in the legendary Camagüey. He is known as the Father of the Homeland. He was the first Cuban President during the Republic on Arms. Writer and lawyer, on October 10th, 1868

• HAYDÉE SANTAMARÍA CUADRADO

  Heroine of the Moncada Garrison Attack

• JOSÉ ANTONIO SACO Y LÓPEZ

  Cuban thinker, professor, and politician. He is the creator of one of the first expositions about slavery in Cuba. He was born in Bayamo, eastern Cuba

• JOSÉ MARTÍ PÉREZ

  The Cuban National Hero, he constitutes the highest expression of dignity and commitment in achieving the independence of his country

• JULIO ANTONIO MELLA

  Outstanding revolutionary born in Camagüey, he was an extraordinary university student and president of the First National Student Congress. That same year he founded the José Martí Popular University

• Alma Flor Ada

  Author · 1938

  Alma Flor Ada, Cuban author, was born Jan. 3, 1938.

Crime Information

Official crime statistics are not published by the Cuban government, but reporting by U.S. citizens and other foreign travelers indicates that the majority of incidents are non-violent and theft-related – e.g., pick-pocketing, purse snatching, or the taking of unattended/valuable items. There is anecdotal evidence that violent crime has increased in Cuba and is generally associated with assaults committed during a burglary or robbery. The U.S. Government cannot confirm this information but rates the threat of crime in Cuba as medium. In the event of a confrontation, travelers should not resist as perpetrators may be armed. Thefts generally occur in crowded areas such as markets, beaches, and other gathering points, including Old Town Havana and the Prado neighborhood. Travelers should exercise basic situational awareness at all times and are advised not to leave belongings unattended, nor to carry purses and bags loosely over one shoulder. Visitors should avoid wearing flashy jewelry or displaying large amounts of cash. When possible, visitors should carry a copy of their passport with them and leave the original at a secure location. U.S. visitors should also beware of Cuban "jineteros" (hustlers) who specialize in swindling tourists. While most jineteros speak English and go out of their way to appear friendly, e.g., by offering to serve as tour guides or to facilitate the purchase of cheap cigars, many are in fact professional criminals who may resort to violence in their efforts to acquire tourists' money and other valuables. When exchanging currency, use state-run offices to convert dollars and avoid independent/street vendors as we have seen a slight increase in the number of persons trying to pass counterfeit bills at the Interests Section. All travelers should ensure that valuables remain under their personal control at all times and are never put into checked baggage.

Criminal Penalties

While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Cuba’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in Cuba are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Those accused of drug-related and other crimes face long legal proceedings and delayed due process. In one 2009 drug conviction, a U.S. citizen was sentenced to 18 years in prison. In some cases, the Cuban government has not permitted U.S. consular access to Cuban-American prisoners with dual nationality. Criminal penalties are also harsh for foreigners or dual nationals suspected of assisting Cuban migrants who attempt to leave Cuba illegally. Average jail sentences for individuals charged with migrant smuggling range from 10 to 25 years. In a 2007 case, a U.S. citizen was arrested for attempting to facilitate the illegal departure of his Cuban family members via raft. He was charged with migrant smuggling and received a jail sentence of 16 years. Traffic laws in Cuba differ greatly from those in the United States. U.S. citizen drivers involved in traffic accidents that result in the death or injury of any party may be held criminally liable, regardless of fault. Six U.S. citizens are currently serving prison terms in Cuba for vehicular homicide, including one for a single-car accident that resulted in the death of the driver’s family-member passenger. The U.S. Interests Section recommends extreme caution when driving in Cuba as hazardous road conditions, poor signage, and jaywalking pedestrians may result in accidents. See TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS for more information. The Cuban government has strict laws prohibiting the importation of weapons. The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against taking any type of firearm or ammunition into Cuba. Entering Cuba with a firearm or even a single round of ammunition is illegal, even if the weapon or ammunition is taken into Cuba unintentionally. The Cuban government strictly enforces laws restricting the entry of firearms and ammunition at airports and seaports, and routinely x-rays all incoming luggage. U.S. citizens entering Cuba with a weapon or ammunition (including even a small number of bullets), even accidentally, are subject to fines or possible imprisonment. Travelers are strongly advised to thoroughly inspect all belongings prior to travel to Cuba to avoid the accidental import of ammunition or firearms. For more information, please contact the U.S. Interests Section's American Citizens Services Unit at: U.S. Interests Section American Citizen Services Unit Calzada, entre L y M Vedado, Havana, Cuba Phone: 53-7-839-4100 Fax: 53-7-839-4247 Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.