Cuba

Information and Tourism

A very individual and special country, the Republic of Cuba comprises a main island, as well as the Isla de la Juventud and also a small number of archipelagos. Cuba lies directly to the south of the USA and the Bahamas, to the east of Mexico, and due north of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

Officially founded in 1492 by famous global explorer Christopher Columbus on behalf of the Kingdom of Spain, Cuba celebrates its Spanish roots and Spanish is the main language spoken here. Now home to a population exceeding 11 million people, this country has seen much revolutionary conflict over the years, with Fidel Castro leading the communist party for many years and Che Guevara famously heading up the Cuban Socialist Revolution party.


The stunning architecture of Cuba is a surprise to many, with its grand baroque and art-deco palaces being of great historical significance. Havana, the Cuban capital, has been shaped by its rich colonial heritage and contains much interest for the tourist, particularly within its Old Havana (Habana Vieja) district and around the Plaza de Armas. Trinidad de Cuba appears quite unravaged by the hands of time, remaining a Spanish colonial town steeped in character from the middle of the 19th century. Other top Cuban tourist destinations include Camaguey, Ciefuegos, Remedios, Santiago de Cuba, Vinales and Varadero.

Most travellers will find that Cuba is best visited between the months of December and April, since the heavy rains experienced during the hurricane season have passed, and the scorching, humid summer months have yet to arrive.

	WORLD GUIDES TO CUBA
	World Guide to Baracoa, Cuba A small city located on the south-eastern coast of Cuba, Baracoa lies within the province of Guantanamo and next to Bahia de Miel (Honey Bay), where the El Yunque mountain provides an impressive backdrop.
	World Guide to Cayo Guillermo, Cuba Connected to neighbouring Cayo Coco by a simple causeway, the island of Cayo Guillermo may not quite be the cultural capital of Cuba, but it certainly does come with some fine Caribbean beaches and coastal resorts.
	World Guide to Cienfuegos, Cuba Often referred to as the Pearl of the South (La Perla del Sur), Cienfuegos sits next to a natural inland lagoon. The Parque Jose Marti forms the historic centre, while nearby, the Playa Rancho Luna is a popular, yet peaceful beach.
	World Guide to Havana, Cuba As the bustling Cuban capital, the city of Havana (Ciudad de La Habana) is packed with sightseeing opportunities, culture and elegance. Old Town Havana (Habana Vieja) now ranks as a World Heritage Site.
	World Guide to Santiago de Cuba, Cuba The country's second-biggest city, Santiago de Cuba is of great significance when it comes to Cuban history, while a tourism scene is beginning to emerge here, thanks to beaches along the coast and within the Baconoa Biosphere Reserve.
	World Guide to Trinidad de Cuba, Cuba Situated in the centrally located province of Sancti Spiritus, the town of Trinidad de Cuba lies next to Cienfuegos. The popularity of Trinidad is due to both its charming Old Town and the beaches of the Ancon Peninsula.
	World Guide to Varadero, Cuba Fronting an expansive bay on the Hicacos Peninsula, the town of Varadero ranks amongst the Caribbean's most noteworthy holiday resorts. Package tours to Varadero are popular and generally offer excellent value.
	World Guide to Vinales, Cuba Regarded by Fidel Castro as the most appealing part of Cuba, Vinales is an especially picturesque town, with a rich tobacco farming heritage. Worth looking out for are the iconic eroded limestone pillars that rise up from the valley floor.

Cuba Information and Fast Facts

• Country: Republic of Cuba
• Population: approximately 11.5 million
• Capital city: Havana
• Language: Cuban Spanish, also Haitian Creole, Catalan and Corsican
• Main exports: citrus fruits, coffee, fish, medical goods, nickel, sugar and tobacco
• Area: 42,430 square miles / 109,900 square kilometres
• Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP)
• Time zone: UTC-5 (daylight-saving time observed)
• Country dialing code: +53
• Religion: mainly Roman Catholic (85 percent), remainder Jehovah's Witness, Judaism, Protestant and Santeria

Map of Cuba