Cuba
Cuba is characterised by swaying rhythms of Salsa, colonial architecture, exotic beaches, sugar cane fields, cigars, Che Guevera memorabilia, rich wildlife and marine life, exquisite islands, rugged mountains, mojitto and opulent history, heritage and culture. Home to a few UNESCO world heritage sites, the largest Caribbean Island's lush green landscape and pristine nature enchant travellers from across the globe.
Must do
Cuba sets the stage for indulging in a number of activities for any tourist. They can partake in activities like diving, scuba diving, snorkelling, wind surfing, fishing and reef diving in the islands of Cuba. Those who wish to unwind should visit the exquisite beaches of Cuba. Trekking, Horse riding, wild life watching, hiking, etc are other major activities meant for travellers in the country.
Must see
Hailed as the 'Sistine Chapel' of the exotic Caribbean Indian art, Cueva Punta del Este is home to over 235 pictographs on the ceiling and the walls. The largest pictograph in this cave has around 28 concentric circles in red and black colors. The cave was discovered in the year 1910 and is a unique sight to behold. The white beach near this exquisite cave is another major attraction of Cuba.
La Jungla de Jones, a lush green botanical garden is a major highlight of Cuba. Mirador de Bacunayagua, the highest and longest bridge in cuba offers scenic views of the country to the travellers.
The Museo de Ciencias Naturales Sandalio de Noda, a prominent museum in the country houses exhibits belonging to a wide range of subjects. Valle de los Ingenios is home to many slave quarters, sugar mill ruins, manor houses and exquisite landscape. The notorious Cayo largo island, an exotic island is known for its nudist facilities. Maria la Gorda, another major highlight is a divers' haven.
Other prominent attractions include Parque Josone, Acuario Nacional, Castillo del Morro, Museo Nacional Palacio de Bellas Artes, El Rincon, Sierra Maestra Mountain, Pico Turquino, Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Rosario, Isla de la Juventud, Trinidad, etc. The cities of Cuba are historically important and are great attractions in themselves.
Must try
A unique blend of Spanish, African and Caribbean cuisines, the native Cuban cuisine is a must taste during a stay in Cuba. In Eastern Cuba, Criollo cooking is considered to be the basis of cooking. Western Cuban cuisine consists of continental delicacies and the influence of European cuisine is evident in this type of cuisine.
Black beans are a staple food of the Cubans and dishes with pork, chicken and various meat items are popular in the country. 'Cajita', rice served with vegetables, pork or beef and plantains is an affordable food in cuba. The specialities of Cuba include desserts like dulce de coco, casquitos de guayaba and rapsadura. Cuab libre, Mojito, Cristal, dark rum and Bucanero Fuerto are the popular drinks in the country.
Must enjoy
For a globetrotter, attending the famous events and festivals is a way of understanding the culture and people of a country. A gamut of festivals and events await a tourist in Cuba like the Liberation Day in January, Jornadas de la Cultura Camaneyana in February, Havana International jazz Festival, Havana Carnival, Semana de la Cultura in April, Labour Day in May, Celebration of the National Rebellion in July, Day of Cuban Culture and Havana Festival of Contemporary Music.
Facts
Capital
(and largest city) |
Havana
|
| Official languages |
Spanish |
| Ethnic groups |
65.05% European (Spanish, French, other), 10.08% African (Yoruba, Igbo, other), 23.84% Mulatto & Mestizo[1] |
| Demonym |
Cuban |
| Government |
Socialist Republic,
Single-party communist state |
| - |
President |
Raúl Castro |
| - |
Premier |
Raúl Castro |
| Independence |
from Spain |
| - |
Declaredc |
October 10, 1868 |
| - |
Republic declared |
May 20, 1902
from United States |
| - |
Cuban Revolution |
January 1, 1959 |
| Area |
| - |
Total |
110,861 km2 (105th)
42,803 sq mi |
| - |
Water (%) |
negligible |
| Population |
| - |
2008 estimate |
11,423,952[2] (73rd) |
| - |
2002 census |
11,177,743 |
| - |
Density |
102/km2 (97th)
264/sq mi |
| GDP (PPP) |
2008 estimate |
| - |
Total |
$144.6 billion (2008 est.)[3] (not ranked) |
| - |
Per capita |
$12,700 (2008 est.)[3] (not ranked) |
| HDI (2008) |
0.855[4] (high) (48nd) |
| Currency |
Cuban peso (CUP)
Convertible peso d (CUC) |
| Time zone |
(UTC-5) |
| - |
Summer (DST) |
(Starts March 11; ends November 4) (UTC-4) |
| Drives on the |
right |
| Internet TLD |
.cu |
| Calling code |
53 |
a As shown on the obverse of the 1992 coin[5] (Note that the Spanish word "Patria" is feminine and is translated into English as either "Cradle" or "Place of Birth" or "Homeland".)
bThe Constitution of Cuba states that "Cuba is an independent and sovereign socialist state [Article 1] and that the name of the Cuban state is Republic of Cuba [Article 2]."[6] The usage "socialist republic" to describe the style of government of Cuba is nearly uniform, though forms of government have no universally agreed typology. For example, Atlapedia[7] describes it as "Unitary Socialist Republic"; Encyclopædia Britannica[8] omits the word "unitary", as do most sources.
c At the start of the Ten Years' War.
d From 1993 to 2004 the U.S. dollar was used in addition to the peso until the dollar was replaced by the convertible peso. |



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