The Pearl of the Caribbean
Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba (República de Cuba), is the largest island nation in the Caribbean. Known for its revolutionary spirit, colonial charm, and musical heritage, Cuba is a land where history, art, and resilience harmonize beautifully.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Cuba’s journey is a tale of colonization, revolution, and self-determination.
Key Historical Timeline:
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Pre-1492: Indigenous Taíno and Ciboney tribes inhabit the island.
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1492: Christopher Columbus lands on Cuban shores.
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1511: Spanish colonization begins under Diego Velázquez.
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1868–1898: Wars of Independence against Spain.
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1898: Spanish-American War; U.S. occupies Cuba.
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1902: Republic of Cuba established.
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1959: Fidel Castro leads the Cuban Revolution, establishing a socialist state.
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1991–present: Post-Soviet era reforms; expanding tourism and private enterprise.
🧭 Basic National Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic of Cuba |
| Capital City | Havana (La Habana) |
| President | Miguel Díaz-Canel (as of 2025) |
| Prime Minister | Manuel Marrero Cruz |
| Government Type | Socialist Republic (One-party system) |
| Area | ~109,884 sq km |
| Population | ~11.2 million (2025 est.) |
| Currency | Cuban Peso (CUP) |
| Time Zone | UTC −5 |
| Dial Code | +53 |
| Top-Level Domain | .cu |
| National Motto | “Patria o Muerte” (Homeland or Death) |
⚖️ Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| President | Miguel Díaz-Canel |
| Prime Minister | Manuel Marrero Cruz |
| Legislature | National Assembly of People’s Power |
| Judiciary | Supreme People’s Court |
| Administrative Division | 15 Provinces + Isla de la Juventud (special municipality) |
Cuba maintains a centralized socialist government guided by the Communist Party of Cuba.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
| Division | Details |
|---|---|
| Provinces | 15 |
| Major Cities | Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Holguín, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara |
| Local Governance | Municipal assemblies under provincial administration |
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Pinar del Río
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Artemisa
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La Habana
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Mayabeque
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Matanzas
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Cienfuegos
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Villa Clara
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Sancti Spíritus
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Ciego de Ávila
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Camagüey
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Las Tunas
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Holguín
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Granma
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Santiago de Cuba
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Guantánamo
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Isla de la Juventud (Special Municipality)
🌐 Geography & Environment
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Location: Northern Caribbean, between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
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Neighboring Nations: USA (Florida), Bahamas, Mexico, Haiti, Jamaica.
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Terrain: Rolling plains, mountain ranges (Sierra Maestra), and fertile valleys.
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Climate: Tropical; dry season (Nov–Apr), rainy season (May–Oct).
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Natural Resources: Nickel, cobalt, sugar, tobacco, fisheries.
Cuba is the largest and most biodiverse island in the Caribbean.
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Local Government Structure
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Provinces governed by Provincial Councils.
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Local governance through Municipal Assemblies.
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Highly centralized system, aligned with Communist Party directives.
Leadership & Governance
Cuba operates under a single-party socialist system, guided by the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).
Strategic governance focus includes:
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Central planning and social welfare
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Economic reforms balancing socialism and market elements
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Expanding digital access and biotechnology
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Regional diplomacy in Latin America and the Caribbean
Law Enforcement & Safety
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Security Forces:
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Ministry of the Interior (MININT)
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National Revolutionary Police (PNR)
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State Security (intelligence)
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Security situation:
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Relatively low violent crime
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Tight surveillance and control over dissent
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🕌 Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Christianity (mainly Roman Catholic) |
| Other Faiths | Santería (Afro-Cuban religion), Protestantism, Atheism |
| Official Language | Spanish |
| Ethnic Composition | Mixed (European, African, Indigenous) |
Cultural Highlights:
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Music: Salsa, Son Cubano, Mambo, Bolero, Jazz.
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Dance: Rumba and Salsa originated here.
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Cuisine: Ropa Vieja, Arroz con Pollo, Tostones.
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Art: Street murals, Afro-Cuban influences, vibrant festivals.
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Celebrations: Havana Carnival, Revolution Day (Jan 1).
Cuba’s culture is a fusion of African, Spanish, and Caribbean rhythms — alive in every song and street.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| GDP (2025 est.) | ~$110 billion (PPP) |
| Main Industries | Tourism, healthcare, biotechnology, mining, agriculture |
| Major Exports | Sugar, tobacco, nickel, rum, pharmaceuticals |
| Trade Partners | China, Russia, Spain, Venezuela, Canada |
| Currency | Cuban Peso (CUP) |
| Tourism | Major revenue source post-2010 reforms |
Cuba is a global leader in biotechnology and medical diplomacy, exporting vaccines and doctors worldwide.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Sector | Details |
|---|---|
| Education System | Free and state-funded at all levels |
| Literacy Rate | ~99% |
| Top Universities | University of Havana, CUJAE, University of Oriente |
| Healthcare System | Universal, free, and globally admired |
| Life Expectancy | ~79 years |
| Special Strength | Medical research and international healthcare missions |
Cuba’s education and healthcare models are considered exemplary in Latin America.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Airports | José Martí Intl (Havana), Antonio Maceo Intl (Santiago), Varadero |
| Ports | Havana, Mariel, Santiago de Cuba |
| Railways | One of the oldest in Latin America |
| Energy | Solar and renewable expansion; oil imports from allies |
| Connectivity | Internet improving through modernization and mobile expansion |
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Destinations:
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Havana: Colonial charm and classic cars.
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Varadero: White-sand beaches and resorts.
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Trinidad: UNESCO-listed colonial town.
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Viñales Valley: Tobacco farms and limestone hills.
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Santiago de Cuba: Cultural capital and carnival city.
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Cienfuegos: “Pearl of the South” with French architecture.
Cuba offers a unique mix of heritage, art, and tropical beauty.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UN Membership | Since 1945 |
| Alliances | ALBA, CELAC, G77, Non-Aligned Movement |
| Key Partners | China, Russia, Spain, Mexico, Canada |
| Global Diplomacy | Leader in medical solidarity and cultural exchange |
| Regional Role | Promoter of Latin American unity and independence |
📝 Summary
Cuba is the soul of the Caribbean — a nation of revolution, rhythm, and resilience.
Its people, music, and ideals continue to inspire the world through courage and creativity.
📢 News & Articles
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“Havana: Where Time Dances to the Rhythm of Salsa”
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“Cuban Revolution and the Spirit of Independence”
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“From Tobacco Fields to Biotech Labs: The Evolution of Cuba”
🎯 Our Mission
Through the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, we showcase Cuba’s journey — from its revolutionary history to its cultural and scientific achievements.
📬 Contact Us
For verified updates or historical contributions about Cuba, contact our editorial division.