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| Cuba |
Description of the country
If you want to experience paradise while you're alive, there's no better place than Cuba. Beautiful white sand beaches, clear sea water, coral reefs and shallows for fishing, rich exotic flora and fauna - this is not paradise. Temperamental like the rhythms of the cha-cha-cha, bright like the plumage of a hummingbird, elegant like an orchid flower, Cuba has always attracted thousands of tourists. But Cuba is not only about its magnificent nature, it is, first of all, about friendly and hospitable Cubans and a deep history. Many cities still preserve the traces and spirit of the Spanish conquerors, the memory of the raids of the corsairs. The world famous resort of Varadero is located 140 km from Havana on the Atlantic coast. The surroundings of Varadero are very picturesque, and the many kilometers of white sandy beaches and azure ocean waters attract thousands of tourists.
Cuba! A magical island separating the Atlantic from the Caribbean Sea, the bottom of which is literally covered with treasures... A neighbor of Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico, it attracts not only with its tropical exoticism, but also with the special flavor of island life, the warmth, openness and hospitality of the local residents. Every day here is a carnival. There is no heat here, the caressing breeze from the ocean pleasantly cools. There are not even any animals dangerous to humans here. Here the crocodiles are only in the form of a roast. And countless fish, birds, and shellfish become not only a delicacy for gourmets, but also the subject of an exciting hunt. The resulting loot can always be “washed” - with the best fiery drink made from cane in the world - rum... Kilometers of the finest white sand and azure blue ocean waters seem specially created for a world-class resort. The rest was done by people: tourism here has a large share of Spanish capital and therefore the service meets the highest requirements. It all starts at the airport: from there you will be taken to your chosen hotel in luxurious vintage cars.
Geography
Area - 110992 sq. km.
The highest point is Turkino Peak 1974 m.
The longest river is Cauto 370 km.
Cuba is located in the West Indies, at the junction of North, Central and South America. In terms of configuration, the territory of Cuba, stretching from west to east for 1250 km, is often compared to a lizard, whose body faces the Atlantic, and whose tail is located at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. In the south, Cuba is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The distance from Cuba to the United States at the narrowest point of the Strait of Florida is 180 km, to the island of Haiti through the Windward Strait is 77 km, to the island of Jamaica through the Strait of Colon is 140 km, to Mexico through the Yucatan Strait is 210 km.
The length of the island is 1200 km, the width at its widest point is 210 km. The Cuban archipelago covers an area of 110,992 sq. km and has more than 300 natural beaches covered with snow-white sand and surrounded by crystal clear waters. The most famous beach in Cuba is Varadero. The landscapes of Cuba are very diverse. There are valleys, mountains, and hills. The country's main mountain ranges are the Cordillera de Guaniguanico in the west, the Escambray in the center and the Sierra Maestra in the east. The highest mountain in the country, Peak Turquino (1974 m above sea level), is also located in the Sierra Maestra mountains. The rest of the island is fertile plain. There are many caves to admire on the island. Most of the rivers in Cuba are small but have very fast flows. Rivers flow down from the mountains, forming beautiful waterfalls. Particularly interesting are the Agabama and Salto del Carbuni waterfalls. The longest river in Cuba is the Cauto (approximately 370 km), flowing in the eastern part of the island. There are many reservoirs and lakes in Cuba. Amateur ornithologists come here, since Cuba is a migration site for resettled birds.
Time
It is 8 hours behind Moscow.
Climate
The climate of Cuba is tropical trade wind. Warm currents observed in the waters washing the country and constant northeastern winds make the climate mild. The coldest month is January, when the daytime air temperature reaches +25..+27 degrees, and at night the temperature is about 16..18 degrees Celsius. The hottest month is August. During it, in the daytime the air warms up to +30..+32 degrees, and at night it is quite warm - +20..+22 degrees. Relative air humidity is high (70-75%) throughout the year, so the heat in summer is especially difficult to bear.
The average annual precipitation in Cuba varies from 860 mm in the southeast of the island to 1700 mm in its western part. From May to November the rainy season occurs in Cuba. At this time, especially between August and November, strong tropical hurricanes form in the Caribbean region, which then move towards Florida. The rainiest months are June and October, with 180 to 200 mm of rainfall per month. On the coast, the water temperature in winter is about +24 degrees, in summer it warms up to +28 degrees.
Language
The official language is Spanish. However, hotel staff will answer you in English, German, Italian.
Religion
The majority of believers are Catholics (47%), Protestants (4%) and adherents of the so-called “Santeria” - a syncretic cult based on African pagan beliefs, mixed with the cult of some Christian saints. The church is separated from the state, freedom of religion is constitutionally guaranteed.
Population
Population - about 11.4 million people. The majority of the population (about 2/3) are descendants of immigrants from Spain, the rest are blacks, mulattoes, mestizos; there is also a fairly large Chinese colony on the island. The indigenous population of Cuba was completely destroyed during the years of development of the island by the Spaniards. The Spanish colonists needed a lot of labor to work on the plantations and began importing slaves from central Africa. Over 350 years, the Spanish imported more than 1 million African slaves. For the same reason, between 1853 and 1874, more than 125,000 Chinese were brought to Cuba from Asia. To this day, “China Town” has been preserved in Havana. In addition, Indian slaves were imported, but in small quantities, from Yucatan, Central and South America. There was an intense flow of emigrants from Spain, Germany, France and Britain.
Cuba received a huge number of emigrants from neighboring islands: 250 thousand arrived from the Antilles - Haiti and Jamaica. 850 thousand immigrants arrived from Spain, but not all of them remained to live in Cuba. At the beginning of the 20th century, many Americans settled in Cuba and created their own colonies on the island. Pinos. There were very strong waves of emigration to Cuba during and after the First and Second World Wars. First of all, Jews moved here. The Cuban nation has thus absorbed the characteristics of the peoples of the whole world. Today the population of Cuba is 11 million people. According to official sources, the composition of the Cuban population is as follows: 65% are white, 12% are black, 22% are mulatto.
Electricity
Network voltage: 220V
Emergency numbers
National Police: 82-0116
Fire brigade: 81-1115
Ambulance: 24-2811
Connection
For telephone conversations within the city, pay phones are used, operating both on coins and on cards (much less often). To make a call from a coin-operated machine, you need coins of 5 and 20 centavos. It is difficult to call other cities or provinces. International telephone calls are made exclusively from Telecorreos telephone exchanges, which are available in almost all major hotels. To make a call, you need a special card worth 10 or 25 USD (sold by the hotel administrator). Connection statistics and its cost are displayed on the phone display. One minute of an international telephone call costs about 6.5 USD. Cellular communications and Internet telephony are poorly developed.
To call Cuba you need to dial 8 - 10 - 53 -<код города> - <номер абонента>. Codes of some cities and provinces: Varadero - 5, Villa Clara - 42, Havana - 7, Granma - 23, Guantanamo - 21, Camagüey - 32, Las Tunas - 31, Matanzas - 52, Holguin - 24, Pinar del Rio - 82, Playa Larga - 59, Sancti Spiritus - 41, Santiago de Cuba - 226, Ciego de Avila - 33, Cienfuegos - 432, Topes de Collantes - 2, Trinidad - 419, Juventud Island - 61.
Currency exchange
In Cuba, foreign tourists (one might say) only use dollars. Nobody pays attention to the dilapidation of banknotes. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that upon change you may be given a so-called convertible peso. This type of peso is equal to the dollar 1:1. This is a new Cuban banknote that has nothing in common with the “wooden” Cuban pesos. To avoid getting into trouble, the convertible peso must have “convertible” written on it. As a rule, they are given in small bills: 1.5, 10. The exchange rate of the old Cuban peso to the American dollar is approximately 1:25. Convertible Cuban small change also circulates on par with American cents. Often you will be hit back by both. Credit cards are also in use: VISA, EUROCARD, etc. Due to the political situation, AMERICAN EXPRESS cards are prohibited. You can exchange currency in Cuba in banks and many hotels. When exchanging dollars, a commission fee of 10% of the amount exchanged is charged.
Visa
Citizens of the Russian Federation do not require a visa to visit Cuba for the purpose of tourism for a period of no more than 30 days. When entering the country, you need a foreign passport, the validity of which must be at least 6 months after the end date of the trip, a return ticket, hotel reservation confirmation, and an immigration card in 2 copies. When leaving the country, an airport tax is charged, usually equal to 15-20 Cuban pesos. 1$=0.93 СUC.
Customs regulations
In accordance with the customs legislation of Cuba, duty-free import of 200 pieces is allowed into the country. cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, 1 liter of alcoholic beverages, 250ml of eau de toilette or 50ml of perfume. The import of narcotic and psychotropic substances, weapons and ammunition, pornographic products, and auto parts is prohibited. The export of animals and birds, sea shells, valuable wood, and items of historical and cultural value is prohibited. To export cigars, you must have a receipt from the store and the original packaging. The import and export of foreign currency is not limited. Amounts over 5 thousand dollars are subject to mandatory declaration. Export of national currency is allowed up to 100 pesos. When leaving the country, an airport tax is charged.
Holidays and non-working days
National holidays:
January 1 - New Year and Liberation Day
May 1 - Labor Day
July 26 - Day of the start of the National Uprising
October 10 - Anniversary of the start of the Cuban War of Independence
December 25 - Christmas
Carnivals, festivals, holidays:
Carnivals in Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba - February
Havana International Jazz Festival - February
Havana Cuban Cigar Festival - February
Electroacoustic Music Festival in Varadero - April
Fair in Holguin - May
International Guitar Festival in Havana - May
Feast of Saint John in Trinidad - June
Chariot Carnival in Havana - June-August
Celebration of Spanish-American Culture in Holguin - October
Havana Latin American Film Festival - December
Transport
Municipal transport in the country is quite dilapidated, there are few buses and they often break down, so tourists are not recommended to use public transport. The main city transport is the bus (“va-va”). There are 2 types of buses - “sedentary”, where the number of passengers is clearly limited by the number of seats, and regular cars, which are often packed to capacity. There is no timetable at all, and the routes are often not marked either. The fare is 1-2 CUP.
To get around, it is recommended to use so-called “tourist taxis,” which are fairly modern cars with a radiotelephone and air conditioning. Payment is made only in dollars (approximately 2 USD for 1.5-2 km). A tourist taxi can be ordered from any hotel or by phone, and the movement of the car is constantly monitored by operators, which ensures safety. Regular taxis, where payment is made in pesos, use quite old cars and there are not many of them. Many private owners make money as a driver, especially in Varadero and other resort areas. Their prices are slightly lower than those of state-owned companies, but there is no guarantee.
Shuttles run around the Varadero resort, the drivers of which can be trusted, as well as tourist buses with a ticket costing 4 CUC or EUR for the whole day. By purchasing a ticket once, you can ride this bus all day, getting off at any stop and getting on at any stop an unlimited number of times.
Tips
In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 10% of the amount indicated on the bill.
The shops
As souvenirs and gifts, it is undoubtedly better to purchase products and jewelry made of coral in combination with silver. Also good are the "guayabera" (tropical shirt), folk percussion musical instruments, artistic fabrics, embroidery and lace, as well as items made from tortoiseshell, especially bracelets and hairpins (beware of counterfeits!). You should definitely purchase Cuban rum and real Cuban cigars, among which the most highly valued brands are “Bolivar”, “Cohiba”, “Montecristo”, “Partagas”, “Punch”, “Ramon Allones”, “Sancho Panza”, “H. Upmann” ", "Romeo and Juliet" and "Trinidad". Shops are open from 9.00 to 18.00 (some until 20.00) on weekdays, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 15.00 (some until 18.00). Supermarkets and shops in resort areas are usually open from 10.00 to 20.00. Most small stores have separate operating hours. Almost all shops close for a “siesta” around noon.
National cuisine
The basis of the Cuban diet is rice and black beans, pork and chicken. Cubans don't really like vegetables, but they love fruits, there are a lot of them and they are always fresh. Mangoes and bananas are very tasty. Baked bananas in Cuban cuisine come from African slaves. Fufu is bananas mixed with other ingredients. Chatinos is a light appetizer for an aperitif, also prepared on the basis of platanos. Cuban cuisine arose from the combined influence of Spanish and African traditions. The national dish is "el ajiaco" - a stew soup with root vegetables and various vegetables, usually prepared with pork. The taste depends on the type of root vegetables and spices used. Other typical dishes include skewered pork, fried banana chips (tachinos, chatinos or tostones), black beans, congri oriental (rice with red beans), moros and cristianos (rice with black beans), chopped steak Havanese style, tamales, bacanes or ayacas (made from tender corn). If you order fruit juices, ask that they be freshly prepared. If your funds are limited, the eateries will offer you a set lunch at a fixed price; you choose the dishes yourself. Ice cream is very popular. There are many small restaurants right in the home of Cubans where you can eat for about $4. Speaking of cuisine, we cannot ignore Cuban coffee, which Cubans drink in huge quantities throughout the day. Cuban coffee is very strong and sweet. There are many cafes in cities where you can taste various infusions, decoctions and other drinks. Cubans put large amounts of sugar in all their drinks. The most popular alcoholic drink is rum. The most famous brand of rum is Havana Club. There are three varieties: Carta Oro (gold), Carta Blanca (white) and Anejo (old), which differ in aging. Cubans' favorite rum is Anejo (about $8 per bottle).
Attractions
Havana- administrative, political, cultural, scientific, as well as the main tourist center of the country, a cosmopolitan province. Havana is visited annually by more than half of all foreign tourists coming to the country. Its main charm is the city itself, with its varied architecture, wide avenues and famous boulevards, and especially its historical center, declared a Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1982. The starting point for the excursion may be El Templete- a small chapel in neoclassical style, built in 1828 on the site where the city is believed to have been founded; Armory Square(Plaza de Armas), Cathedral Square(Plaza de la Catedral) and Old Square(Plaza Vieja), around which are grouped the magnificent ancient buildings and structures that at one time were part of the walled city. Memorial to Jose Marti was opened in 1996, it houses various relics, original objects, documents and engravings related to the life and work of the apostle of the Cuban revolution. At the top of the obelisk - a concrete, marble-clad tower 138.5 m above sea level - is the capital's highest observation deck. More than 47 thousand exhibits are stored in funds Palace of Fine Arts, which, after careful work of expansion, reorganization and restoration, is now considered one of the most significant among such institutions in the world. National Botanical Garden occupies an area of 600 hectares. It is divided into 18 zones, and about a fifth of it is dedicated to native plants. One of the main attractions is Japanese garden, donated by the government of this country in 1989 and created by the master of garden art Yoshikuni Arake. 
Provinces Santiago de Cuba has two features that make it unique: its hospitable, cheerful and carefree people and its rich cultural and historical heritage. The main city of the province, founded in 1514, is distinguished by great originality, and its most important feature is the magnificent bay, surrounded by high mountains, over which reigns Fortress of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro, in 1997 declared by UNESCO as a Heritage of Humanity. A similar status was recently given to a system of agro-industrial structures and the remains of more than a hundred coffee plantations in the area of the Gran Piedra Mountains, which were created by the French who fled Haiti. Cespedes Square is the busiest place in the city. The square is surrounded by buildings of great architectural and historical value: it is House-Museum of Diego Velazquez, City Cathedral, former ayuntamiento- the city council, which now houses the provincial government, and the Casa Granda Hotel. The only stepped street in Cuba, Padre Pico street, is a natural observation deck. Here lies the border between the upper and lower parts of the city. The street descends to the Tivoli district, where the famous Santiago Carnival is held. The Castle of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro is a military structure in the Roman style, with two blind ditches and two symmetrical three-tiered bastions where cannons were installed. Its construction began in the 16th century and was completed two centuries later. Currently located here Piracy Museum.
Trinidad de Cuba- a city-museum of colonial architecture, declared by UNESCO a heritage of humanity and a cultural monument of world significance. The city was founded in 1514 by Diego Velazquez. The main cities of the province are Sancti Spiritus and Santisima Trinidad de Cuba, two of the first seven cities founded by the Spanish conquistadors on the island. Times have changed, but Trinidad itself is still the same as it was 2 centuries ago with its Baroque churches, red tile roofs, pavements and wrought iron grilles. It is especially recommended to pay attention to Romantic Museum, Museum of Architecture, Archaeological Museum, Anti-Bandit Museum, Alexander Humboldt Museum of Natural Sciences and Guamuaya Archaeological Museum. 
Matanzas - the main city of the province - is called the Cuban Athens, since it is the land of poets, or the Cuban Venice - due to the fact that the city is crossed by two rivers - Yumuri and San Juan, across which five bridges are thrown for the convenience of pedestrians and transport - and guests will It is interesting to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of this tranquil city, which grew up on the shores of a huge bay. In the southern part of the province is Zapata Peninsula- a real paradise for lovers of eco-tourism, but in addition, they will undoubtedly be delighted by the fabulously beautiful Yumuri Valley and the banks of the Canimar River, which can be admired from Bacunayagua Bridge A gem of Cuban engineering, this bridge, at 110 m high, is the tallest in the country. Vigia Square is the founding site of the city, from where it began its growth. The square is surrounded by architecturally interesting buildings - Sauto Theater, Junco Palace Museum, fire department building and others. Freedom Square(Plaza de la Libertad) is the city's second Armory Square, which overlooks the White Concert Hall, named after the famous black violinist Jose White, the Triolet Pharmaceutical Museum and the Government House. On the western shore of Matanzas Bay rises Castle of San Severino. Due to its size, it is considered one of the most important Spanish fortresses in America. In the vicinity of the city of Matanzas are the Bellamar caves. About 30 halls have been studied, where large cave paintings, fossils and traces of the habitation of people who lived here 1,600 years ago were discovered.
Resorts
Varadero- the main zone of the Cuban archipelago, attracting those who prefer a holiday by the sea, enjoys well-deserved international fame. This resort on the Hicacos Peninsula has more than 20 km of beaches covered with fine white sand and washed by a sea that shimmers in a variety of shades of blue; a fifth of its territory is part of ecological reserves. In addition, the peninsula has many caves, picturesque escarpments and lagoons; A series of pristine and easily accessible islands stretches along the coast. Varadero's features are complemented by its cultural, historical and natural attractions, closely linked to the neighboring cities of Matanzas and Cárdenas and the Ciénaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve, as well as a number of modern, comfortable hotels and an extensive service infrastructure.
Province located in the northeast of the country Holguin famous for being the region where the discovery of Cuba took place. Admiral Christopher Columbus first set foot on the island at a place called Cayo Bariai, where a memorial complex now exists. This was October 27, 1492. The main city of the province of the same name is also called the City of Squares; there is a strong Spanish influence here, its straight streets indicate that it was built according to a strict plan. The city has an active cultural life, especially in May, when the May Fair takes place, and in October, when the Ibero-American Culture Festival is celebrated. There are 41 beaches along more than 40 kilometers of coastline, among which foreign tourists give particular preference to the beaches of Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and Playa Pesquero with their exceptionally beautiful seabed. This province also contains Banes, considered the archaeological capital of Cuba, since more traces of aboriginal habitation have been discovered here than anywhere else in the archipelago. Among the 22 bays found in the province of Holguin is one of the largest in the world and in Cuba - Nipe Bay. But the province also has forests and hills with steep slopes and massive peaks.
Cayo Largo- a small group of islands located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, 177 km from Havana and 170 km from Varadero. It serves as a refuge for hundreds of tropical birds: flamingos, hummingbirds, gray herons and many others. There are direct air connections with both Havana and Varadero. You can also book a special excursion here from other tourist spots in Cuba. You can get around the island on foot, by bicycle or by car. The waters of the Caribbean Sea are warmer than the Atlantic Ocean off Cuba's northern coast, resulting in richer marine life off the island's shores. The tourist infrastructure has everything necessary to ensure that you are satisfied with your stay on this paradise island. Here you can visit a turtle farm and just a beach where sea turtles lay their eggs.
Cayo Coco- the fourth largest island of Cuba, the main tourist island of the Jardines del Rey (Royal Gardens) archipelago. It is connected to the main island by a 17-kilometer causeway road running along the Bay of Dogs. Before the advent of tourism infrastructure, Cayo Coco was known mainly for the excellent pineapples that grow here. To the north stretch magnificent beaches not even with white sand, but snow-white. In addition to the coral beaches, which are considered perhaps the best in the entire Caribbean, there are excellent conditions for diving, fishing and water sports. The small island is a permanent refuge for flamingos, white ibises, pelicans, herons, cormorants and vultures. Near the island of Cayo Coco, a little to the west is Cayo Guillermo island. This island is also connected to the “mainland” through a causeway.
Island Cayo Santa Maria is located in the Atlantic Ocean, near the islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo and is located opposite the northern coast of the province of Villa Clara. The island is connected to the mainland by a 48.6 km long dam. The distance to Santa Clara International Airport is about 110 km and 386 km to Havana. The location of Santa Maria is unique. You can combine relaxing time on the beach with active culture and entertainment. There are small islands near the island of Cayo Santa Maria Las Brujas and Ensenchos. All three islands have beautiful beaches with soft white sand and very clear water. Their attractive surroundings provide excellent opportunities for fishing, diving, water sports and boat trips along the canals that separate the islets. There is an airport on the island of Las Brujas where local airlines fly from Havana. On the island of Cayo Santa Maria there is a hotel of the Spanish group SOL MELIA: SOL CAYO SANTA MARIA 4*, ALL INCLUSIVE.
Coast Playa Esmeralda is located in the east of the island of Cuba, in the province of Holguin. The highest mountain peak in Cuba is located here and it is here that the most diverse nature is found: more than a hundred beaches, many caves, rivers, mountains, waterfalls and natural springs. It was on this coast that the historical meeting of Columbus's sailors with the Taino Indians took place. The province of Holguin produces the best Cuban beer, the best fishing, the best diving, the most beautiful places. The beaches of Playa Esmeralda offer almost all types of water sports. Among them are windsurfing, sailing, pedal boating, and snorkeling. Diving is especially popular - there are about 20 dive sites in the Playa Esmeralda area.
Having found out what the language is in Cuba, they sit down with Spanish textbooks and try to learn at least the basic phrases and expressions. And indeed, almost the entire population of Cuba does not speak any other language other than Cuban-Spanish.
It is possible that during your trip you will come across a Cuban who knows Russian, but this will be a person who studied in the Soviet Union, and there are very few such people.
There is another category of Cubans who speak English - the so-called friends. These are young Cubans who are trying to make money from foreigners and harass them on the streets. They always begin their address to tourists with the phrase: “My Friend.” This is where the name of these “friends” of the white man comes from. Friends themselves understand that without knowing English, they will not be able to earn anything in Cuba, so they study it intensively. They make money from tourists by offering to find housing, a girlfriend, cheap cigars, a restaurant and coke. They will walk with you all day and you will have to support them, i.e. buy them food and drinks if you go to a bar with them.
When asking Cubans what language they learned in school in Cuba, the most common answer is English. Although in practice it turns out that they do not even understand basic words such as “Hello”, “Yes” and “No”. It is impossible to explain this phenomenon.
So what language is spoken in Cuba, and what should tourists who don’t know Spanish do?! The answer is simple, you need to learn Spanish and learn it seriously, since you cannot agree with the local population on your fingers. They don't understand sign language, unlike Asians.
If you fly on vacation through a travel agency, then most likely you will arrive in Varadero, where you probably won’t need Spanish if you don’t leave the hotel into the city. If you go on an excursion with a Russian-speaking guide, you won’t need Spanish either. But if you are an independent traveler, then take Spanish courses before your trip. And remember that Cuban pronunciation of words is different from Spanish.
Language of Cuba The official language of the country is Spanish. The writing of the Spanish language is based on the Latin alphabet.Spanish uses the Latin alphabet, with an additional letter "ñ" (eñe). In addition, Spanish orthography uses the following letters with an acute accent: Áá Éé Íí Óó Úú, as well as ü with a dieresis to indicate the readability of this letter after the letters g and q.
In Spanish dialects you can find letters with grave accent: Àà Èè Ìì Òò Ùù and Çç - se-cedilla.
When reading, basically everything is read as it is written. The Spanish language is characterized by clear pronunciation of all vowels, while consonants can be swallowed or assimilated.
Basic rules for reading:
- ch - reads like a soft Russian "ch";
- h - never read;
- z - reads like "c";
- с - before a, o, u is read as "k", and before e, i - as "c";
- g - before i is read as Russian “x”, before other vowels - as “g”;
- s - reads like Russian “c”, but with the tongue slightly moved towards the alveoli;
- j - reads like Russian “kh”, but more intense;
- x - read depending on the word: like Russian “s” or “x”;
- the combination gu - before e, i is read as “g”, “u” is not pronounced, except when writing gü;
- the combination qu - before e, i is read as “k”, “u” is not pronounced, except for the combination qü.
- b and v - “fricative b”: at the beginning of a word and after nasal and labial consonants, these letters indicate the stop sound “b”, which in pronunciation corresponds to the Russian “b”. In other cases, these letters indicate a semi-closed sound between “b” and “v”.
Almost all Cubans speak extremely fluent Spanish. The dialect encountered is similar to other Spanish-speaking Caribbean islands, although the rhythmic speech and use of expressive gestures are distinctly Cuban. French existed for a short time with the arrival of slave-owning European refugees after the 1791 revolution in Haiti, but they have since died out.
The languages of the country's indigenous population have become extinct. The island's pre-Columbian population was approximately 112,000, consisting primarily of Arawaks (Taino and sub-Taino) in the central and eastern region, as well as Guanahacabibes who fled the Arawaks and moved west to Pinar del Rio. Indigenous lands were quickly occupied by Spanish conquistadors, and indigenous people were enslaved and exploited by Europeans in mining and agriculture. Indigenous peoples resisting the new masters were killed. The rest of the population died out from malnutrition, overwork, suicide and cruelty. Cuba's indigenous population virtually disappeared during fifty years of conquest.
In the resort areas of Cuba, English, German and Italian are widely used.
As one of the last strongholds of communism on the planet, the country arouses constant interest. While the rest of the world lives in the fast pace of the digital age, Cuba moves slowly along its own path, with only a minority having access to the Internet. The dinosaurs of the automotive world, patched up and painted American cars of the 1940s and 1950s, lumber along the dimly lit city streets. In rural areas, cars are replaced by oxcarts, omnibuses, Chinese bicycles and pedicabs. The dwellings are furnished with antique furniture inherited from their ancestors, and are illuminated with energy-saving light bulbs.
Cuba is inseparable from international politics in the second half of the 20th century. At the age of six, children become young pioneers - builders of communism. Across the country, giant posters contain mantras from the country's leadership such as "Socialismo o Muerte" ("Socialism or Death") and "Viva la Revolution" ("Long Live the Revolution"). Portraits of Che Guevara, the revolutionary martyr of the 1960s, can be found everywhere on the walls of shops, institutions and residential buildings.
Under harsh communist rule, the country was always coming apart at the seams. Its economic condition directly depends on global conditions, and the situation is further aggravated by the American trade embargo and the damage caused by hurricanes. Many families continue to live in cramped conditions in dilapidated housing; the monthly income of many Cubans, in terms of calculation, does not reach 25 US dollars.
The obvious weakness of the Cuban economy and the deprivation of the Cuban people cannot be ignored. In addition, there is no real freedom of speech, press or movement outside the country on the island, although some relaxations have taken place under Raul Castro. However, there is not the abject poverty here that is striking, say, in Bangladesh, India, and Latin American countries. Housing is provided by the state, and hardly anywhere in Cuba you will see homeless people sleeping on the streets, and although Cubans do not receive all the necessary food according to coupon books, no one really goes hungry. All residents of the country have the right to free healthcare and education. Average life expectancy has increased from 57 years in 1958 to 77.7 years in 2011. This is the 57th indicator in the world. The infant mortality rate in Cuba is lower than in the United States and the European Union.
The dilapidation, poverty and restrictions only emphasize the unbending spirit of the Cuban people. These people are characterized by remarkable resilience, patience and love of life, which, it seems, cannot be undermined by any economic hardship. Cubans are extremely friendly and hospitable and always willingly invite island guests into their modest homes. Overflowing with energy, schoolchildren - all in the same uniform - are everywhere: rushing through the streets, playing a yard version of baseball - stickball, riding homemade skateboards, flying kites.
Cuba today
Modern Cuba is slowly but surely beginning to make concessions to some capitalist benefits, which under Fidel seemed completely unthinkable. Moreover, people here are no longer so aggressive towards their eternal enemy - the United States. Several years ago, in order to somehow strengthen the shaky state economy, Cuba tried to develop tourism, which seriously changed its appearance.
The number of people wishing to visit the poor but proud island of socialism is only growing every year, which, of course, also affects government reforms. Gradually, the country acquires the notorious “elements of the sweet life”, contrasting with the picturesque ruins that have been preserved since the time of the revolution. For example, the ban on the import of foreign cars into the country was recently lifted, thanks to which now quite modern taxis can be seen at Havana airport. In recent years, the coast of Cuba has been actively developed with fashionable hotel complexes and spa hotels. And even though the level of service in most of these establishments still gives off a “Soviet flavor,” the holiday here can be called quite civilized and comfortable.
Paradise Island
Many people arriving on the island for the first time are struck by Cuba as being different from the rest of the Caribbean. The best Cuban poet Nicolas Guillen compared the island to a “long green alligator.” It’s long, that’s for sure – the distance from “nose” to “tail” is 1250 km. Comparable in size to England, Cuba is divided into 14 provinces and has approximately 450 islands and islets called “cayos,” which means “reefs” and “keys.”
Given its size, it would take at least a month to explore the entire country. Most start in the capital, Havana, and then head to the famous tobacco plantations to the west, before visiting the sugarcane valleys and the most beautiful colonial towns in the central part of the island. The easternmost region, called Oriente, is known for its high mountains and its second largest and first most musical city.
Along the truly Caribbean beaches, mainly on the northern coast, many resort hotels have sprung up. Although many organized tourists still stay close to the sea, each region of the island has its own charming towns, enticing people to venture further inland.
Cuba's white sand beaches are stunning, with Varadero's long stretches of coastline in the north being best known. Other beach tourism centers include Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and the islands of Coco and Largo. Sailing enthusiasts appreciate the countless natural harbors, anglers hunt for marlin off the coast, and divers explore coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Most tourists prefer a holiday with a full range of services, but the variety of attractions in Cuba also attracts a large number of independent travelers who find a lot of interesting things to do besides the sea and beaches. At the eastern tip of the island rises its highest mountain range, the Sierra Maestro (up to 1974 m), the birthplace of many uprisings; in the west, in the province of Pinar del Rio, lies the green Viña Les valley with huge mogotes, steep hills made of limestone up to 400 m high; in the central part of the island are the lush Sierra del Escambray mountains and the old sugar cane plantations of the De los Ingenios valley.
But there are still big and small cities. Havana combines beautiful Spanish colonial architecture with vibrant street life and a range of cultural events and attractions; Trinidad, a shining colonial-era gem, boasts beautiful homes, churches and other buildings on winding cobbled streets; - a colorful cocktail that incorporates elements of Spanish, French and African cultures.
Climate
Cuba belongs to the tropical trade wind climate zone. As for the seasons, in this part of the Caribbean there are only two weather seasons: dry (from October to April) and rainy, accompanied by fairly strong hurricanes (from May to September).
Cold is a concept no Cuban is unfamiliar with. Even in January, the temperature on the island rarely drops below +22 °C. The apotheosis of the heat occurs in August, when the thermometer freezes at +28 °C in the shade. An additional bonus to the ocean winds and tropical stuffiness is high air humidity, which often darkens the first days of the trip. But you shouldn’t worry about a specific reason: it usually takes no more than a couple of days to get used to local climatic realities.
Main tourist destinations
What Cuba really lends itself to is a lazy beach holiday: in fact, the entire coastline of the main island is a continuous beach from a Bounty advertisement with starchy white sand and azure shallow waters. If your plans are not only to lie royally on a sun lounger and get a chocolate tan, try to stay longer in the main city of Cuba - Havana. Firstly, you still won’t deprive yourself of pleasant beach relaxation, because the city has carved out a 20-kilometer piece of the sea coast for itself, arranging it in accordance with the tastes of tourists. And secondly, you will be able to fully enjoy the old architecture for which the Cuban capital is famous.
It’s worth a visit to immerse yourself in the typical Caribbean flavor, gain impressions from exploring the historical part of the city (after all, this is where the Spanish colonization of the island began) and dance to the fiery melodies of street musicians. The cradle of the Cuban revolution, Santa Clara, is visited mainly by those who continue to be haunted by the romanticized image of ex-comandante Che Guevara. For your information, the remains of the Argentine rebel still rest in the local mausoleum. The cigar capital of Cuba, Pinar del Rio, is ready to offer its guests not only excursions to tobacco plantations, but also walks through the picturesque valleys surrounding the city. You can rewind time and return to the colonial era in Trinidad. Some of the local mansions, built by the “sugar kings,” are even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Of all the islands of the Cuban archipelago, Cayo Largo, Cayo Caco and Cayo Guillermo are recognized as the most tourist-oriented. The first piece of land is notable for its coral reef and iguanas walking freely along the shore. There is practically no local population on Cayo Largo, but there are plenty of hotels and bars with visiting staff, as well as clean municipal beaches. The best way to escape the blues and relieve tension is in Cayo Coco. The main feature of the island is the cave disco, organized for tourists on Tuesdays. From Cayo Coco you can cross a sandy dam to the neighboring island of Cayo Guillermo, whose main attraction is the pink flamingos that live here. It’s a paradox, but the Cubans themselves are not allowed here unless they work in one of the island hotels, so only overseas guests can enjoy the fantastic sunsets and all the benefits of the all inclusive system on Cayo Guillermo.
Sights and entertainment in Cuba
The main historical attractions of Cuba are concentrated in Havana and several other large cities. In the capital, first of all, you should pay attention to the Old Havana area with its St. Christopher Cathedral, Prado Boulevard and Colon Cemetery, dotted with pretentious marble monuments. Contemplation of the Havana Capitol (a recognizable copy of Washington's) will also give you a pleasant experience. It is also interesting to wander through the old city squares, bordered by ancient colonial-style mansions. Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de San Francisco - all these paved areas are included in the mandatory minimum tourist program.
The tiny town of Remedyos is worth a trip for its Carnival Museum, Alejandro García Cuturla Music Museum and the Church of St. John the Baptist. People go to Pinar del Rio to see the Guasch Palace, go to a performance at the Milanes Theater and watch the process of producing real Cuban cigars at the Francisco Donatien tobacco factory. In Matanzas, Vigia Square, San Severino Castle and Montserrat Chapel are considered must-sees.
Cuba is not Cuba without mentioning old Hemingway. Here the writer is loved and honored, without missing the opportunity to make a little money from his fame. If you are also partial to the work of old Ham, take a look at the Finca Vigia estate in the vicinity of San Francisco de Paula (a district of Havana), to which the genius devoted 20 years of his life.
For ecotourists in a country with 14 national parks and more than two dozen biosphere reserves, the possibilities are almost endless. The best known and most visited protected natural areas are the parks of Bacanao, Desembarco del Granma, Sierra del Rosario and Topes de Collantes.
It is difficult to ignore the Cuban resorts, the most luxurious of which is Holguin. Although it is expensive to relax here, it is fun and prestigious. In addition, the resort is assigned the most beautiful beach in the country - Playa Esmeralda. Cheaper and less pretentious, Varadero has made its reputation on its active nightlife. The regulars of this paradise are party fans, sex tourists and simply lovers of all-inclusive holidays. Well, travelers who do not belong to any of the listed categories can be advised to stop by Varadero for an excursion to the Jose Smith sugar factory, where the production of the rum legend, Havana Club, was first launched.
All sights of Cuba
Without exaggeration, divers in Cuba live a comfortable life. If you wish, you can go in search of underwater adventures directly from the beaches of Havana, Varadero and Santiago de Cuba. The transparency of sea water is high almost everywhere, and the bottom is replete with coral thickets and interesting finds. But it’s better, of course, to choose less crowded places that have been tested by experts. These include the islands of Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Juventud and Jardines del Rey. You can also chase exotic fish near the coral reef in the province of Cienfuegos.
There is no shortage of experienced instructors on Liberty Island, but most of them speak only Spanish and, less often, English. Russian-speaking diving gurus can be found only in Varadero and Jardines del Rey. It is also possible to undergo training in basic diving skills in Cuba, but it is unlikely that you will be able to acquire a more advanced level certificate (PADI).
It is not necessary to bring diving equipment with you. Almost all Cuban diving centers have their own material and technical base: sometimes thoroughly shabby, but quite functional. On average, dive prices range from 30 (daytime) to 40 (at night) CUC.
Holidays you can celebrate with Cubans
Communist holidays are still trendy on Liberty Island. Here, May Day and Cuban Revolution Day (January 2) are still celebrated with great pomp. On July 26, the country is swept by a wave of parades and demonstrations in honor of National Uprising Day. On October 10, all Cuban patriots do not go to work, but gather at the monument to Carlos Manuel Cespedes to lay flowers and express their deep gratitude to the “Father of the Motherland.”
Despite the fact that the vast majority of local inhabitants are ardent Catholics, Christmas in Cuba is celebrated quietly, modestly and without traditional gifts. But on New Year's Day, large cities experience unimaginable festive chaos, accompanied by drunken parties and concerts.
Features of the national mentality
The indigenous population of Cuba lives mostly in poverty, but is carefree and cheerful. All these stories about dancing in the middle of the street, the amazing talkativeness of the locals, prehistoric Cadillacs and Buicks carefully passed down by inheritance, as well as generously scattered compliments towards white-skinned European women have a very real basis. The average Cuban behaves like a typical careless dreamer who dreams all his life of how he will one day get rich, but at the same time will not agree to leave his usual comfort zone for any treasure. But there is also a sacred meaning in this way of life: it is more expensive for oneself to exert oneself in a country where there is a general leveling system and revolutions break out from time to time. Although cursing their regime in front of the Cubans is a kind of bad manners. Despite the fact that local residents have meager wages, receive food stamps and pay exorbitant prices for white sugar, which they themselves produce, outwardly they look quite happy with this existence.
As for the attitude towards tourists, then, of course, for most Cubans they are just fat wallets, from which, if possible, they need to shake out as much as possible. If not everyone, then very many are involved in money scams on Liberty Island: from the state that put into circulation a special tourist currency, to petty scammers who deliberately provoke road accidents in order to rip off financial compensation from a naive traveler. Recently, the country has begun to experience such a hitherto unprecedented phenomenon as financial stratification of society: Cubans involved in the tourism sector and having the opportunity to receive tips in addition to their main income have become a real elite.
Religion
Catholicism in Cuba is closely intertwined with Afro-Cuban religions, in particular with Santeria. Tourists have the opportunity to experience many aspects of these religious practices. The government stripped the Catholic Church of much of its power and influence in the early 1960s, but Masses still take place in churches across the island, and Catholic services and rituals have become increasingly common since the pope's visit to Cuba in 1998.
Language
The entire population of Cuba speaks Spanish. Recently, due to the development of the tourism industry, various courses for studying foreign languages, mainly European, have begun to gain popularity among islanders. In particular, the overwhelming majority of luxury hotel staff and taxi drivers speak good English. But since mass mastery of Shakespeare’s language is still a long way off here, before your trip it’s better to get a paper or electronic Russian-Spanish phrasebook.
Food in Cuba
Spanish, Creole and African motifs are closely intertwined in Cuban cuisine. The favorite side dish here is rice, to which black beans or kidney beans are often added. It is most often served with pork or chicken, since beef in Cuba is a pleasure accessible only to a select few. It is worth trying the Creole ajiaco, which is a meat stew with vegetables and spices. By the way, it is better to look for the most peppery and spicy dishes in the vicinity of Santiago de Cuba.
In some establishments you can also taste exotic meats (crocodiles, turtles). Quite popular types of dishes include huevos habaneros (a local type of omelette with a spicy sauce), chicharrones (crispy pork rind chips), pulpeta meatloaf and the ever-present lobster, which is not available to the average Cuban, but is in great demand among the tourist fraternity. For dessert, you should take maduros (fried bananas), caramel cream dulce de leche (similar to domestic boiled condensed milk) and churros cookies, which are fried right on the street. In addition, there is an abundance of fruits in Cuba, so you can find them not only in the form of desserts, but also as a side dish for meat dishes.
Among the drinks, it is worth appreciating Cuban rum and, of course, the legendary daiquiri - the favorite cocktail of John Kennedy and Papa Ham. Tourists drink guarapo cane juice more out of curiosity than for pleasure. But local beer enjoys a good reputation. In Cuba they brew the strongest coffee, generously flavoring it with sugar, and sometimes adding a couple of drops of rum into the cup.
In most hotels that provide breakfast or three meals a day, the cuisine is more Europeanized. Usually the morning begins with a buffet with all that it implies. If you are looking for a typical Cuban tavern, welcome to public dining rooms in private homes (paladares), which have recently been actively replaced by classic restaurants.
Money
Theoretically, the country's currency is the Cuban peso. In fact, there are two types of money in circulation: for the indigenous population it is the same Cuban peso (CUP), and for tourists it is the convertible peso or cook (CUC). 1 cookie is 57.43 rubles, exactly 1 US dollar or 1.18 euros (as of 2017).
It is most profitable to exchange euros (no commission) or Canadian dollars at local banks. It is worst to convert American currency, since the commission for its exchange can reach up to 20% of the amount. Money is exchanged at the airport, hotels and banks. The latter are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 15:00, and from 12:00 to 13:30 the establishments close for the traditional siesta.
Credit cards are accepted in resort areas of the island. Not long ago, the ban on the “plastic” of American banks was lifted in Cuba, but failures in payment transactions with MasterCard still occur. Protection from such awkward situations will be a supply of cash, which will be gladly accepted in any establishment.
On Liberty Island it is customary to give tips. In restaurants, this could be the traditional 10% of the bill. There will be enough change (in cookies) in bars. Porters, maids and street musicians are given no more than 1 cookie.
Note: before leaving, try to sell all the cookies in stores, or have time to exchange them at Havana airport. Otherwise, you risk returning home with a pile of useless pieces of paper - convertible pesos are not exchanged anywhere else.
Travel budget
Compared to the rest of Latin America and other developing countries, Cuba can be unpleasantly expensive, but staying on the island will cost you no more than a holiday on other Caribbean islands.
Road
Air tickets can become a major expense item, especially for residents of Europe and Asia. It is cheaper to travel in the off-season, from mid-December to mid-April, and with payment for a full range of services.
Accommodation
Car rent
You can rent a car in Cuba in any major city, but keep in mind that gasoline here is expensive: about 1.20-1.40 CUC/l. To rent a car, you must be 21 years old and have at least one year of driving experience. To conclude a rental agreement, a foreign passport and an international driving license will be sufficient.
Rental cost from 45 to 150 CUC per day without mileage limitation. Typically, a tourist pays rent, as well as a mandatory deposit of 150-300 CUS (in cash). You will need to buy insurance on the spot, even if you pre-paid for the rental before arriving in the country. If you take the car in one place and want to return it in another, you will have to pay the cost of the return trip. If your vehicle is damaged, you must pay the first few hundred dollars needed for repairs unless you can prove that the damage was not your fault. Before accepting your vehicle, inspect it for dents and scratches.
Useful information: even while driving a rented car, it is unlikely that you will be able to disguise yourself as a real amigo on Cuban roads. Cars in the country are identified by the color of their license plates: yellow ones belong to private owners, blue ones belong to government agencies, and red ones are issued to tourists.
Physiographic characteristics
Geographical position
Relief of Cuba
Relief
The relief of Cuba is predominantly flat. Hills and mountains occupy about a third of the territory. The highest mountain range, the Sierra Maestra, stretches along the southeastern coast for 250 km. Its highest point is Turkino Peak (1972 m). The picturesque low mountains located in the west of the island are intricately dissected and sparsely populated.
Minerals
Cuba occupies one of the leading places in the world in nickel mining (2nd place in the world in reserves and 3rd in production), has significant reserves of chromium, manganese, iron and copper ores, asbestos, rock salt, and phosphorites. Oil and gas fields have been discovered in the west of the country.
Climate
The climate of Cuba is tropical, trade wind. The average annual temperature is 25.5 °C. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is 22.5 °C and the hottest (August) is 27.8 °C. The temperature of surface waters off the coast in winter is 22-24 °C, in summer - 28-30 °C. The average annual precipitation, usually in the form of showers, is 1400 mm, but dry years often occur.
Cuba has clearly defined two climatic seasons: rainy (May-October) and dry (November-April). The rainy season accounts for 3/4 of the total annual precipitation.
A feature of Cuba's climate is its typical high humidity throughout the year. The combination of high humidity and high temperature has a generally unfavorable effect on people's lives. However, on the coast, the wind from the sea moderates the heat, brings freshness, and in the evenings, coolness. In any place, the winds are characterized by a certain constancy, so you can often see trees whose trunks have a corresponding slope.
Cuba is exposed to tropical cyclones, which originate in the summer-autumn period (June - mid-November) east of the Lesser Antilles and in the west of the Caribbean Sea, then moving towards Florida. Typhoons are accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds that can cause great damage to the economy and population of the island. The rivers in Cuba are short and shallow. Forests, covering about 10% of the territory, are preserved only in mountainous and swampy areas. The fauna of the land is relatively poor. At the same time, in the waters surrounding Cuba there are valuable commercial fish, shellfish, lobsters, shrimp, and sponges.
Administrative division
Cuba is a federation. The national territory is divided for political and administrative purposes into 14 provinces and the special municipality of Isla Juventud.
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Transport
Cuban railway map
There is a railway on the island of Cuba (Cuban Railway in Spanish. Ferrocarriles de Cuba), a network of roads. Sea and air communications have been established with other countries. Cuba's leading airline, Cubana de Aviación, has offices in 32 countries.
Connection
After Castro came to power, the development of telecommunications on the island turned out to be extremely difficult. Cuba, however, was greatly helped by the Soviet Union, which provided some resources, such as communication channels.
In 2003, there were 2 Internet providers operating on the island. National domain Raul Castro abolished the rules for the use of mobile phones in the country, the national telecom operator - the company ETECSA - began providing communication services for ordinary citizens on April 14, 2008. In Cuba the GSM 900 standard is currently in use, and in some areas of Havana and the resort of Varadero - GSM 850.
Population
Story
The first European to arrive here was Columbus, who landed in the east of the archipelago in October. In Diego Velazquez de Cuellar subdued the indigenous population of the islands, built Fort Baracoa and became the first Spanish governor of Cuba. By this time, seven settlements had been founded. In Cuellar he moved his headquarters to Santiago de Cuba, which became the first capital of Cuba. Colonization took place in the context of a struggle with the indigenous population of the island - the Taino Indians, who made up 75% of the population.
- The first uprising for independence was suppressed in the city.
- The Ten Years' War for Cuban Independence began in the city; the rebels were supported by the United States. Hostilities reached a climax in 1872-73, but then the rebels fought only in the eastern provinces of Camagüey and Oriente. A peace agreement was signed, eliminating the most unpleasant legislative acts for the inhabitants of the island.
- A detachment of Cuban patriots under the leadership of Jose Marti landed in the city of Cuba. This event became the starting point of a new war with the Spanish, during which the Cubans achieved control over almost the entire territory of the island, excluding large cities (see War of Cuban Independence).
- In the city, the United States began a war with Spain, in which they won. Cuba becomes dependent on the United States. The Constitution stipulated the right of the United States to send troops into the country. This clause was canceled in
- In the city, as a result of a coup organized by revolutionaries led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista, dictator Gerardo Machado y Morales was overthrown and a democratic regime was established.
- On March 10, Mr. Fulgencio Batista carried out a coup d'etat and established a personal dictatorship.
- On July 26, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro attempted to seize the Moncada barracks. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the participants in the assault ended up in prison, but this event became the starting point of the Cuban Revolution. In the city, the revolutionaries were amnestied. On December 2, a new group of revolutionaries disembarked from the yacht Granma in the east of the island and began military operations against the Batista government.
- On January 1, dictator Batista fled Cuba. At this point, rebel forces occupied the city of Santa Clara in the center of the island and controlled large swathes of terrain to the east, although the capital was not in immediate danger and Batista still had significant military forces at his disposal. In the conditions of the power vacuum that arose as a result of Batista's flight, on January 8, a column of rebels entered Havana, where they were greeted with popular jubilation.
As a result of the victory of the revolution, power in Cuba was given to a left-wing government led by Fidel Castro, which then leaned towards the path of building socialism and is in power to the present day. The country's ruling and only permitted party is the Communist Party of Cuba. The government of Fidel Castro carried out agrarian reform, nationalized industrial assets, and launched broad social reforms, which alienated many groups of the population; the result of the process was the mass emigration of the dissatisfied, mainly to the United States, where a large diaspora of opponents of Castro and his policies was created.
- In April, Cuban emigrants, with the active support of the United States, landed an armed force on the southern coast of the island with the goal of eventually organizing a mass uprising against the policies of the new government, but the intervention was quickly stopped, and the expected social explosion never occurred. Subsequently, emigrant organizations repeatedly organized terrorist attacks and small-scale landings on Cuba, but without much results.
From the early 1960s to the early 1990s, Cuba was an ally of the USSR, which provided significant financial, economic and political support, actively supported Marxist rebels and Marxist regimes in Latin America (Puerto Rico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Bolivia, Peru , Brazil, Argentina, Chile), Africa (Ethiopia, Angola) and Asia, and also pursued a policy of providing humanitarian assistance to various countries of the world. In the late 1980s, more than 70 thousand Cubans were abroad as part of military and humanitarian missions.
Executive power belongs to the Chairman of the State Council (head of state) and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (head of government).
The ruler of Cuba since 1959, Fidel Castro, announced his resignation as Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief of Cuban troops. Castro's address to the people was published on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 by the Granma newspaper. “To my dear fellow citizens, who have given me the immeasurable honor of electing me as a member of Parliament, in which the most important decisions for the fate of the revolution will be taken, I inform you that I do not intend and will not give my consent to take the post of Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief,” it says in an address by Fidel Castro published on the newspaper’s website.
Economy
Advantages: The tourism industry attracts foreign investors. Export of sugar and nickel. Elite cigars. The banking sector is strengthening.
Weak sides: Due to the US embargo, lack of access to important markets and investments. Acute shortage of foreign currency. Fluctuations in world prices for sugar and nickel. Complicated trade restrictions and lack of legal regulations hinder investment. Poor infrastructure. Shortage of fuel, fertilizers and spare parts. Hurricane damage in 2001
There are different points of view regarding the level of development of Cuba before the revolution. According to a number of sources, in terms of GNP per capita, Cuba was ahead of Spain and Japan at that time. Robin Blackburn also wrote that Cuba was one of the richest countries in the underdeveloped category. Professor Maurice Halperin, who worked in Cuba immediately after the revolution, objected to the application of the term “underdeveloped” to pre-revolutionary Cuba, which, in his words, caused false associations with truly backward countries, and proposed calling it “moderately developed”. On the other hand, the Groningen Growth and Development Center, having conducted its own retrospective calculations using a special methodology, received data stating that Cuba was inferior to these countries and a number of Latin American countries.
| Source | Robin Blackburn | Humberto (Bert) Corzo | NationMaster | Angus Maddison | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units | U.S. dollars | US dollars at PPP | U.S. dollars | Geary-Khamis dollars | ||
| Year | 1953-1954 | 1958 | 1960 | 1960 | 1953 | 1960 |
| Cuba | 360 | 356 | 4399 | 1900 | 2363 | 2052 |
| Spain | 250 | 180 | 396 | 396 | 2528 | 3150 |
| Mexico | 284 | 353 | 353 | 2439 | 3025 | |
| Chile | 360 | 551 | 551 | 4112 | 4392 | |
| Costa Rica | 230 | 381 | 381 | 2353 | 2605 | |
| Japan | 254 | 471 | 471 | 2474 | 3289 | |
| USA | 2881 | 2793 | 10613 | 11328 | ||
According to statistics, in 1951 in Cuba there were 122 thousand cars for a population of 5.5 million, that is, 1 car for 41 people. At the same time, according to the authors of the Area Handbook for Cuba, “all this, as a fact, does not matter at all, since there were de facto two Cubas, in one the elite lived beautifully and comfortably, and in the other the most necessary things for life were not available ".
In 1960, a massive nationalization of the private sector was carried out. Currently, Cuba has one of the most nationalized economies in the world. In the second half of the 60s. the government attempts to abandon central planning in favor of sectoral planning and moves toward experiments involving moral incentives and the widespread use of free forced labor. Falling production levels and avoidance of forced labor forced a return to Soviet-style central planning. In the 1970s - 80s. With the help of the countries of the socialist bloc, the basis of the industry is being created in Cuba.
The main sector of the Cuban economy is the sugar industry. The capacity of Cuba's sugar factories is capable of processing 670 thousand tons of sugar cane per day (production of 9-9.5 million tons of sugar per year). In the past, the industry developed extensively thanks to the support of the CMEA.
The Cuban government is creating free economic zones (FEZ) in order to attract foreign investment. In 1996, a law was adopted on the procedure for the creation and functioning of free economic zones. The validity period of the concession for the right to operate in the SEZ is 50 years. In 1997, three SEZs began operating (Mariel, Havana City and Vahay).
Exports nickel, sugar, tobacco, seafood, medical products, citrus fruits, coffee. The main export partners are the Netherlands, Canada, China. In November 2004, during a visit to Cuba by Chinese President Hu Jintao, an agreement was reached that China would invest $500 million in the Cuban nickel industry. In January 2008, Brazilian President Lula da Silva and the head of the state oil company visited Cuba and imported petroleum products, food products, industrial equipment, and chemical products. The main import partners are Venezuela, China, Spain.
The Cuban banking system consists of the Central Bank, 8 commercial banks, 13 non-banking financial institutions, 13 representative offices of foreign banks and 4 representative offices of foreign financial institutions. There are 2 types of currency in Cuba. Citizens of Cuba receive black and white Cuban pesos, foreigners receive colored (convertible) pesos when exchanging currency. Western media reported on currency manipulations by the top Cuban leadership and the F. Castro family.
Since 1962, a card system has been in effect in Cuba; products are issued according to the same standards for the entire country. According to Cuban experts, the population currently receives from 40 to 54 percent of the minimum required calories from food distributed on ration cards. Milk is provided free of charge by the state to children under 6 years of age or purchased by the population at the market. Throughout the post-revolutionary years, a black market existed in Cuba. A number of goods, the distribution of which by cards is carried out irregularly or are intended only for beneficiaries, are still purchased on the black market.
In 2008, Cuban residents were allowed to buy cell phones, computers and DVD players, as well as 19- and 24-inch TVs, electric pressure cookers and electric bicycles, car alarms and microwave ovens (but only for convertible currency).
According to the BBC television company, there is an increase in prostitution and corruption in Cuba. The average monthly salary in Cuba is $12, but there are many government benefits. For example, free clothing is provided to workers. There is a system of free medical care and free higher and secondary education.
Foreign policy
Russia
From the very beginning of the revolution in Cuba, the attitude of the CPSU leadership towards Liberty Island was ambiguous, in some ways similar to the position regarding the SFRY. First, neither the Castro brothers nor their associates were formally Leninists. Their theoretical basis was limited to the legacy of Marx and Engels. Secondly, among other things, Cuba, in principle, was not part of the military blocs. Highly valuing freedom, Cuba, since the Belgrade Conference (Yugoslavia, September 1-6, 1961), has been one of the most active participants in the Non-Aligned Movement. It joined the CMEA only in 1972.
Participation in international organizations
Immediately after the revolution, about 3 thousand doctors left the country. However, this deficiency was compensated for by the organization of the medical education system. Currently, the Cuban health care system is considered one of the best in the world and has extensive primary health care and scientific development programs. Cuba has the lowest infant mortality rate in Latin America. All types of medical care are free.
Education
Cuba has a traditionally high educational level of the population. Since the beginning of the 20th century, there has been a system of state free 9-grade elementary education for children from 6 to 14 years old (the ninth grade was optional, the rest are compulsory). In 1932, 90% of school-age children attended elementary schools (state and church). In 1951, illiterates accounted for 22% of the adult population, which was lower than in Spain and pre-war Italy. In 1961, a massive literacy campaign began. As a result, in 1980 the number of illiterate people was only 2%, and in 1990 Cuba became a country of complete literacy. A public secondary and higher school was created. During the 60s. the number of students doubled (from 717 to 1.5 million) with a population growth of 1-2% per year. In total, counting all stages of education, the number of people covered by them increased threefold.
Currently, Cuba has compulsory nine-grade education (the average is 12-grade education). There are 50 centers of higher education. Education at all levels is free.
The main educational institution of the country is the University of Havana, located in different parts of the capital. Until 1999, Russian was taught there as the main foreign language (faculty of the Pais brothers). The work of this faculty was supervised by the Moscow State University Center for Education. After 1999, English became such a language. Other universities in Cuba: Agricultural University of Havana.
The science
Art
Cuba in music- Muslim Magomaev . Cuba, my love
- Guantanamera - song
Religion
In Cuba, church and state are separated, and the Cuban Constitution guarantees the population freedom of religion. The most common religion is Catholic.
Despite the peculiarities of socialism as a socio-political system that has dominated the country for many decades, Cubans are quite religious. Even members of the Cuban Communist Party are not prohibited from attending churches. Catholic churches exist throughout the country. Even after the victory of the revolution, masses are celebrated daily and solemn services are held on national or local religious holidays.
With the arrival of black slaves on the island, various beliefs of African origin spread. Over time, three main movements emerged from them, existing and popular to this day. This is Regla de Ocha (Spanish) Regla de Ocha) or Santeria (Spanish) Santeria), Las Reglas de Palo (Spanish) Las Reglas de Palo) and La Sociedad Secreta Abakua (Spanish. La Sociedad Secreta Abacua). As a result of the historical process, a mixture of Catholic dogmas and African cults also formed. For example, the Most Pure Virgin of Mercy from Cobre is considered by Catholics to be the patroness of Cuba. In Santeria she goes by the name Ochun.
In recent years, Protestant churches have begun to appear, especially in the provinces.
Sport
Armed forces
Guard at the mausoleum of Jose Marti
The Cuban Army (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias - FAR) is the main armed formation of Cuba, ensuring its national defense.
mass media
The Liberty Island daily newspaper Granma bears the name of the yacht of the same name, on which a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro landed in Cuba to carry out guerrilla warfare against the Batista regime. The newspaper is the official conductor and popularizer of the policies pursued by the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC). Granma Internacional is published once a week in English. The Cuban press is also represented by such publications devoted to the problems of economics, tourism, finance, culture, politics, as “Opciones”, “Bohemia”, “Juventud Rebelde”, “Trabajadores”.
Notes
- As a result of the Spanish-American War.
- http://www.echo.msk.ru/news/425116.html
- http://som.csudh.edu/cis/lpress/devnat/nations/cuba/cuba3.htm
- Raul Castro: Between Deng Xiaoping and Gorbachev
- Robin Blackburn. The economies oh the Cuban revolution // Fidel Castro’s Personal Revolution in Cuba: 1953-1973. Edited with an Introduction by James Nelson Goodsell, The Christian Science monitor. Consulting Editor Lewis Hanke, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. New York, 1975, p. 134
