Cuba: population, economy and general information. Cuba - everything a tourist needs to know about Liberty Island Cuba what country

Republic of Cuba Consular Section of the Embassy: Havana, Vedado district, st. 8, 306, between st. 13 and st. 15, tel. 360-18, 339-34. Consulate General: Santiago de Cuba, Vista Alegre district, st. 4, 202, corner on the street. 7, tel. 423-46. Consulate General: Cienfuegos, Buena Vista district, Avenida 64, 11103,

Cuba – large island in the Caribbean and the same name island state. Cuba is famous all over the world beautiful beaches north coast, magnificent ancient cities, incomparable and fiery Latin American music and, finally, hand-rolled cigars. This contrast makes the country unique and interesting for tourists to visit.

Where is Cuba located on the world map

The official name of the state is the Republic of Cuba, the unofficial name is Liberty Island. The capital of Cuba is Havana. In the western hemisphere, it is the only state with a socialist form of government.

Cuba is located on the island of Juventud (the seventh largest in the world) between Northern and South America . All the islands and coral reefs that are located on the map around Cuba belong to the country. There are about 1,500 of them. They all belong to the group of the Greater Antilles.

On the map the country is shown as a narrow strip of land that stretches from west to east and its length is 1250 km. Externally, the island looks like a crocodile, with its head facing the Atlantic and its tail heading towards the Gulf of Mexico.

Cuba is an island, so it is washed from all sides:

• the Atlantic Ocean in the northeast;
• Gulf of Mexico in the northwest;
• Caribbean Sea in the south.

The total area of ​​the state is 114,524 square kilometers. Sierra Maestro Mountains located on the southeastern part of the state map and are the highest point of the state (Turkino Peak - 1973 meters).

Distance from Cuba to Moscow – 9580 km, to – 215 km, to Jamaica – 150 km, to the USA – 185 km, to Haiti – 78 km.

All about Cuba

Cuba is an island state, so the characteristics of nature and weather largely depend on the ocean and sea that wash the country.

Relief

The landscape of Cuba is mostly flat. Mountains and small hills occupy about a third of the island's entire territory. The state has three main mountain systems:

• in the west - the Cordillera de Guaniguanico;
• in the center - Escambray;
• in the east - Sierra Maestro.

In Cuba it is very many small and large caves. The most big cave– Santo Tomas, there are many so-called underground galleries, 25 km long. And there are also hills with steep slopes and flat tops. Areas that are slightly hilly have been developed and settled. The banks are often swampy, low, even overgrown in some places mangroves. Sandy beaches are not uncommon in Cuba and, as a rule, they stretch for several kilometers. For example, in fact famous resort Varadero (Hicacos Peninsula), spread out like this sandy beach.

Climate

In Cuba it is magnificent: warm and soft, which is due to geographical location countries. The American state of Florida is separated from Cuba by a small Straits of Florida. Its width is only 150 km. Warm water currents pass through this strait, which are classified as the Gulf Stream.

Thanks to such warm currents, water temperature on the beaches in winter time does not fall below 22 degrees, in summer – 28–30 degrees. In general, the climate in the country is trade wind-tropical and indicates that there is a clear division into dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season in Cuba lasts from May to October, and the dry and sunny weather is November-April, respectively.

By sea, Cuba is separated from the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) by a short distance. But also around the Republic of Cuba there are such magnificent places as Jamaica, Bahamas And . Cuba is separated from these states by small straits ranging from 80 to 170 km wide.

Population

The country's population is 11.5 million people. Most of the population is descendants of immigrants from Spain, the rest are mestizos, mulattoes, blacks, but a large number of Chinese also live on the island. The indigenous people were completely exterminated during the development and colonization of the island by the Spaniards.

The Spaniards needed more labor, so slaves began to be imported to the island from Africa. More than 1 million slaves were imported over 350 years. For the same reason, the Chinese (120,000 people) were also brought from Asia between 1854 and 1875. Indian slaves were also brought to work on the plantations, but their numbers were small. A constant flow of migrants was represented by European countries (France, England, Germany, Spain).

Very big wave migration began during and after World War II. The main settlers of that time were Jews. Thus, the Cuban nation has absorbed the characteristics of many peoples of the world.

The majority of believers are:

• 47% are Catholics;
• 4% are Protestants.

The rest are the so-called Santeria. This is a belief based on the cult of African pagans, which is mixed with the Christian cult. The church is not subordinate to the state; the constitution states that every citizen has the right to freedom of religion.

What language is spoken in Cuba? Of course, the official language is Spanish. However, the staff in many hotels speaks fluent German, English, and Italian.

State structure

According to the 1992 Constitution, Cuba is a socialist republic, in which the Communist Party occupies the main place. The first secretary of the party is the president of the country.

Parliament consists of 609 deputies elected for a term of 5 years. The executive branch is the Council of Ministers and the State Council.

The country is divided into 15 provinces, which in turn are divided into municipalities (168) and the separate municipality of Juventud.

A brief excursion into history

Island discovered by Columbus in 1492, then it was inhabited by Indians. The island was captured in the 16th century by the Spaniards, who exterminated most of indigenous population and brought slaves from different continents to the island. Slavery continued on the island until 1887.

As a result of the difficult and long confrontation (1868–1878) of the Cuban people against the colonial yoke, the independence of the island of Cuba was proclaimed. But in fact, the country was under the yoke of the United States. The withdrawal of American troops took place in 1901, but even after that the American government more than once resorted to an armed seizure of power in Cuba. In 1934 dictator batista established a pro-American regime in the country.

Under the command of Fidel Castro in 1959 the dictator was overthrown. The USSR provided special economic assistance in the formation of statehood. During this period, the United States imposed an embargo. During the Cold War (the Cuban Missile Crisis), the Soviet Union stationed nuclear warheads in Cuba. In 1975, Cuba was proclaimed an independent socialist state, and Castro became the leader of the country. And he still pursues a policy of blockade of Cuba, thereby causing economic damage to the island.

A long period of Spanish colonization and attempts to take possession of the island by the British and Americans failed to turn Cuba into an overseas country. That's why Cubans proudly mark the island on the map and call it Liberty Island.

Republic of Cuba - island state in the north Caribbean Sea. Cuba occupies territory island of the same name comprising the Greater Antilles, the Island of Youth and many smaller islands.

The relief of Cuba is predominantly flat. Hills and mountains occupy about a third of the territory. Tallest mountain range The Sierra Maestra stretches along the southeastern coast for 250 km. His highest point- Turkino peak (1974 m). Approximately 2/3 of the entire area of ​​Cuba is occupied by slightly hilly plains.

State

State structure

Socialist republic. The head of state is the chairman of the State Council. The highest body of state power and legislative body of the country is the unicameral National Assembly of People's Power. The highest executive and administrative body, which is the government of the republic, is the Council of Ministers.

Language

Official language: Spanish

IN resort areas English, German, Italian are widely used.

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.

Currency

International name: CUP

You can exchange currency at bank exchange offices, as well as in most hotels. Hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards from the world's leading payment systems, except North American ones. No payment will be accepted credit card, issued by any US bank, but cards and travel checks in other currencies are freely accepted. Traveler's checks in US dollars and pounds sterling are accepted without limitation, subject to one condition - if they are not issued by a US bank.

There are two types of pesos - “non-convertible” (for domestic use) and “convertible” (CUC or “convertible”, used for payments to tourists, pegged to the US dollar in a ratio of 1:1.08). Often they give change to both.

All goods and services, including transportation and departure tax, must be paid for in convertible pesos. The circulation of the American dollar in Cuba has ceased. When carrying out exchange transactions with US dollars, a commission fee of 10% of the exchanged amount is charged (no fee is charged when exchanging other currencies). All transactions using a credit card are subject to a tax of 11.24%.

History of Cuba

The settlement of the island of Cuba occurred quite late, about four thousand years ago. By the time the Europeans arrived, the Indians were still at the stage of a primitive communal system and did not seek to resist the small detachment of Christopher Columbus, which landed in October 1492 in one of the bays of the island. Colonized by Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish conquerors destroyed most of the indigenous Indian population and imported slaves from Africa to work on the plantations (slavery remained until 1886).

In 1902, Cuba was proclaimed an independent republic, but in fact it turned into a semi-colony of the United States, which resorted to occupation more than once in 1906-1922.

In the mid-50s, a struggle unfolded in Cuba against the regime of F. Batista. On January 1, 1959, Batista was forced to flee Cuba. The Cuban leadership, led by F. Castro, gradually began to focus on the USSR, which provided economic assistance to Cuba.

The irreconcilable position of the Cuban leadership towards the United States in the conditions of " cold war"(in 1961 the United States broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba, in 1962 Cuba was expelled from the Organization of American States) led to Cuba being drawn into the so-called Caribbean crisis (October 1962), caused by the deployment of Soviet missiles in Cuba.

In 1975, at the first congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, the country was proclaimed a socialist state with a one-party regime. Since the early 1990s, economic difficulties in Cuba have worsened dramatically.

The settlement of the island of Cuba occurred quite late, about four thousand years ago. By the time the Europeans arrived, the Indians were still at the stage of a primitive communal system and did not seek to resist the small detachment of Christopher Columbus, which landed in October 1492 in one of the bays of the island. Colonized by Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish conquerors destroyed most of the indigenous Indian population and imported slaves from Africa to work on the plantations (slavery remained until 1886)....

Cuba map

Popular attractions

Tourism in Cuba

Where to stay

In Cuba there are many hotels of famous world chains, mainly Spanish. Almost all coastal hotels are located on the first line of the beach.

Most hotels are four star. All are equipped with a bathroom with hairdryer, air conditioning, mini-fridge, safe, cable TV and telephone. Along with this, vacationers are provided with a huge selection of two- and three-star hotels. Hotels high level- there are not so many five-star and five-star deluxe hotels in the country. Before choosing a hotel, you need to take into account that the level of service here is low, lower than European or Asian.

Most hotels located on beach resorts Cuba, operates on an all-inclusive basis, that is, the room price includes the possibility of eating in the hotel bars and restaurants around the clock.

In resorts such as Varadero, Holguin, Cayo Largo and Cayo Coco, all hotels operate only on an all-inclusive basis. There are no mandatory surcharges in these hotels. Meals for guests are usually provided in the form of a buffet. Almost all Cuban hotels are equipped with a swimming pool. Animation programs for adults and children are available only in the largest hotels in Cuba.

Cuban hotels are quite expensive, so it will be cheaper to stay in the private sector, the so-called casa particular. These are rooms in a private house that are equipped with a double bed, air conditioning, toilet, bathroom with shower and hot water.

Another option for accommodation in Cuba are campismos (campsites) - neat houses, usually located by the sea. They cost a little less than the private sector.

Popular hotels

Excursions and attractions in Cuba

Cuba is one of the most popular tourist destinations Caribbean Sea. Her rich history And national traditions, magnificent colonial architecture and other cultural, historical and natural attractions, a wonderful climate, warm sea and excellent beaches will make your trip to Cuba unforgettable.

The capital of Cuba, Havana, is a picturesque city located on the Gulf Coast, rightfully considered one of the most beautiful cities peace. The heart and main attraction of the city is its historical part "Old Havana" with many cultural and architectural monuments. Among the most interesting places the capital is worth highlighting Prado Boulevard, Cathedral, the oldest stone fortress in America, La Fuerza (Real Fuerza), the Convent of Santa Clara, the Cathedral of St. Cristobal, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the National Capitol, the City Hall, the National Museum and the Palace of Fine Arts (National Museum of Art). No less interesting are the Ernest Hemingway House Museum, the Museum of the Revolution, the Roma Museum, the Guanabocoa Historical Museum, the Grand Theater of Havana and the magnificent Botanical Garden. Havana is also famous for its numerous festivals and holidays, among which the most impressive are the International Jazz Festival, the Latin American Film Festival and, of course, the national holiday - Revolution Day, which is celebrated on a huge scale.

The second largest city in the country, Santiago de Cuba, is famous for its magnificent fortress of San Pedro de la Roca (Castillo del Morro), which is included in the list World Heritage UNESCO. On the territory of the fortress there is most interesting Museum history of piracy. Santiago de Cuba is located in a cozy bay surrounded by high picturesque mountains. And in its vicinity there are beautiful National Park Gran Piedra, on whose territory the same name is located tourist center, and the original National natural park Baconao (declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). Bacanao is famous throughout the world for its Prehistoric Valley, Sculpture Meadow and Lagoon. Not far from Santiago de Cuba, in the small village of El Cobre, on a picturesque green hill, is the snow-white Abode of the Most Pure Virgin of Mercy. In the city itself, of particular interest are the magnificent Cathedral, the Diego Velazquez House, Cespedes Park, the Ethnographic and History museums.

While vacationing in Cuba, you should definitely visit the magnificent karst caves Belyamar and Saturn in tourist area Mantanzas, the cities of Trinidad and Camagüey with their magnificent colonial architecture and the Ernesto Che Guevara Memorial in Santa Clara. No less interesting are the magnificent garden in Soroa (province of Pinar del Rio) with a unique collection of orchids and one of the main temples of Cuba - the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the city of Cienfuegos.

Lovers beach holiday and water activities, you will certainly be interested in the picturesque island of Juventud (Pinos) with its unique natural landscapes, magnificent beaches and cozy bays. This place is also considered one of the best diving sites in the world. The resort town of Varadero is also popular, which is a fashionable recreation area with luxury hotels, excellent diving centers and picturesque surroundings, and its beach is recognized by UNESCO as one of the cleanest in the world. Also famous are the resorts of Elgea with its mineral springs, Holguin with the magnificent Nipe Bay and the picturesque island of Guam (the most south island Mariana Archipelago).

Among the main natural attractions of Cuba is the beautiful Viñales Valley, surrounded by picturesque mountains Sierra de los Organos, Nature reserve Zapata with unique flora and fauna, the Topes de Collantes park in the Sierra del Escambray mountains and the Salto del Caburni waterfall located on its territory (one of the largest in the country) and the Alexander Humboldt National Park.

Tips

Tips in most cases amount to up to 10% of the cost of the service. For porters and maids at the hotel - up to 1 USD. It is better to give tips in person, since tips are usually handed over to the general cash register.

Visa

Office hours

Banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 12 o'clock and from 13.30 to 15 o'clock; on Saturday - from 8.30 to 10.30.

Shops are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (some until 8 p.m.) on weekdays, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (some until 6 p.m.). Supermarkets and shops in resort areas usually open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Most small stores have separate opening hours. Almost all shops close for a “siesta” around noon.

Souvenirs

As souvenirs from Cuba, you can bring black coral and jewelry made from it, items made from tortoise shell (especially bracelets and hairpins). Don't forget to buy one or two bottles of unique Cuban rum and real Cuban cigars. A good gift from Cuba would also be a tumbadora or bongo - percussion musical instruments used in African melodies. Another gift is the guayabera, a shirt worn by officials in the tropics.

Medicine

High risk of hepatitis, malaria and sunburn. It is recommended to drink bottled water and use sunscreen. It is better to take essential medicines with you.

Safety

There are dangerous reptiles in Cuba - caimans and boas, which can cause a lot of trouble sea ​​urchins, some species of tropical fish and jellyfish, as well as sand fleas, mosquitoes and analaria mosquito.

Emergency numbers

National Police: 82-0116
Fire brigade: 81-1115
Ambulance: 24-2811

Photo and video shooting

Photographing military equipment, military personnel and industrial enterprises is strictly prohibited.

Photos of Cuba

Questions and feedback about Cuba

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