It was discovered by Christopher Columbus on October 27, 1492. The conquest and colonization led to the extermination of its Aboriginal inhabitants, so they imported blacks from Africa to exploit as slaves. This mixture defined the Cuban population and culture. The 10 of October of 1868 began their independence struggles against Spain, whose domination was maintained during 4 centuries. The United States intervened in the war and established a pseudo-republic in 1902 until the 1st. Of January of 1959, in which triumphed the Revolution led by Fidel Castro, with its transformations essential for the life of the country.
Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, is located at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. The closest lands to Cuba are: East Haiti (77 kilometers), West Yucatan Peninsula (210 kilometers), North Florida Peninsula (180 kilometers) and South Jamaica (140 kilometers). The Bahamas islands are very close, towards the northwest of the eastern end. Formed by about 4,199 cays, islets and islands, it occupies a surface of 110 922 square kilometers and 1 200 kilometers of extension, on a mainly plain and karst territory. Its diverse and lavish nature shows a wide variety of plants, animals and more than 280 beaches, virgin islands, grottos, caves, mountains, forests, savannas and marshes.
Weather
Subtropical moderate. The Cuban territory borders on the Tropic of Cancer, and due to its long and narrow configuration, oriented from East to West, receives the refreshing action of trade winds and sea breezes. During the short winter period, cold air masses from the north influence it; Those cold fronts are of short duration. Thermometer variations between day and night are less pronounced in the coastal regions than in the inland. The eastern region enjoys a warmer climate than the western one.
Temperature
Average temperature 24.6º C (76.3º F) Average summer 25º C (77º F) Winter mean 22º C (71.6º F)
Seasons
Two, clearly defined: dry season, from November to April; And rain, from May to October. The average annual rainfall is 1,375 mm.
Economy
Tourism is the main line. Other important industries are sugar cane, tobacco, nickel, rum, coffee and for some years the pharmaceutical and biotechnology.
Education
Education is free and compulsory until the ninth grade. Illiteracy was eradicated since 1961 and today its population has a high level of education. It has a national education system that goes from children's circles, for children of working mothers, to university centers scattered throughout the country.
Culture
Prodigal country in artistic and creative manifestations, it has contributed to the international culture with important names of writers, thinkers, dancers, musicians, painters, poets and singers. The Cuban handicraft is interesting, with outstanding works in leather, vegetable fibers, wood, stone, metal and sea products. The Cuban cultural infrastructure consists of theater rooms, museums, art galleries and cinemas, where not only exhibitions of the national heritage of all times but also of world art are presented. It is home to important international events such as the Ballet Festival, biennales of fine arts, festivals of popular music and the Festival of New Latin American Cinema, among others.
Health
The Cuban health system is characterized by one of the most comprehensive primary care programs in the world, the lowest infant mortality rate in Latin America and free services for the entire population.
Sports
Excellent Olympic results, a prominent place in world sport and massive free practice, proud of Cuba and are among the achievements of its last 40 years.
Religion
A secular country with freedom of worship. The Catholic and Afro-Cuban religions predominate, although other tendencies also exist.
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