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RecommendedRadio Free CubaCuban music by Cuban artists, 24 hours a day Walter Lippmann Excellent collection of articles, news items and links Cuba: A Revolution in Motion The successes and failures of the revolution [book] Granma International Daily Cuban government newspaper
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Key Web SitesGovernmentGovernment Web Site Ministry of Foreign Affairs Other Cuba Tourist Directory Cuban Embassies Abroad Cuban Consulates Abroad Cuban Embassy, U.K. Cuba Tourist Board, Canada LocationCuba is an island at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida.Its nearest neighbors are Haiti (77 kilometers to the east), the Yucatan Peninsula (210 kilometers to the west), the Florida Peninsula (180 kilometers to the north), and Jamaica (140 kilometers to the south).  Enlarge LandCuba is by far the largest island in the Caribbean. It has a total land area of 110,860 square kilometers with 3,735 kilometers of coastline, and is slightly smaller than the state of Pennsylvania. The terrain is mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast. Altitudes range from sea level to 2,005 meters. The longest river is the Cauto, 250 kilometers.The United States leases a naval base at Guanatanamo Bay in the southeast corner of the island. The lease to this land was given by the Cuban government in 1903, a government installed by the United States. The lease continues until both Cuba and the U.S. mutually consent to terminate it.
Population11,309,000 (2004 estimate)Havana (capital) 2,200,00 Ethnic GroupsMulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1%The aboriginal race was exterminated by the labor policies of Spanish landlowners, who then brought in thousands of Africans and Chinese to work in the sugar industry. Later Europeans from Germany and France came to Cuba, as did peoples from other areas of the Caribbean including Haiti and Jamaica. The current Cuban population is a mixture of these many races and cultures. ReligionsSee also Cuba in DepthCuba is a secular country with freedom of religion. Although Roman Catholic and Afro-Cuban (Santeria) religions prevail, other religions are practiced as well. LanguagesSpanish is the official language in Cuba and there are no dialects. English is the language used for commercial operations.Time ZoneGMT -5 (equivalent to U.S. Eastern Time)Havana local time/sunrise/sunset TelephoneCountry CodesCountry Code - +53City Codes in Cuba Telephone CommunicationsTo place a call to Cuba, dial 53, the city code, and the number you wish to call.To place a telephone call to any country of the world from Cuba, dial 119, then the country code, and then the area code followed by the desired number. To place a direct telephone call within Cuba, but outside of the city where you are located, dial 0, the code of the city you are calling, and the desired number. Internet country code.cuClimateCuba has a subtropical climate with temperatures averaging 77 ° Fahrenheit. Summers can reach 90° or higher. During the coolest period of winter, temperatures can drop to 50° Fahrenheit. The northeastern trade winds provide most parts of Cuba with a gentle breeze throughout the year.Cuba's dry season runs from November through April, and its rainy season from May through October. Humidity averages 78%; higher in the summer. Cuba can experience hurricanes anytime from August through October, and occasionally in other months as well. The country averages about one hurricane every other year. Cuba's weather is very similar to that of Miami, Florida. U.S. National Hurricane Center / Tropical Prediction Center Current TemperaturesHavanaSantiago de Cuba Pinar del Rio Varadero Customs/VisasAll visitors to Cuba must carry a valid passport for at least six months. Those traveling as tourists must also have a tourist card. Tourist cards can be purchased at Cuban consulates, and travel agencies or airlines authorized to do so. Visas and tourist cards are valid for 30 days from the day you arrive in Cuba, with the possibility of renewal for another 30 days.Visitors traveling to Cuba on business, studies, as journalists or for work, as well as for long stays, must apply for an entry visa at the Embassy or Consular Office of Cuba in their country of residence. Citizens born in Cuba, who are not currently residing in the country, must apply for an Entry Permit (Permiso de Entrada) at the Embassy or Consular Office of Cuba in their country of residence. This request will be processed by the Immigration Department of Cuba. Residents in the United States (not born in Cuba) must apply for a tourist card at Cuba's Interest Section in Washington or at a travel agency that has purchased the card from the Interest Section. For further information on visa procedures, visit the web site of the Cuban Interests Section in the United States. The laws of the United States of America prohibit any of its citizens from traveling to Cuba. Therefore, U.S. citizens must apply for a license from the Treasury and State departments. For further information, see U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control. Cuba has a mandatory $25 USD airport tax, payable at the airport when you leave Cuba. There are no restrictions on luggage weight; only on the kind of goods brought in. Therefore, Customs Authorities have regulated that visitors can import, apart from their personal belongings, new or used articles up to a value of $250.00 USD. Articles exceeding that limit are subject to seizure. Out of the limit of $250 (two hundred and fifty dollars) in value authorized for importation, the first $50.00 (fifty dollars) are exempt of payment, so the maximum tax to pay will be $200.00 (two hundred dollars). A video camera is allowed but video and DVD players are banned. It is strongly prohibited to import explosive substances, firearms and pornographic material. Country Specific Information from the US State Department Travelers TipsTipsClothing should be light, mainly during summer, so it is best to wear shorts, cotton and flannel outfits and sandals. In winter, a light jacket or a fine wool sweater and closed comfortable shoes are suitable, mainly at night. Also, bring sunglasses, a bathing-suit and sunscreen. Urban transportation such as the "camel" is always crowded and unreliable. It is easier to take taxis or tourist buses instead, or walk when it's a short distance. For a tour of the island, your best option is to rent a car. There are car rental offices at the airports, hotels and tourist spots. You must show your passport and driver's license in order to rent a car. The driver must be at least 21 years old; the license can be international or from your country but it must be at least one year old. It is not advisable to drive at night. You must also watch out for animals on the road and cyclists in urban areas when you are driving. Park the car in a safe well-lit place and do not leave valuables in it. You are liable for traffic fines. Failure to pay can mean a debt with the State. It is recommended that you buy a "Road Guide of Cuba" which is very helpful for finding your way on Cuba's roads. EducationSee also Cuba in DepthEducation is free and obligatory until the ninth grade. In the 1961 nationwide "Literacy Campaign", illiteracy was eradicated and today the population has a high level of education. Cuba's national system of education ranges from day care centers for working mothers' children to universities located throughout the country. CurrencyThe national currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), which is equivalent to 100 centavos (cents). Notes can be of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos. Coins can be of 1, 5 and 20 centavos, and there are others of 1 and 3 pesos.Today's Cuban Peso (CUP) Credit cards—except those issued by US banks or their branches in other countries—are accepted. Among those accepted are MasterCard, Visa International, CABAL and BFI. Traveler's checks, including those issued by US banks, are accepted. Cuban convertible pesos and coins equivalent to 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents have unlimited legal exchange use in Cuba. Cuban convertible pesos can be changed upon departure at bank offices at international airports and ports in Cuba. International Currency Conversion SafetyEven though Cuba has a low crime-rate, it is also good to take precautions. Do not carry more money than you need, exercise caution with your belongings and purchases; take good care of your wallet and passport in crowded places; check the bill at restaurants, keep your jewels and valuables in the hotel safe; and so-called "tourist guides" who might encounter you on the street—particularly those offering "bargains" on cigars.Country Information Health/WaterSee also Cuba in DepthCuba's public health system is the finest in Latin America, and in some respects its quality exceeds that of the United States. In 1996, Cuba had one doctor for every 200 citizens, in contrast to the United States, which had one doctor for every 405 residents. A child born in Havana is twice as likely to survive as a child born in Washington, D.C. Health care is free to Cuban nationals, but tourists who require treatment will be charged nominal fees. Most hotels provide 24-hours health care services with specialists and nurses. There are specialized clinics for tourists in the main cities. Be aware that the U.S. trade embargo has made many medicines hard to come by on the island for emergency treatment. Also, since Cuba is not tolerant of drugs or drug smuggling, if you take prescription medicine, bring it packaged in the original container with full labels on the bottle. Even though no inoculations are required for travel to Cuba, it is advisable to have a check-up before you depart. If you haven't had a booster shot in a while, some of the shots you may need to bring up to date include: polio (every 5 years), typhoid (every 3 years), and tetanus/diphtheria (every 5-10 years). Either gamma globulin or Havrix vaccine for hepatitis A is also recommended. Since some shots require a time window of several months before immunity takes effect, it is good to get the shots as early as possible before you leave. Wear mosquito repellent in rural areas, preferably those that contain at least 20% DEET. Be aware that DEET is a toxic chemical; in concentrations over 90% it eats through plastic. Continued use of DEET over extended periods of time could be harmful to your health. Citronella, a natural insect repellent, does not contain any DEET. Unfortunately, it is also not as effective. Taking B-12 vitamins and garlic pills are also said to help ward off mosquitoes. DEET-containing repellents can be purchased in drugstores, hardware, backpacking or military surplus stores. Citronella can be found in health food and outdoor activity stores. Water quality in Cuba is generally very good. However, people have varying tolerances to different kinds of water, so the decision to drink or avoid drinking tap water is ultimately up to you. As a precautionary measure, you may want to ask the hotel management about the water quality and fill up one or two empty bottles to take with you for the day. As an alternative, bottled water is readily available in all restaurants, with or without carbonation. Drink even if you're not feeling thirsty, since it's easy to become dehydrated without knowing it. (Thanks to Global Exchange for the above) MDTravelHealth.com Comprehensive and valuable information Frommer's Health and Insurance Traveler's Health Information - Centers for Disease Control Cuba Health Statistics (WHO) ElectricityThe voltage in most residential and trade areas, offices and hotels is 110 V / 60 HZ, though some facilities already have 220 V / 60 HZ. Wall outlets are for flat plugs so bring an adapter if necessary for your appliances.National AnthemThe music of La Bayamesa was composed by Pedro Felipe (Perucho) Figueredo in 1867. In 1868, Figueredo also wrote the words after independence forces seized the city of Bayamo (Granma Province). ListenNational HolidaysOfficial CommemorationsNational DrinksSee also Cuba in DepthRon (Rum), including Havana Club Rum Here's the recipe for a Mojito from Havana Club Rum: One teaspoon of sugar, juice of half a lime, two sprigs of mint, soda water, 5cl of light rum. Dissolve the sugar in the lime juice in a tall glass, then add a little bit of soda water. Gently crush the mint in the glass. Add the rum, two or three ice cubes, then fill with soda water, stir and serve, garnished with a mint spring. And here's a different recipe: 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (optional), 4 loose mint leaves and 1 spring of mint, 2-3 ounces Cuban white rum (or any white Caribbean rum), 2 ounces club soda, dash of bitters. Combine the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a tall glass; muddle or stir well so mint leaves are just slightly crushed. Fill the glass with crushed ice; stir in the rum and top the glass with club soda. Garnish with the mint sprig and add a dash or two of bitters. Guarapo - fresh, and very sweet, sugar cane juice, often pressed by hand in a small mill Café, including Cubita and Serrano Popular BeersCristal, Bucanero and Mayabe.Food SpecialtiesSee also Cuba in DepthCuban cuisine is a combination of Spanish and African influences. The national dish is ajiaco, a stew of vegetables and root vegetables, preferably cooked with pork or other meat. Other popular dishes include black beans, barbecued pork, Arroz con Pollo (chicken and rice), and Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians - black beans and rice). Foods of the Americas CigarsSee also Cuba in DepthHabanos Official Cuban cigar website for all brands including Cohiba, Monte Cristo, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta, H Upmann, and 27 others. Also includes a history of Cuban cigars, cultivation, production, and the annual Habano Festival in Havana. CelebritiesFamous CubansMost Popular Tourist AttractionsAttractions include the cities of Havana and Santiago de Cuba, Viñales Valley in Pinar del Río Province, the Che Guevara Monument in the city of Santa Clara, beach resorts like Varadero, and the colonial town of Trinidad. In the city of Havana, they include Old Havana (Habana Vieja), Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Catedral, the Malecón, Parque John Lennon, Parque Central, the Capitolio, and numerous restaurants, cafes and night clubs, art galleries and museums.Ten Alternative Travel Reasons to Visit Cuba |
[See Page Two] Cuba in DepthRegional InformationCuba is divided into 14 provinces and 169 municipalities. From west to east the provinces are Pinar del Río, Havana, City of Havana, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camgüey, Las Tunas, Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo. The special municipality known as the Isle of Youth (Isla de la Juventud) is located off the southwest coast.Country Profiles and GuidesAtlapediaBBC Country Profile BBC Timeline British Govt. Cuba Travel Advice CIA World Factbook Columbus Guide Frommer's Guide to Cuba Lonely Planet: Cuba Lonely Planet: Havana NationMaster Rough Guides Wikipedia General Guides/Interesting Websites[listing implies no endorsement]About Cuba Visitor information, places to go, things to see, where to eat Afro Cuba Web U.S.-based site on all things Afro-Cuban. One of the very best Cuba sites News Cuba News Casa Particular.info Links to more than 400 sites that offer one or more casas all over Cuba Cuba Junky Great information, great photographs Cuban Channel Excellent and friendly guide to Cuba, based in Havana with an up-to-date calendar of musical performances throughout Cuba - one of our favorites Cubanos.org Extensive links Folk Cuba Afro-Cuban art, music, religion and history Guardian Unlimited News and reports Hogs Over Habana Harley-Davidson motorcycles in Cuba La Habana Good guide to Havana Purple Roofs Directory of gay-owned and gay-friendly lodging Santiago de Cuba Food, lodging and activities Scale Model of Havana Used by city of Havana for planning purposes. Tours for visitors. BooksGuidebooksBerlitz Cuba Pocket GuideCuba (Eyewitness Travel Guides) Fodor's Cuba Footprint Cuba Frommer's Cuba Havana: Portrait of a City Lonely Planet Cuba Lonely Planet Havana Moon Handbooks Cuba Moon Handbooks Havana OtherAy, Cuba! A Socio-Erotic JourneyCompañero: The Life and Death of Che Guevara Conversations with Cuba Cuba: A Revolution in Motion Cuba Confidential: Love and Vengeance in Miami and Havana The Bush Dynasty and the Cuban Criminals Cuba on the Verge: An Island in Transition Cuba Reader, The: History, Culture, Politics Cuban Revolution, The: Origins, Course and Legacy Inside Havana Living in Cuba Mi Moto Fidel Reader's Companion to Cuba, The Real Life in Castro's Cuba This is Cuba: An Outlaw Culture Survives Trading With the Enemy: A Yankee Travels Through Castro's Cuba Travelers' Tales Cuba: True Stories Walker Evans: Cuba VideoAnimationVampires in HavanaDocumentaryCuba (1998)Cuba (1998) Cuba Car Show (2000) Cuban People, The -The History and Culture of Cuba (2004) Cuban People, The - The Sights and Sounds of Cuba (2004) Cuban Story El Che - Investigating a Legend Fabulous Story of the Cuban Cigar, The Fidel I Am Cuba Maestra DramaGuantanameraStrawberry & Chocolate MusicBuena Vista Social ClubBoogalu Productions Calle 54 Celia Cruz - The Eternal Voice Compay Segundo - Cuban Legend Great Day in Havana La Cuba Mia - Celia Cruz Los Van Van - Live at Miami Arena Rhythm & Smoke Music CDs
See also Cuba in Depth A Toda Cuba Le Gusta - Afro-Cuba All Stars Akima - Mezcla Buena Vista Social Club Buena Vista Social Club Presents Ibrahim Ferrer Buena Vista Social Club Presents Omara Portuondo Congo to Cuba (Putumayo World Music) Cuba (Putumayo World Music) Lo Mejor de la Vida - Compay Segundo Rough Guide to the Music of Cuba CD Radio Free Cuba Cuban music by Cuban artists, 24 hours a day MapsBuyStreetwise CubaView OnlineCuba RoutesFAO Maps of Cuba Maps of Cuba World Headquarters Cuba Road Map Cuba Nautical Map City of Havana Cuba Map List Cuba - Google Maps Political Relief Central Havana Country Zoomable WebcamsHavanaPhotographsBill TrumbullCuba: One & Lonely Cuba - Photo Cuba Pictures Julian Loader Cuba Images - Henk van der Leeden Cuba Travel Pictures - David Stanley Dan Heller's Photos of Cuba Don Tremain Earth Trek - more than 100 pages Jeremy Wolff Photo Tour of Cuba PlanetWare Rob Taal Troy Litten Washington Post - Dudley Brooks Webshots.com AuctionsCuban Items on EbayInternet ForumsCuba NewsInformation service for people who support Cuba's right to self-determination Cuban Cuisine For those who share an interest in Cuban food, history, culture and customs. MeetupsCuban Culture MeetupsGetting ThereCuba Travel Services AirCubana AirlinesJose Martí International Airport (HAV) (Havana) All Airports in Cuba BoatNoonsiteA superb one-stop site for cruising sailors Cruising Guide to Cuba Everything you need to cruise and enjoy Cuba - photos, marinas, sketch charts with GPS coordinates, ports and much more Sailing to Hemingway's Cuba If Papa could do it, you can do it too. MarinasMarinas in CubaCarSee also Cuba in DepthTo rent a car in Cuba, the driver must be at least 21 years old and have an international driver's license or that of his country of origin, with no less than one year of experience. There is an additional charge of $5.00 USD if the driver is under 25. At the time of rental, the driver must carry his/her passport and driver's license. Cars can be rented through Vacacionar Travel or Cuba Linda. Current NewsAfro Cuba WebNew and information/news websites CANF Negative news from the Miami Cubans CNN CubaNews - Internet Forum Miami Herald Notinet del Cubaweb - español Prensa Latina Sun-Sentinel.com South Florida's Latest News Topix.net Washington Post Yahoo News NewspapersGranma InternationalDaily Cuban government newspaper Prensa Latina Government-owned news agency Trabajadores MagazinesThe HVoice of Havana's urban life, culture, music, entertainment, fashion and food Magazines OnlineProgreso WeeklyProgressive view from correspondents in Cuba and Florida (bilingual) TelevisionRadioAmateur Radio in CubaRadio Havana Cuba Radio Rebelde - español Radio Progreso - español EmbassiesU.S. Interests Section, HavanaEmbassies in Cuba Consulates in Cuba Interest Sections in Cuba BusinessSee also Cuba in DepthBusiness MagazinesCubaData.comLarge number of reports for sale, with a few for free Cuba First Investment Guide for Cuba Cuba News Monthly paid subscription magazine U.S.- Cuba Trade and Economic Council Information and analysis on U.S.- Cuba commercial, economic and political relations ExpatriatesArticlesPablo Menendez - Our Cat in CubaExpatriate Musician in Cuba |
