Island east of Cuba 5 letters. Geography of Cuba: landscape, climate, resources, flora and fauna. Terrain and coastline of Cuba
Map of the island of Cuba.
The island of Cuba (Spanish version - Cuba) is an island in the Greater Antilles archipelago, located in the northern part of the Caribbean Sea. The name of the island comes from the word “cubanacan”, which is translated from the Taino Indian language as “central place”.
The general geographic coordinates of the island of Cuba are determined, as a rule, by its conventional geographic center: 22°00′00″ N. w. 79°00′00″ W. d.
The area of the island of Cuba is about 105 thousand square kilometers.
At the moment, Cuba is the main island in terms of importance and area within the state of the Republic of Cuba.
Photo of the island of Cuba from space.
Story.
Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Cuba in October 1492, landing on its eastern coast.
In 1515, the Spanish conquistador Diego Velazquez de Cuellar conquered the island, subjugating the indigenous Indian tribes, among whom the Taino tribes predominated, to the power of the Spanish crown. Diego Velazquez de Cuellar almost immediately founded the first Spanish settlements on the island, and a little later the future first capital of Cuba, the city of Santiago de Cuba.
In the first years of Spanish rule, the indigenous population of Cuba was quickly destroyed, so large numbers of slaves were brought from Africa to work on plantations and mines.
In 1823, a popular uprising broke out on the island, the goal of which was to gain independence for Cuba, but the Spaniards managed to brutally suppress it.
Spain lost control over Cuba only in 1898, when it suffered a severe defeat during the American-Spanish War. Under the provisions of the peace treaty, the United States annexed the island of Cuba.
Cuba gained formal independence in 1933, during which time the United States brought its puppet government led by dictator Batista to power on the island.
The year 1953 in the history of Cuba was marked by the beginning of the national liberation struggle of the Cuban people under the leadership of Fidel Castro. With the support of the USSR, in 1959, Castro seized power in Cuba and announced the construction of a pro-communist state.
In the spring of 1961, Cuban immigrants who fled from the island to the United States landed in Cuba in the Playa Giron area with the goal of seizing power. Castro's troops defeat the rebels, which forces the United States to partially recognize the ruling regime in the country.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Cuban economy fell into a deep crisis. At the moment, the Republic of Cuba continues to build socialism, and the economic reforms carried out have significantly improved the state of affairs in the national economy.
Sierra Maestra mountain range and Turquino Peak.
Origin and geography of the island.
The island of Cuba, like other islands in the Greater Antilles, is the surface part of the underwater North Caribbean mountain range, which rose at the junction of three geological plates that collided with each other during the Miocene period, 7-8 million years distant from us.
Geographically, the island of Cuba is located southwest of the Florida Peninsula and northeast of the Yucatan. Cuba is separated from Florida by the Strait of Florida, and from Yucatan by the Yucatan Strait. To the northeast of Cuba are the Bahamas through the Nicholas Strait and the Old Bahama Strait, and to the east - separated by the Windward Strait. Off the coast of Cuba there are several islands and island groups, among which it is worth highlighting the fairly large island of Juventud, the archipelagos of Los Colorados, Sabana, Camagüey, Los Canarreos, Jardines de la Reina and.
The island of Cuba has an elongated east-west and slightly curved shape. The coastline along its entire length forms quite a lot of bays and bays, among which Corrientes, Batabano, Ana Maria, Guacanayabo and others stand out. The banks are mostly low, in some places swampy and, as a rule, covered with mangroves. There are a lot of sandy beaches on the coast, along which a large number of resorts are located.
The relief of the island of Cuba is mostly flat, but about a third of the island's territory is occupied by mountains and hills. The highest mountain range on the island is the Sierra Maestra Mountains, which stretch along the southeastern coast. The highest point in Cuba is located in this mountain system - Turquino Peak, 1974 meters above sea level.
The rivers in Cuba are not high-water and not long; among them we can highlight the Cauto River, which flows into the Gulf of Guacanaiabo in the southeast of the island.
Sandy beach near Ana Maria Bay.
Climate.
The climate on the island of Cuba is tropical trade wind type. There are no significant temperature fluctuations depending on the season on the island. The average annual temperature is approximately + 25 °C. The coldest month on the island is January; during this period the average air temperature is approximately + 22-23 °C. The hottest time in Cuba is in August, when the average temperature is +27-28 °C. The island receives quite a lot of rainfall in the form of tropical downpours, with an annual average of approximately 1400-1500 millimeters. The period from May to October sees the greatest amount of rainfall, with a pronounced dry season from November to April. It is also worth noting that the island of Cuba is often exposed to tropical cyclones, which bring heavy rainfall and destructive winds.
Panorama of Havana as seen from the sea.
Population.
The population of the island of Cuba is approximately 11 million people. It represents an ethnic group formed over a long historical period, consisting of descendants of Indians, as well as immigrants from Spain and Africa, which are called Cubans.
The official and most commonly spoken language on the island is Spanish.
The capital of the Republic of Cuba and the largest city on the island is the city of Havana, located on the northwestern coast of the island and populated by approximately two million inhabitants. In addition to the capital, in terms of population and economic importance, it is worth highlighting the cities of Santiago de Cuba, Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Pinar del Rio, Cienfuegos, Bayamo and others.
The island of Cuba is the main territorial component of the Republic of Cuba, which is a unitary state and administratively consists of 16 provinces. In the southeast of the island, in the area of Guantanamo Bay, there is currently an American naval base of the same name, the territory of which is leased property of the United States.
The currencies currently in circulation on the island of Cuba are the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC, code 931) and the Cuban Peso (CUP, code 192), divided into 100 centavos.
Quarters of Old Havana.
Flora and fauna.
The flora and fauna, despite the rather impressive size of the island of Cuba and its climatic conditions, are relatively poor. Forests, most of them tropical, cover only 10% of the island's territory and grow in the mountains and wetlands.
The fauna of the island is also poor. Among the representatives of the animal world, only birds can be distinguished here, most of which are marine.
Several species of fish live in the coastal waters of Cuba, most of which are commercial. In addition, there are always quite a lot of mollusks, lobsters, shrimps and various sponges near the coast.
Cayo Coco beach.
Tourism.
Tourism, under any government and authority on the island of Cuba, was given special attention, since this area of activity was the main source of revenue for the local budget. Before the revolution, a large number of Americans vacationed on the island, who, after the Castro regime came to power, moved to the Bahamas.
Currently, the authorities of the Republic of Cuba also assign the tourism sector a priority role in the national economy. Over the past 10 years, 18 hotels with the highest level of service have been built on the island of Cuba.
Along the southern coast of Cuba there are several fashionable beach and hotel complexes that welcome tourists from all over the world. Among them are such complexes as Cayo Guillermo, Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Largo and others.
It is worth noting that Cuba is increasingly being mentioned as a destination for medical tourism. A large number of tourists, usually from Russia and Eastern European countries, come to the island for qualified medical care.
Beach hotel complex Varadero.
Cuba is an island state in the West Indies located in the western part of the Greater Antilles arc. The country is located just south of the Tropic of Cancer, on the border of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. To the north of Cuba is the Strait of Florida (150 km to the United States), to the east is the Windward Strait (77 km to Haiti), to the northwest is the Yucatan Strait (200 km to Mexico), and 140 km to the south is Jamaica.
Cuba's territory includes approximately 1,600 islands and reef banks with a total area of 110,860 square meters. km. Most of Cuba is located on the island of the same name, which is the largest island in the entire West Indies and has an area of 105,006 square meters. km. The island stretches for 1250 km from northwest to southeast, its width varies from 31 to 191 km. The second largest island is called Juventud (formerly Pinos) and has an area of 2200 square meters. km. The nature of Cuba varies depending on the regions of the island. The western region is distinguished by its mosaic geological structure and topography, with the greatest manifestation of tropical karst. It has large groundwater resources. Natural landscapes have been almost completely replaced by agricultural land and urban development.
The central region includes the Guamuaya mountain range, surrounded by plains and hills. Dense river network, many swamps. Forests have been preserved in the mountains, mainly along gorges, and on the plains there are plantations of various agricultural crops.
The central-eastern region is the most flat. The forests have been completely cleared and replaced by sugar cane plantations, and on the higher elevations there are pastures.
The south-eastern region is mountainous, with highly dissected terrain and relatively deep rivers. In the mountains there are areas of tropical forests, on the slopes there are sugar cane and coffee plantations and pastures.
Southern region (Juventud Island). Above the surface there are small outlier hills. The south is heavily karst, with many swamps. There is no surface runoff. Forests have been significantly reduced, and vast areas are occupied by citrus plantations and pastures.
Terrain and coastline of Cuba
A significant part of Cuba is occupied by low-lying, slightly hilly plains; mountain ranges and hills, lower in the west and higher in the east, stretch along the coasts.
In the far west, on the Guanaacabibes Peninsula, a limestone surface with a peculiar karst topography stretches along the coast. West of Havana stretches the narrow ridge of the Sierra de los Organos with a height of 150 to 750 meters. Isolated limestone hills, shaped like haystacks, rise above picturesque valleys. The Viñales Valley is particularly beautiful, surrounded by dome-shaped hills with steep slopes up to 300–400 meters high, with numerous caves. The highest point of the western part of the island is Pan de Matanzas - 594 meters. In the central part of the island there are high mountain chains of the Sierra de Trinidad (peak of San Juan - 1156 meters), Sierra Camarioca, Sierra Carcamezas.
The highest mountain ranges are located in the southeast of the island. The Sierra Maestra range stretches along the southern coast for more than 200 kilometers. Its southern slope is formed by a huge fault and rises almost vertically above the sea. The highest point in Cuba is also located there - Pico Turquino, whose height is 1972 meters. The northern slopes of the ridge are gentle and cut through by wide river valleys. To the east is the compact Sagua Baracoa mountain range, separated from the Sierra Maestra by the Cauto River valley and the Guantanamo lowland. The heights of this massif reach 1000–1200 meters (Sierra de Nips - 995 m; Sierra del Cristal - 1231 m; Cuchillas de Moa - 1139 m; Cuchillas de Toa - 1011 m; Sierra del Purial – 1181 m). It is poorly dissected and in the central parts is difficult to access.
Another group of mountain ranges (Sierra de Trinidad, Escambran Mountains, Sierra de Mataambra) rises in the central part of the island. They are composed of crystalline rocks and limestones and reach heights of 1000–1100 m. There are karst caves on the slopes. The rivers that dissect these massifs in some places flow in underground channels, crossing limestone ledges and cascading down in waterfalls.
In the northwest, almost parallel to the northern coast, stretches a chain of low mountain ranges (Sierra de los Orgapos, Sierra del Rosario). Their rounded peaks rise to a height of 400–700 meters. There are many karst caves, underground rivers in the mountains, and huge areas are occupied by fields. The most characteristic forms are “mogotes” - limestone outcrops that, alone or in groups, rise above the flat valley bottoms. The plains, which occupy 3/4 of the area of the island of Cuba, mostly have an undulating surface. In places where bedrock is exposed, low hills and ridges rise above the plain.
In addition to mountain ranges and terraced hills, Cuba's landscapes are replete with picturesque karst forms and valleys. In one of these valleys in the north of the island - Yumuri - a nature reserve has been created. The valley's attractions include tropical landscapes and caves, including the Bellamar system, famous for its crystalline formations. The Yumuri River flows through a depression of almost regular round shape with a flat bottom about 8 kilometers in diameter and steep slopes about 150 meters high.
The suture between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates runs through the 7,200-meter-deep Cayman Trench, located between Jamaica and Cuba, making Cuba highly seismic. Over the past 300 years, earthquakes have been observed in the southeastern (Santiago) and northwestern (Havana, San Cristoval, Pinar del Rio, Guana) regions of the island.
Climate of Cuba
Mild, tropical, with a pronounced rainy season (May–October). Warm sea currents and northeastern trade winds have a strong influence on the climate. The temperature regime is moderated by the influence of surrounding water spaces. Moisture-carrying northeastern trade winds penetrate almost everywhere, with the exception of deep valleys in the mountains and some areas of the southeastern coast; this explains the more moderate temperatures in summer and generally warm and comfortable conditions in winter. At higher elevations and on northern-facing slopes, temperatures are lower.
The average annual temperature is 25°C. The average temperature in January is 22.5°C, in August – 27.8°C. The minimum temperature is 5°C, the maximum reaches 40°C. At times, cold air masses invade the northeastern regions of Cuba from the north, lowering the temperature to almost 0°C.
The annual precipitation on the plains is 1000–1200 mm, in the mountains up to 2200 mm. The rainy and hurricane season begins in May and ends in November. There are two maximums during the rainy season. The June period corresponds to the period of so-called “zenithal” rains (these are daily recurring rains that coincide in time with the position of the sun at the zenith; their formation is associated with powerful convective currents in the equatorial zone). The October period is associated with the passage of a tropical front, along which destructive hurricanes arise, affecting mainly the western regions of Cuba. The dry season lasts from November to April and is most pronounced in the southern plains (for example, in the Cauto River basin). A special feature of Cuba is its high air humidity - up to 85%. In winter the weather is sunny and dry.
Water resources of Cuba
The rivers in Cuba are short and shallow. Of all 600 rivers and streams, 2/5 flow north, the rest south, into the Caribbean Sea. Among the numerous coastal swamps, the Zapata swamp has the largest area. The total volume of renewable water resources is 38.1 cubic meters. km.
The largest river, the Cauto, is located in the eastern part of the island of Cuba and has a length of 370 km. The Almendares River flows in the western part. The rivers are fed primarily by rain; 80% of the flow occurs in the rainy autumn season. The Cauto and its tributaries, especially the Salado, flow through the provinces of Holguin and Las Tunas. Other rivers in the eastern region include the Guantanamo, Sagua de Tanamo, Toa and Mayari. To the west lie the rivers Seville, Najasa, San Pedro, Hatibonico del Sur, Sasa, Agabama, Arimao, Hondo and Cuyaguateje (flowing north), as well as Saramaguacan, Caonao, Sagua la Grande and La Palma (flowing South).
The lakes in Cuba are small in size and can mostly be characterized as freshwater and saltwater lagoons. Off the northern coast of the island of Cuba, in the central part, is the Laguna de Leche, whose waters become like milk when streams from the sea lift chalk deposits from its bottom. Of the reservoirs, the largest is Sasa. Large groundwater resources exist in the western part of the island of Cuba.
Soils and vegetation of Cuba
Among the 13 groups of soils found in Cuba, approximately 80% are developed on products of weathering limestone. These rich red soils are fertile and are cultivated year-round for tropical plantation crops, mainly sugarcane.
The main fertile areas of Cuba are located along the southern coast from Havana to Cienfuegos, in the west of the province of Camagüey, as well as between the Sierra de Sancti Spiritus mountains and the Caribbean coast. Areas of sandy soils are located in Pinar del Rio, Villa Clara and in some places in the provinces of Ciego de Avila and Camagüey. The area of irrigated land is 8700 square meters. km (2003).
Ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium) in the Sierra de Escambray. More than 3,000 species of tropical fruit plants and flowers grow in Cuba, and over 50% of the Cuban flora is endemic. Since the beginning of the colonization of America, the forest area in Cuba has decreased significantly. Before the arrival of Europeans, forests covered half of the island, then this figure dropped to 10%, forests remained only in mountainous and swampy areas. When the plains were cleared, only the royal palm remained untouched, the image of which is on the country’s coat of arms. However, since the 1960s, government efforts have replanted many areas, and forests now cover a quarter of the country.
Tropical forests of a wide variety of deciduous and evergreen plant species, including mahogany, guaiac wood, logwood and cedrela, grow on the red and red-brown soils of the plains and low slopes. In the drier, rocky areas of the western province of Pinar del Rio and the eastern part of the island of Cuba, as well as on the island of Juventud, pine forests grow. The very rare Microcycas calocoma palm, believed to have existed for over 100 million years, is native to the province of Pinar del Rio. There are savannas occupied by grass-type vegetation, as well as areas with small-leaved shrubs with a small proportion of cacti and agaves. Mangroves are found in low-lying coastal areas. The national flower of Cuba, the ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium), grows over 1.5 m and blooms with white, butterfly-like flowers.
Wildlife of Cuba
Mammals are represented by the Cuban snaptooth (now almost exterminated), Hutia rodents, and there are 23 species of bats. Deer have been introduced as game game. Cuba is home to 300 species of birds, including migratory ones. Local species include flamingos, blackbirds, nightingales, hummingbirds, macaws, and small vultures. The endemic Cuban trogon, which looks similar to the quetzal, has become the national bird of Cuba because it matches the colors of the country's flag. Reptiles include alligators, iguanas and other lizards, land turtles, turtles and hawksbill turtles, crocodiles, the Cuban smooth-lipped boa constrictor and other non-venomous snakes. Amphibians include 60 types of frogs and toads, including the Cuban tree frog and bullfrog.
Insects are represented by 7 thousand species, including termites and kokuyo fireflies. Fish are represented by 500 species, including several species of sharks. The American manatee lives along the coast and in rivers. The lakes of karst caves are home to blind fish and shrimp. Crustaceans include land crabs and hermit crabs.
The Republic of Cuba has the unofficial name of Liberty Island, and occupies the entire territory of the island of Cuba, which is part of the Greater Antilles. The history of the Republic is closely connected with political events during the Cold War and the confrontation between the United States and the Russian Federation in the political arena, which is due to its favorable location and proximity to the North, South and Central parts of America.
The official name of the Republic of Cuba has two versions of its origin story. Some scientists believe that this word came from the language of local Indian tribes, who called fertile lands that way. Others believe that this is what Columbus named this island at the time of its discovery, giving the island the name of a settlement with a similar name in Portugal.
Geographical characteristics
The island is located at the junction of three parts of America - North, South and Central. This is the largest island that belongs to the territory of the West Indies, and it represents the largest part of the territory of the Republic. It also includes adjacent islands and coral reefs from the Greater Antilles.
In terms of territory, Cuba is quite impressive, and occupies 110,860 square kilometers, which stretch from west to east for 250 kilometers. The outline of the Republic on the map is very reminiscent of a lizard that has turned its head towards the Atlantic.
People of mixed national origin live here. When the Spaniards reached the island, it was inhabited by tribes of Indians of the Arawak group, as well as those who had recently migrated from Haiti. However, during the process of colonization, the indigenous people were practically destroyed, and most of the territory was occupied by the Spaniards and other colonizing peoples. Today the population of the state is more than 11 million people, of which only about 65% of citizens can be classified as white.
Nature
Rivers and lakes
The rivers on the territory of the Republic are not large. They are usually quite short and not very watery. More than 600 rivers or streams are found here, many of them heading north, although others flow south into the Caribbean Sea.
There are a huge number of swamps on the banks, the largest of which is called Zapata. Lakes, like rivers, are small and most often freshwater, although there are also salty lagoons. The largest fresh water lake is called Laguna de Leche, and its waters are distinguished by a whitish milky hue, which is explained by the chalk content in the water...
Sea, bay and ocean surrounding Cuba
The southern part of the territory of the Republic is washed by the Caribbean Sea, and from the northwest the island bends around the Gulf of Mexico. The northeastern coast faces the Atlantic Ocean...
Plants and animals
More than 3,000 species of tropical fruiting plants and flowers grow in Cuba and the surrounding islands. The forests contain both deciduous and evergreen trees, and it is not uncommon to find redwood or logwood. In the mid-20th century, forest plantations were actively planted, and today more than 30% of the territory is covered with green spaces and forests...
One of the most interesting mammals in Cuba is the almost exterminated Cuban slittooth. The island is home to 23 species of bats, as well as many different rodents. Parrots and thrushes predominate among the birds, and flamingos and hummingbirds also live in large numbers.
Amphibians include alligators and a variety of lizards, including the iguana, as well as turtles and crocodiles. Among snakes there are many varieties that are non-venomous and not dangerous to humans. More than 7 thousand species of insects and 500 species of fish complement the fauna of this Republic.
Climate of Cuba
The tropical location next to the Gulf Stream and warm trade winds provides a fairly warm climate in Cuba. The average temperature in January usually does not fall below 22.5 degrees Celsius, and in August reaches 27-28 degrees on average. From the beginning of May until October there can be quite heavy rainfalls, and in the fall the picture is complemented by hurricanes. From November to March the most favorable tourist season...
Resources
Industry and Agriculture
The subplatform areas on which the state is located consist mostly of limestone fossils. There are practically no expensive minerals in the country that could bring profit to the Cuban budget. The main types of industry are light, textile and food; heavy industry occupies a very small place in the country.
Fertile lands produce rich harvests, which is why agriculture is quite well developed in Cuba. The bulk of the plantations is occupied by sugar cane, but other aspects of agricultural structures are also actively developing. Cuba supplies the world market with a large number of elite cigars and sugar, as well as nickel in quite significant quantities...
Liberty Island Cuba is a legendary country about which, for all its color, we know not so much. Meanwhile, this island is rich in its history, culture and incredible life experiences. Time stopped in Cuba about three decades ago. And you still have the opportunity to see the world of the past.
What is it like, Cuba on the map
In the north of the Caribbean Sea there is a very interesting, original and definitely memorable country, the Republic of Cuba. It covers not only the central island, but also several smaller ones. It is divided into 16 provinces and also includes the municipality of the Islas Juventud. No matter how large Cuba may seem, its population is about 11,300,000 people.
The state is a member of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. The dominant Communist Party directs politics. The flag of Cuba is colored white, blue and red. The three blue stripes symbolize the Spanish parts of Cuba, the two white stripes symbolize independence, the red triangle symbolizes equality, and the star symbolizes freedom.
Cuba covers a total area of 110,860 square kilometers and a length of 1,250 kilometers. The state borders the USA, Mexico, Jamaica and the island of Haiti. The climate here is tropical, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Where the name Freedom Island came from is not entirely known. It is assumed that the word “Cuba” came from the Taino Indians, who called the island “a beautiful place.” And some historians say that Columbus named the island Cuba in honor of the village of the same name in Portugal.
History of Cuba
Cuba went through a difficult path during its formation. These lands have seen many revolutionary actions. The first civil uprising took place back in 1823, when local residents decided to fight for an independent Spain. From 1868 to 1878, fighting took place here during the Ten Years' War for the independence of the Cuban people. This was followed by a number of revolutionary leaders who introduced their own rules and principles of government to Cuba.
The well-known Fidel Castro came here in 1953. It was with his activities that the Cuban Revolution began, which opposed the ruling dictator Batista. When he fled the island, the “leftist” revolutionaries took the leading position. But the optimistic trend did not last long, as repression soon began in Cuba. Castro was afraid of the dangerous influence of the United States, and actively began to cooperate with the Soviet Union.
It was this, the largest state at that time, that supported Cuba materially and financially. But when Perestroika began in the Union, the relationship changed. And Cuba itself has lost its former power. There was little money, not enough jobs. Stability was achieved only in 1994.
The Church in Cuba operates according to its own rules, because everyone here has the right to their own religion. They mainly profess Catholicism. But sometimes there are examples of Protestantism and African cults, which are built on making sacrifices and worshiping various pagan gods.
They say the language here is predominantly Spanish, but you can also hear English and Italian. In some regions, Dutch, German and various local dialects are spoken.
Cuba and its cities
The capital of Cuba, the city of Havana, is a tourist center and one of the largest in the country. Its total area is almost 727 square kilometers, on which 15 municipalities are located. Havana received capital status in 1902, and at the moment it is the cultural, economic and political center of the country.
There are a lot of museums built in the city, in particular the Colonial, the National, the Jose Marti House Museum and the Museum of the Revolution. You can also see many old restored houses from the 16th-18th centuries. The house-museum of the great writer Ernesto Hemingway, who was impossibly in love with Cuba, is also open.
The second largest city in Cuba by area and importance is Santiago de Cuba. It was built and inhabited at the beginning of the 16th century, and until 1556 it served as the capital of the state. Here, as in the capital, a lot of museums have been opened: ethnographic, municipal, natural history and others.
Tourists come to the south of Cuba to try their hand at recreational diving and see the fortress of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro. By the way, it is in this city that the grave of dictator Fidel Castro is located.
The city of Camagüey was built in the center of Cuba in 1514. Local residents suffered from pirate attacks for several decades, but over time the area has changed. Surrounded by picturesque nature, the city is famous for its numerous attractions - the Ignacio Argamonte Museum, Trabajadores and Soledad squares, and, of course, the Casino Campestre park.
How to organize an unforgettable vacation in Cuba
Despite the fact that Cuba is not the richest country, tourists will definitely have something to see here.
The capital is dominated by the bell-shaped Cathedral of St. Christophe; the building is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was built from 1767 to the end of the 19th century; the crown of the architectural creation was the frescoes of Giuseppe Perovani. The bells are made of bronze mixed with silver and gold.
Be sure to take a walk along the Prado Boulevard in the capital, this promenade separates the two regions of Havana. Noisy and colorful Cuban weddings take place here, since the Wedding Palace is located on the boulevard. A large Seville hotel was built for tourists, and the old Capitol rises nearby. Walking along the boulevard in the evening, you will certainly see the Bolshoi Theater and Central Park. Walk a little more and you will be on the Malecon embankment.
Scenic and one of the largest parks, the Sierra del Rosario can be seen if you reach the Rosario Ridge. The large park is a protected area with a length of 250 kilometers. This land is home to a tropical forest with more than 800 plant species. At the moment, the park is of particular natural value for UNESCO
And, of course, you can’t come to Cuba without stopping by Hemingway’s house. It was here that the writer lived almost until the end of his life. He was inspired by the unique seascape and fresh salty air. Hemingway arrived in Cuba in 1940, but the house in which he settled was built at the end of the 19th century. Gorgeous views, rum and national flavor inspired the author to write the legendary novel “The Old Man and the Sea.”
In 1961, the writer passed away, and a year later, in tribute to his work, the Cuban authorities made a museum in his house. Everything here is preserved in the form Ernest is used to seeing. Even in the bedroom, on the desktop, they installed an exact copy of the typewriter on which brilliant works were created.
Cuba is something unique
Such another country definitely cannot be found anywhere in the world. And there are plenty of quirks on Liberty Island. Accustomed to prohibitions, repressions and restrictions, Cubans have some other permissions. Surprisingly, the activities of Masonic lodges are still legal here. To this day, there is an organization of Freemasons, including just under 300,000 local residents.
But there are much more prohibitions. For example, one of the strangest rules is the ban on catching and eating lobsters by locals. This product is considered exclusively touristic and is grown or caught by state monopolists. Local residents do not have the right to this product. We are talking not only about lobsters, but also about lobsters. To tell the truth, this rule is, of course, violated. But it still remains within the law and implies imprisonment for several years.
Photography in Cuba is a separate art form. But before you take that coveted photo, make sure it's legal. It is strictly prohibited to photograph administrative and military buildings, cars and any other places. There are quite a lot of KGB officers in all cities, but it’s better not to risk taking photos or videos with them. If you photograph locals or take selfies with them, then first of all, ask permission. You are unlikely to hear a refusal, but if this happens, it is better to immediately erase the photo.
And the most popular entertainment in Havana is the Tropicana show. It features a traditional cabaret with colorful Cuban costumes. The ticket price is 95 Cuban pesos, which includes a pass to the event, a glass of champagne, a can of Coca-Cola and a bottle of rum. The cabaret tells about the rich history of Cuba from the times of the Indians to the dictators Castro.
Cuba and tourism
What does a tourist do when he gets tired of the sights or when there are a little less than a couple of hours left before the plane? Of course, he goes shopping!
The Caribbean coast is rich in its ocean attractions and beauty. In local souvenir shops you can buy bracelets and figurines made from turtle shells. It will be interesting for musicians to bring bongos, for fashionistas - a guayabera shirt. Well, where would we be without the traditional portraits of Che Guevara, which look at tourists from T-shirts, cups, key rings and other things.
You are unlikely to have to buy groceries, but you won’t be able to do it particularly well either. In Cuba, everything is issued with coupons, and there are supermarkets for tourists. To tell the truth, there are only two large shopping centers in Cuba, and only in the capital.
What to try in Cuba?
Of course, drink a glass of rum and, if your tastes permit, light a fragrant cigar and feel like Al Capone. Buying Rum in any city in Cuba is easier than finding a store without a queue. Rum prices are minimal, but the quality matches the price. If you want to try a good cigar, then check out the Cigar Museum. This way you will learn more about this iconic item and buy a quality product at a relatively low price.
As for restaurants, things are not going too well. There are no big five-star restaurants with arches and waiters in bow-ties in Cuba. And even small cafes with three tables with a thatched roof are called a restaurant here. But the food in all establishments is quite tasty. Seafood cuisine is widespread. The same lobsters and spiny lobsters, which are relatively inexpensive here.
Everything about Cuba for tourists
To visit Cuba you will need. The Embassy of Liberty Island welcomes Ukrainian tourists quite warmly, so the documents will be processed quickly. With such a visa you can stay in the country for up to 30 days, and if the atmosphere of the island drags on for some more time, then the Ukrainian embassy will easily extend the documents.
They will cost you about 500-700 dollars. to Cuba ranges from 25 to 50 thousand hryvnia. A hotel in a tourist city will cost approximately 1500 – 2600 hryvnia per day. In smaller cities, hotels cost approximately
1000 – 1500 hryvnia per day. You can give yourself a truly heavenly experience and rent a house, villa or cottage on the coast. This luxury will cost 800 – 2200 hryvnia per day.
There is one fact worth knowing about currency. There are two types of pesos in Cuba. The first is designated as CUP, this currency is less colorfully printed and is intended for local residents. For tourists, the peso is designated as CUC. This is the so-called convertible peso, which is related to the regular peso as 1:25, respectively. Interestingly, in any city in Cuba they accept both currencies. But the quirk still exists.
Video - 13 interesting facts about Cuba
Regarding money, it is also important to know that there are no terminals in the local stores. So you should always have cash with you. It is better to withdraw a large amount from ATMs at once, because the commissions there are literally extortionate. Part of the amount should be kept close to you, and part should be left in the hotel or villa safe. And in general, all valuables should be kept with you. Cuba has a fairly high rate of theft.
When taking photos, do not forget that posting pictures on Instagram will not be very easy. There is no Internet on a large scale in Cuba. It can only be used with a card in certain places. Or in the central areas of the city at the main post office. Or in a hotel, of course.
In Cuba it is a separate world that cannot be compared with anything. Temperamental, emotional and to this day not despondent Cubans will happily share their experience with you for old times sake. Ukrainians are common guests in Cuba. Once upon a time, an annual tour to Cuba was organized for the children of Chernobyl. Now everything is getting better, and Cuba is still waiting for our fellow countrymen. All that’s left to do is find out where Cuba is, order a visa, book a hotel and fly to your sunny vacation.
The island of Cuba (Spanish version - Cuba) is a large island in the Greater Antilles archipelago, which is located in the northern part of the Caribbean Sea. The name of the island comes from the word “cubanacan”, translated from the Taino Indian language as “central place”.
Cuba, like its neighboring islands in the Greater Antilles Archipelago, is the surface part of the underwater North Caribbean mountain range, formed at the site of the collision of three geological plates. Geographically, the island of Cuba is located southwest of the Florida Peninsula (USA) and northeast of Yucatan (Mexico). The island of Cuba is separated from Florida by the Strait of Florida, and from Yucatan by the Yucatan Strait. To the northeast of Cuba are the Bahamas through the Nicholas Strait and the Old Bahama Strait, and to the east is the island of Haiti (Hispaniola), separated by the Windward Strait. The island of Cuba has a curved shape slightly elongated from west to east. Along its entire length, the coastline forms quite a few bays and bays, among which the largest in area are Batabano, Corrientes, Ana Maria, Guacanayabo and others. The shores are mostly flat, and in some places swampy, often covered with mangroves. There are many sandy and pebble beaches on the coast. The relief of Cuba is mostly flat, but more than a third of the island's territory is occupied by mountains and hills. The highest and largest mountain range of the island is the Sierra Maestra Mountains, which stretch along the southeastern coast. The highest point of Cuba is also located here - Turquino Peak, with a height of 1974 meters above sea level. The rivers on the island of Cuba are not long and not high in water; among them, the Cauto River stands out, flowing into the Gulf of Guacanaiabo on the southeastern coast. The area of the island of Cuba is approximately 105,000 square kilometers.
The island of Cuba was discovered by the expedition of Christopher Columbus in mid-October 1492. In 1515, the Spanish conquistador Diego Velazquez de Cuellar captured the island, conquering the local Indian tribes, among whom the Tainos predominated. In the first ten years of Spanish rule, the indigenous population of Cuba was almost completely destroyed, and therefore black slaves began to be imported from Africa to work in the mines and plantations. In 1823, a people's liberation uprising against Spanish rule broke out in Cuba, but the Spanish authorities managed to suppress it. Spain lost Cuba in 1898 after defeat in the Spanish-American War. As a result of the war, the island of Cuba was annexed by the United States. Formally, Cuba gained independence in 1933, but the puppet government of dictator Batista was put in power on the island. In 1953, the national liberation movement of the Cuban people under the leadership of Fidel Castro arose in Cuba. In 1959, with the support of the Soviet Union, Castro seized power on the island and announced the construction of a pro-communist state. After the fall of the USSR, the Cuban economy fell into a deep crisis. Currently, Cuba has not abandoned the socialist path of social development and continues to develop its post-crisis economy, basing it on the mining and sugar industries, and, of course, on tourism.
Cuba is currently perhaps the only state in the world on whose territory two monetary units are officially in circulation, issued by one issuing bank. These are the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC, code 931) and the Cuban Peso (CUP, code 192), which are divided into 100 centavos.
The population of Cuba is currently about 11 million people. For the most part, it represents a persistent ethnic group that has been formed over a long time, which consists of descendants of Indians and immigrants from Spain and Africa. This ethnic group is called Cubans. The official and most commonly spoken language on the island is Spanish. The island of Cuba is the main island of the Republic of Cuba, which is a unitary state consisting of 16 provinces. The capital of the Republic of Cuba and at the same time the largest populated area of the island is the city of Havana, which is located on the northwestern coast of the island and is populated by more than two million inhabitants. In addition to Havana, in terms of population size and economic importance, it is worth highlighting the cities of Ciego de Avila, Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Camagüey, Bayamo, Pinar del Rio and others.
For numerous tourists and guests of Cuba, getting to the island is not difficult, since several large international airports have been built here, the largest of which is Havana José Martí Airport. In addition to air communications, the island of Cuba is well connected to various parts of the Earth and by sea. There are several large seaports on the island, including Havana, which can easily accommodate various passenger ships.
The island of Cuba has been a center of tourism since the end of the century before last, so around this period they began to build fashionable hotels on the island in various coastal cities and combine them into complexes with other objects of the tourism industry. After the revolution in Cuba, the tourism business fell into crisis, but recently it has begun to gain momentum again, which has led to the reconstruction of old hotels and the construction of new ones. Currently, a visiting tourist can stay in one of 358 hotels and inns that are officially registered with the international association of hoteliers and restaurateurs. As a rule, coastal hotels, which are distinguished by a high level of service, have their own beaches, golf clubs, horse riding fields, tennis courts, restaurants and nightclubs. All this adds comfort for numerous vacationers.
Experts classify the climate in Cuba as tropical trade wind. There are no significant temperature fluctuations depending on the season on the island. The average annual temperature is approximately + 25 °C. January is considered the coldest month in Cuba, at this time the average air temperature is about + 22-23 °C. The hottest time on the island is in August, when average temperatures rise to +27-28 °C. The island receives quite a lot of precipitation in the form of tropical torrential rains, their average annual rate sometimes exceeds 1400-1500 millimeters. The period from early May to mid-October sees the most rainfall, while the period from November to April is drier.
The unique natural features of the island, convenient geographical location and favorable climate have given impetus to the development of beach tourism in Cuba for a long time. Several fashionable and prestigious beach and hotel complexes have been created along the southern coast of the island, welcoming tourists from all over the world. Among them, such complexes as Varadero, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo and others stand out. Vacationers are also pleasantly surprised by the corresponding infrastructure of the resorts, which includes a harmony of several factors that are mandatory for the modern tourism industry. This includes transport, accommodation, beaches, and entertainment facilities.
In addition to beach holidays, tourists also enjoy trekking tours in the mountainous regions of the island. The flora and fauna of Cuba are not very rich, but there is something to see for wildlife lovers. Predominantly tropical forests cover about 10% of the island's territory in mountainous areas and marshy coastal areas. There are always a lot of birds, both sea and land, on the coast. The country currently has about 10 national parks and reserves, which are protected by law and recognized by UNESCO.
For lovers of attractions, the island of Cuba has quite a lot of sites that are worth visiting. These are old fortifications from the time of Spanish rule, and old Catholic cathedrals of the same period, and the unique architecture of Havana and other cities of the island. Now in Cuba, several large museums of the historical development of the island are open and functioning, which are recommended by local guides for visiting first.
