Cuba

About Cuba

Capital

Havana

Continent

Independence Date

10 October 1868

Official Language	Spanish
Second Language	English
Population	~11 million
Passport Color	Red
Passport Rank	#83
Dialing Code	53
Country TLD	.cu

Cuba Overview

Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba (Spanish: República de Cuba), is an island nation located in the Caribbean region. It consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several smaller archipelagos. The country is situated where the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean meet. Havana (La Habana) is both the capital and the largest city.

Cuba is renowned for its vibrant culture, colonial architecture, music, and revolutionary history. It has one of the highest literacy and healthcare rates in Latin America. The economy is primarily driven by tourism, agriculture (especially tobacco and sugar), biotechnology, and services. The country’s iconic exports include Cuban cigars, rum, and coffee.

Spanish is the official language, and the national currency is the Cuban peso (CUP), with the convertible peso (CUC) previously used for foreign trade. Cuba’s tropical climate and stunning beaches, such as Varadero and Cayo Coco, make it a popular tourist destination worldwide.

Quick Facts About Cuba

Coordinates	21.5218° N, 77.7812° W
Bordering Bodies of Water	Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean
Region / Continent	Caribbean
Total Area	~109,884 sq km
Population Density	~102 people per sq km
Highest Point	Pico Turquino – 1,974 m
Major Rivers	Cauto, Zaza, Toa
Climate Type	Tropical; dry and rainy seasons
Famous For	Music, cigars, rum, classic cars, beaches, revolutionary history
Major Landmarks	Old Havana, Varadero Beach, Viñales Valley, Trinidad, Malecón
Official Language	Spanish
Currency	Cuban peso (CUP)
Government Type	Unitary Marxist–Leninist one-party socialist republic
Time Zone	UTC−5 (CST)
Major Exports	Nickel, tobacco, sugar, rum, pharmaceuticals
Visitor Entry	Tourist visa (Tarjeta del Turista) required for most visitors