Cuba remains one of the most unique and beguiling destinations in the world. Economically isolated since the revolution of 1959, Cuba appears lost in a time warp of 1950s cars and crumbling buildings and gloriously free of the almost ubiquitous commercial signs of globalisation. But, although struggling economically, Cuba is a culturally rich country. The rhythms of son music and salsa dancing are felt in towns and cities throughout Cuba, the nightlife is vibrant and world class mojitos, Cuba libres and cigars make up for the sometimes bland food. Havana itself is undergoing impressive renovation, returning it to its status as one of the world's most beautiful cities, while towns like Trinidad, Santa Clara and Santiago reveal both the country's colonial past and the fondly remembered revolution. Away from the towns lie Cuba's beautiful landscapes, from the mountain forests of the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra to the mogotes and tobacco plantations of the Viñales Valley. Explore in depth highlights of Cuba.
| Tours | Unesco WHS | Guidebooks |
|---|---|---|
| groups tours with set departures |
World Heritage Sites | country, regions and cities |
| Time zone: | GMT -5 (Caribbean standard time) |
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| Daylight savings: | GMT +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October |
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| Main languages: | Spanish |
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| Currency: |
Cuban convertible peso (CUC) €1 = CUC$1.11, $1 = CUC$1.00, £1 = CUC$1.32 (rates as of Sep 2016) |
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| Internet Domain: | .cu | International Dialling Code: 53 |
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For help planning your trip to Cuba including visas, vaccinations, currency exchange, flights, accomodation and insurance, see our Cuba trip planning page.
Further information on Cuba
Discover more about Cuba - the country's geogrpahy and natural features, an assessment of its status on freedom and rights and data on the country's population and economy.
Geography & Natural Features
Total area: 110,860 sq km (0 sq km under water)
Coastline: 3,735 km (Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico)
Neighbours (border lengths): No land borders
Climate: Tropical climate with warm and sunny weather all year round. November to April is drier and less humid, rainy season between May and October. The east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November.
Highest mountain: Pico Turquino (2,005m) - Climb this mountain!
Freedom & Rights
Summary status and rankings for Cuba from classifications of different organisations measuring political and economic freedom, democracy and civil rights. See more details of these rankings.
| Index | Status | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Freedom in the World | Not Free | - |
 | Democracy Index | Authoritarian regime | 127/167 |
 | Economic Freedom | Repressed | 177/179 |
 | Press Freedom | Very serious situation | 167/179 |
 | ILGA LGBT rights | Some rights | - |
 | Corruption Perceptions | Medium corruption | 63/174 |
| Overall Ranking: | 170/195 | ||
Other Data & Links
Full name: Republic of Cuba Status: Independent Country
Population: 11,047,251 (rank: 77/196) Density: 99.6 people/sq km (rank: 80/196)
Ethnic groups: white 65.1%, mulatto and mestizo 24.8%, black 10.1% (2002 census)
Religions: nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power; Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also represented
GDP (PPP): $121 billion GDP per capita: $10,200 (rank: 94/195)
Information derived from the CIA World Factbook. Other country profiles: BBC News.