Island east of Cuba. Geography of Cuba: landscape, climate, resources, flora and fauna
Islands of Cuba: Havana, Juventud, Cayo Largo, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Romano, Cayo Guahaba, reviews of tourists.
Cuba is a favorite holiday destination among Russian tourists who want to change rainy, late autumn or cold winters for the tropical paradise of Liberty Island. This name was given to this state not by chance. The first part of the name is associated with the geographical features of the country, the territory of which consists of two large and a huge number of small islands. The second refers to the relatively recent past, the revolution, the legendary personality Ernesto Che Guevara, the favorite of every new rising generation, and the odious Fidel Castro.
All the islands of Cuba are part of the Greater Antilles. This archipelago also includes other world-famous and popular holiday destinations. Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, along with Cuba, are some of the main "celebrities".
The largest island of the country has the same name as the entire state. The very fact that it is there that the capital of the state is located - Havana, speaks volumes. Juventud, the second largest, is located in the Los Canarreos archipelago. Translated from Spanish, it means "Island of Youth". There are many pine forests, beautiful nature and good beaches. However, dangerous hurricanes periodically sweep away everything in their path and pose the main threat to residents and tourists.
Another island that is part of Los Canarreos is Cayo Largo. In addition to a beach holiday, you can go diving here, as there are many coral reefs near Largo. Jardines del Rey is an archipelago in the northern part of Cuba. Its islands are famous resort areas. Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Romano and Cayo Guahaba are the largest and most interesting to visit. The presence of an international airport on the island of Cayo Coco only adds to the benefits to the rest. If Jardines del Rey is translated as "gardens of the king", then Jardines de la Reina, an archipelago that spans two Cuban provinces, means "gardens of the queen."
The territory of the "gardens" is the largest national park in Cuba, a favorite fishing spot for Fidel Castro and a wonderful place for diving. The smallest archipelago of Cuba is Los Colorados. Its waters faithfully serve the Cuban fishermen, giving lobsters, oysters and different varieties of fish. However, in addition to the locals, there are also tourists here. Not all islands are suitable for a beach holiday, but those that are are in no way inferior to the rest.
In total, the island of Cuba is surrounded by four archipelagos. Two in the south and two in the north.
Cuba (Spanish: Cuba) is an island in the north of the Caribbean. Part of the Greater Antilles. Cuba is separated from North America by the Strait of Florida to the north and the Yucatan Strait to the west. Territory 105 thousand km². It is the largest of the islands of the Republic of Cuba.
Cuba Island also called the "Key to the Bay", is one of the largest islands in the world.
In Cuba, there are about 300 natural beaches with fine white sand, washed by a clear sea. Throughout the island there are three mountain ranges, two large areas of plains, numerous valleys whose names are known throughout the world - such as the Viñales Valley, the Yumuri Valley and the Valley of the Sugar Mills. Beautiful rivers with waterfalls, including the wonderful Anabanilla waterfall.
The relief of the area is heterogeneous, there are plains, hills and mountains. The latter occupy only a third of the territory. The three main mountain ranges are the Cordillera de Guaniguanico in the west, the Escambray in the central part and the Sierra Maestra in the east. There is the highest point in Cuba - Peak Turquino (1974 m above sea level).
Geography of Cuba
The Cuban archipelago is located in the western part of the Caribbean Sea, between North and South America and is the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. The shape of the island of Cuba resembles a sleeping crocodile.
Cuba, the largest of the Greater Antilles, lies between 74°–85° west longitude and 19°51–23°10 north latitude. Cuba's closest neighbors are the Bahamas and Haiti, just 77 kilometers to the east across the Windward Strait. The Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) is 210 km to the west, the Florida Peninsula (USA) is 180 km to the north and Jamaica is 140 km to the south.
Cuba is washed in the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean, in the south by the Caribbean Sea, the western tip of the island is located at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico.
The island of Cuba occupies the 15th place in the world in terms of area and makes up 94% of the entire territory of the Republic of Cuba. The greatest length of the island from west to east is 1250 km, the greatest width is 190 km. The length of the coastline of the island of Cuba is 3735 km. The coastlines are heavily indented, there are about 200 bays, bays of various sizes. On the northern coast there are shallow bays and bays, often separated from the ocean by archipelagos and peninsulas, among which is the well-known Hicacos Peninsula. The northern and northeastern coasts are dominated by flat elevated shores. In the southeast, at the foot of the Sierra Maestro mountain range, there are fault-type shores (steep, high and inaccessible). On the south, southwest coast and on the island of Youth, the coasts are mostly low-lying, accompanied by mangroves. In some parts of the coast of the island of Cuba, low shores are formed with characteristic bays - "bags", formed when the mouth parts of the valleys are flooded. In such valleys are located the best ports of Cuba - Havana, Cabañas, Mariel, Matanzas, Nuevitas, Nipe - in the north; Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo - in the south.
Relief
The relief of Cuba is predominantly flat, hills and mountains occupy about a third of the territory. There are several natural areas on the island. In the western part, the relief of the island has a mosaic character, karst processes are widely represented. The relief of the country's territory is mostly flat, the outlying regions of the island of Cuba (the peninsulas of Guanaacabibes and Zapata), the southern part of the island of Juventud and the archipelagos located nearby are accumulative in nature (washed by the sea). In the interior, there are deltaic and erosion-accumulative, as well as denudation plains formed at outcrops of bedrock. Small areas are occupied by lake plains.
In the extreme west, from the peninsula of Guanaacabibes, the limestone chain of Cordillera de Guaniguanico with karst reliefs runs along the coast, which includes the Sierra de los Organos ridge, located west of Havana, and the Sierra del Rosario (Guahaibon peak, 692 m). In the central part of the island there are mountains Sierra de Trinidad up to 1156 m high (Mount San Juan), Sierra de Escambray Santa Clara Highlands. At the southeastern tip of the main island is a ridge system divided by the Gantanamo Valley. In the northern part, the Sierra del Cristal, Sierra de Nipe, Cuchillas de Toa and Sierra de Purial massifs lie with heights up to 1230 m. In the southern part, the Sierra Maestra ridge stretches from east to west, in which the highest point in the country is Turkino Peak (1974 m, according to other sources 2005 m).
There are several picturesque valleys in Cuba, such as the Vinales Valley and the Yumuri River Valley, which flows through a round-shaped depression with a flat bottom and a diameter of about 8 km. On the island of Youth, small remnant hills rise above the peneplain, in the southern part there are many karst landforms and swamps.
The length of the coastline of the island of Cuba is 5735 km. The coastline is indented with numerous bays, sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, coral reefs and sheer cliffs. The submerged platform surrounding the island has an area of 78 thousand km². Among the large objects, the Zapata Peninsula, Cochinos Bay, Buena Vista Bay, Guantanamo, Ana Maria, Guacanaybo, Batabano and Santa Clara Bays, as well as Cape Cruz, the southern point of the island of Cuba, stand out.
The landscape is covered with agricultural land and urban development. The central region has a dense river network and many swamps, forests are preserved only in the Guamuaya mountain range, lands in valleys and flat areas are cultivated. The central east region has a flatter landscape, with natural vegetation replaced by sugarcane plantations and pastures. In the southeastern part of the island, there are strongly dissected mountain systems, from which full-flowing rivers flow. On the slopes of the mountains there are plantations of sugar cane and coffee, pastures.
In Cuba, karst is developed everywhere, in connection with this, many caves are known, including large ones. So, in the west, the cave of Santo Tomas has an extensive network of underground galleries with a total length of 25 km. Often there are so-called "mogotes" - forms of tropical karst, which are hills with almost vertical slopes and flat tops. Approximately 2/3 of the entire area of Cuba is occupied by slightly hilly plains. They are the most populated and developed. The shores are usually low, sometimes swampy, in many cases overgrown with mangroves. Often there are sandy beaches that stretch for many kilometers (for example, on the Hicacos Peninsula, where the famous resort of Varadero is located).
Geological structure and minerals
Cuba is located within the northern segment of the Antilles island arc of the tectonic Antilles-Caribbean region. The seam between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates runs through the 7,200-meter-deep Cayman Trench, located between Jamaica and Cuba, so Cuba is highly seismic. Over the past 300 years, earthquakes have been observed in the southeastern (Santiago) and northwestern (Havana, San Cristoval, Pinar del Rio, Guane) regions of the island. A narrow strip of the northern coast of Cuba, composed of a thick layer of Upper Mesozoic carbonate deposits, belongs to the Bahama-Florida platform, on which Cretaceous island-arc volcanic rocks, Jurassic-Cretaceous ophiolites (relics of ancient oceanic crust) are thrust from the south. In the west of Cuba, Jurassic and Cretaceous carbonate rocks are common.
The island of Cuba has significant reserves of nickel, cobalt, and chromium. Deposits of manganese ores are known on the northern slope of the Sierra Maestra. Copper ore deposits are located in the southeast and northwest. Also known are deposits of iron and gold ores, limestones, feldspars, pyrite, gypsum, quartz sand, facing stones, asbestos, rock salt, and phosphorites. Oil and gas fields have been discovered in the west of the island.
Inland waters
The rivers of Cuba (there are about 200 of them) are mostly short and low-water and are not of great economic importance. They belong to the basins of the Atlantic Ocean, its Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The rivers are mostly fed by rain. Fluctuations in their level correspond to the precipitation regime. 80% of the runoff occurs in autumn. Many rivers are rapids. In karst areas there are disappearing and underground rivers. The longest river Cauto - in the mountainous region of the southeast of the country, about 370 kilometers long - originates in the Sierra Maestra mountains. It is navigable for small vessels in the lower reaches for about 120 kilometers.
Lakes are distributed mainly in the low marginal areas of the island of Cuba, the most significant are Algodonal, Leche, El Mango, El Tesoro, etc.
Over 105 reservoirs have been created on the island with a total volume of over 6 km 3, with a total area of about 700 km 2, they are mainly used for irrigation and water supply. Annually renewable water resources are 38 km 3 , water supply is over 3.36 thousand m 3 /person. In year. 69% of water intake is spent on the needs of agriculture, 19% - on domestic water supply, 12% is consumed by industrial enterprises.
natural areas
The western region is distinguished by a mosaic of geological structure and relief, the largest 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 uplands. Dense river network, many swamps. Forests are preserved in the mountains, mainly along the gorges, on the plains - plantations of various agricultural crops.
The central-eastern region is the most flat. The forests are completely reduced and replaced by sugarcane plantations, and pastures on the hills.
The southeastern region is mountainous, with a highly dissected relief and relatively full-flowing rivers. In the mountains - areas of tropical forests, on the slopes - plantations of sugar cane and coffee, pastures.
Southern region (Isle of Youth). Above the surface are small remnant hills. The south is heavily karst, with many swamps. There is no surface runoff. Forests have been reduced significantly, vast areas are occupied by citrus plantations and pastures.
Climate
Mild, tropical, with a pronounced rainy season (May-October). Warm sea currents and northeast trade winds have a strong influence on the climate. The temperature regime is softened by the influence of the surrounding water spaces. The northeast trade winds carrying moisture penetrate almost everywhere, with the exception of deep valleys in the mountains and some sections of the southeast coast; this explains the more moderate temperatures in summer and the generally warm and comfortable conditions in winter. Temperatures are lower on the uplands and on the slopes of northern exposure. The average annual temperature is 25 o C. The average temperature in January is 22.5 o C, and in August it is 27.8 o C. The minimum temperature is 5 o C, the maximum reaches 40 o C. At times, cold air masses invade the northeastern regions of Cuba from the north, lowering the temperature to almost 0 o C.
The annual amount of precipitation in the plains is 1000–1200 mm, in the mountains up to 2200 mm. The rainy and hurricane season starts in May and ends in November. There are two maximums during the rainy season. The June period corresponds to the period of the so-called "zenithal" rains (these are daily repeated 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, on the line of which destructive hurricanes arise, capturing 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 feature of Cuba is high humidity - up to 85%.
In winter the weather is sunny and dry.
Soils
The soil cover of Cuba is characterized by considerable diversity. Fertile dark red ferrolitic soils rich in calcium predominate in the flat areas, they are most actively used in agriculture for growing sugar cane. Less fertile red ferrolitic acidic soils are typical of the lowlands of the Sierra de Trinidad. Ferritic soils very rich in iron, neutral, saturated with calcium and magnesium, are distributed mainly in the north of the central part of the island. Red-brown soils are found throughout almost the entire territory. The most infertile gley-eluvial soils are common on sandy alluvial and coastal plains. For the Zapata Peninsula, for sections of the Caribbean coast, peaty-marly silty-saline soils are typical.
Vegetable world
The flora includes more than 6,000 species of higher plants, of which more than half are endemic, and over 800 are endangered.
Before the beginning of colonization, forests covered more than 50% of the territory, now - only about 10%, mainly in mountainous and wetlands. Thanks to the even climate and fertile soils, more than 3,000 species of tropical fruit plants and flowers grow in Cuba. The moist red and reddish-brown soils of the plains and low slopes are home to tropical rainforests of numerous deciduous and evergreen species, including the royal palm and the cana palm. On the drier and stony soils of the western (Pinar del Rio province), eastern (Nipe Baracoa massif) parts of the island and on the island of Pinos (Juventud), one can see significant tracts of pine forests. In some of the wetter mountain regions, forests of mahogany, guaiac wood, logwood, and cedar woods are found. The low-lying coasts are characterized by mangroves. Some areas, such as the region of the Cauto River basin, are occupied by grass savanna type vegetation. For areas of the southeast coast and some others, thorny small-leaved shrubs with an admixture of cacti and agaves are characteristic.
In the process of development of the territory, mainly lowland forests were reduced. When they were cleared, some trees, including the royal palm, were left untouched, and therefore the modern flat landscapes of Cuba look like a palm savannah. The image of the royal palm is included in the national emblem of the country. Over 50% of the flora of Cuba are endemic (that is, species found exclusively in this region). Among them are some types of orchids and cacti.
The cactus Escobaria cubensis is a very rare endemic species that grows on the southeast coast of Cuba. This is a miniature plant, usually not exceeding 3 centimeters in diameter, and blooming in summer with light yellowish-green flowers 2 centimeters long. The special pride of Cuba is the royal palm. Straight, proud, unbending, reaching 30 meters in height, it grows in all regions of the country and on any soil. No wonder Cubans identify themselves with this strong tropical tree, able to survive hurricane-force winds.
The official flower of Cuba is mariposa - a flower of the ginger family, symbolizing purity, rebelliousness and independence. It is found in the humid river deltas and numerous lagoons of the island, as well as in the gardens of every self-respecting Cuban.
Very interesting is a tree from the laurel family with hanging roots - haguey. In Cuba, you can also see the cork palm, which appeared on Earth in the Cretaceous period. In addition, 5 types of banana palms and many orange trees grow on the island.
Animal world
There are over 12 thousand species of land animals on the territory of Cuba, including at least 7 thousand species of insects. The fauna of Cuba, the largest of the islands of the West Indies, is characterized by a small number of vertebrates and a significant number of endemics. Twenty species of birds living there are found nowhere else, including the smallest bird in the world - the bee hummingbird, as well as the Cuban trogon (the national bird of Cuba) and the enchantingly colored Cuban flatbeak. In addition, nearly three-quarters of Cuba's 150 reptile and amphibian species (some of which are rare, such as the Cuban crocodile), are endemic, as are a significant proportion of butterflies and other animals.
In the east of Cuba, several populations of one of the rarest species of mammals, the insectivorous Cuban flint-tooth, were found. Solenodon cubanus. This species was recently considered extinct and was listed in the register of extinct species. In appearance, it resembles a badger, but differs in the long nose characteristic of insectivores. The Cuban flint tooth was first described by German zoologists in 1861. For all the time that has passed since then, only 37 specimens of this endemic species have fallen into the hands of researchers. Scientists explain this by the fact that animals lead a secretive nocturnal lifestyle, they spend most of their time underground.
On the island of Cuba and the neighboring island of Pinos (Juventud), another endemic lives - the chain-tailed hutia - this is an ancient isolated family of the genus Capromys. Representatives of this genus resemble huge rats, weighing several kilograms. The Cuban hutia konea (Carromyidae pilorides) is the largest mammal living in Cuba. The body of this rodent reaches 50 centimeters and ends in an almost bare tail about 25 centimeters long. The animal has coarse grayish-brown fur. Occasionally light, almost white hutias come across. This rodent prefers to spend most of its time on trees, eating leaves and fruits, sometimes it catches small apolis lizards. In rocky areas, hutia can sometimes live on the ground and even dig holes. Apart from the sholetooth and bats, these are the only native mammals of Cuba.
There are 23 species of bats in Cuba and its adjacent islands, of which the Jamaican fruit-eating leaf-bearer is the most common.
Of the 340 species of birds that inhabit Cuba, many fly only for wintering, there are only 54 local species. Among them, the famous hummingbird bird, weighing only 2 grams, as well as the macaw parrot and small vultures.
The smallest birds on the planet - hummingbirds - are part of the genus of dwarf elves. The smallest of the smallest birds in the world - the bee hummingbird - lives only in Cuba. Hummingbirds are known for their amazing ability to hover in place, which allows them to linger in front of flowers and collect nectar. The question of how these creatures can stay still in the air has intrigued researchers for years. And the American scientist Warrick revealed this secret. It turns out that the flight style of a hummingbird is intermediate between that of birds and that of insects. Hummingbirds get 25% of their lift from their upstroke and 75% from their downstroke, while other birds rely almost exclusively on their downstroke, unlike insects, which get 50% from each of these movements. There are 17 species of macaw parrots, and they all live in areas of Latin and South America. Macaws are the largest members of the parrot order (Psittaciformes). Their characteristic features are a rather bright color, a large beak, the tip of which is sharply bent, a relatively long tail and a large body size. Most species of macaws are gregarious, although some live in pairs. They nest in the hollows of trees. Macaws are by no means silent parrots. They scream unimaginably piercingly, yell, make a sharp rattle. The repertoire completely depends on the vocal data of each particular individual. They can also be quite good "talkers" - macaws pronounce sounds quite clearly. These parrots feed on various fruits, seeds, juice of ripe fruits and nuts, which they crack with powerful beaks. Some species eat snails, finding them on palm trees and other trees. Macaws often fly quite long distances in search of ripe nuts and fruits.
The national bird of Cuba is the Cuban Trogon. Trogons are brightly colored birds that fit well with their exotic beauty in tropical forests. The bright red-white-blue plumage of the Cuban trogon matches the colors of the national flag. It is believed that a trogon deprived of liberty dies of a ruptured heart.
5 species of woodpeckers - golden avocet, Cuban avocet, Bahamian melanerpes, Cuban green, white-billed royal.
Of the insects, termites and fireflies-kokuyo are characteristic, about which Mine Reed wrote that “if you put a dozen of these insects in a glass vessel, then by their light you can read the smallest print ...
The American manatee (Trichechus manatus), a genus of mammals from the order of sirens or herbivorous whales, lives off the coast and in rivers. American manatees live in families. They appear to be monogamous and both animals of each pair are very attached to each other. The female gives birth to one or two cubs. It turned out that manatees are easily tamed.
Deer are found in the forests, serving as hunting prey.
There are no poisonous snakes and animals dangerous to humans on the island, except for crocodiles.
Reptiles include crocodiles, iguanas and other lizards, as well as several types of non-venomous snakes. The Cuban boa constrictor (Epicrates angulifer) is the largest smooth-lipped boa constrictor. These boas are nocturnal and reach up to 4 meters in length. Bats are their favorite prey.
Another endemic species is the Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer Cuvier), living on the islands of Cuba and Pinos (Juventud). Crocodiles inhabit fresh water bodies and spend most of the day in the water. They land on land in the morning and late in the evening. They often lie with their mouths wide open, which is due to the need to regulate body temperature. They lay eggs the size of chickens, and the female remains near the masonry, protecting it from enemies. They hunt at night. In addition to fish, they eat any prey that they can handle.
Blind fish and shrimps live in the reservoirs of karst caves. Of the crustaceans - land crabs and hermit crab.
Specially protected natural areas
Protected natural areas are: the biosphere reserves of the Sierra del Rosario and Guanaacabibes in the province of Pinar del Río; San Felipe Nature Reserve (Los Indios) and Punta Frances Marine Park on the Isle of Youth; Varadero National Park; the natural parks of Bahia de Naranjo and La Mensura and Baconao in the province of Holguin; the Sierra Maestra National Park in the province of Santiago de Cuba and the Alexander Humboldt Park in the province of Guantanamo; nature reserves of El Cabo, Kupelle and others.
Cave "Martin Infierno".
National monument. This cave contains a 67 m high stalagmite - the largest in Cuba and one of the largest in Latin America, as well as two mineralogical sights, known as "Moon Milk" and "Gypsum Flowers".
Viñales Valley National Park.
Lying in the mountains of the Sierra de los Organos, among which are the most interesting Cuban karst valleys, this valley is notable for its "mogotes" - sheer hills with flat tops, but here, in addition, there are such interesting places as Palenque de los -Cimarrones (camp where runaway slaves were hiding), Cave of the Indian, Big Cave "Santo Tomas", healing springs "San Vicente".
Soroa. Among the local attractions are one of the largest orchid nurseries in the world, a waterfall on the Manantiales River and a wonderful natural observation deck of Castillo de las Nubes (Cloud Palace) on top of Mount Loma del Fuerte.
Los Indios Natural Reserve - San Felipe. It is located in the eastern part of the Isle of Youth and is interesting for its high endemicity of flora and fauna.
Topes de Collantes National Park.
Located at an altitude of 800 m above sea level, in the middle of the Escambray massif, this natural protected area is of amazing beauty and of great scientific importance. Among its attractions it is necessary to name the waterfall El-Kabumi - one of the most significant in the country.
South Hibaro.
Hunting reserve, where large colonies of migratory ducks, quails, pigeons "rabice", white-winged pigeons and guinea hens are concentrated.
Tourist complex "Las Terrasas".
Located in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve. Guests can walk along numerous trails, visit the ruins of old French coffee plantations and admire places like Baños de San Juan and Cañada del Infierno.
Punta Frances.
National Marine Park, located in the southwest of the Isle of Youth. It is notable for the beauty of its landscapes and small beaches, which lie under the protection of coral barriers and are separated from each other by coastal cliffs and cliffs.
The Republic of Cuba is unofficially called the Island of Freedom, 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 the history of origin. Some scientists believe that this word came from the language of the local Indian tribes, who called the fertile lands so. Others believe that this is exactly what Columbus called this island at the time of its discovery, giving the island the name of a settlement with the same name in Portugal.
Geographic characteristics
The island is located at the junction of three parts of America - North, South and Central. It is the largest island in the West Indies and represents the majority 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 outlines of the Republic on the map are very reminiscent of a lizard that turned its head towards the Atlantic.
People with mixed national origins live here. When the Spaniards reached the island, the tribes of the Arawak Indians lived on it, as well as those that had moved shortly before that from Haiti. However, in 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 attributed to the white race.
Nature
Rivers and lakes
The rivers on the territory of the Republic are not large. Usually they are quite short and not watery. There are over 600 rivers or streams here, and many of them head north, although there are some that flow south into the Caribbean Sea.
On the banks there are a huge number of swamps, the largest of which is called Zapata. Lakes, like rivers, are small, and most often freshwater, although there are also salty lagoons. The largest lake with fresh water is called Laguna de Leche, and its waters are distinguished by a milky whitish hue, which is due to the content of chalk 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 goes around the Gulf of Mexico. The northeast coast faces the Atlantic Ocean...
Plants and animals
More than 3,000 species of tropical fruit plants and flowers grow in Cuba and the surrounding islands. The forests are represented by both deciduous and evergreen trees, and it is not uncommon to find mahogany or logwood. In the middle of the 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 of Cuba can be noted the almost exterminated already Cuban flint tooth. The island is home to 23 species of bats, as well as many different rodents. Among the birds, parrots and thrushes predominate, as well as flamingos and hummingbirds in large numbers.
Amphibians are represented by alligators and a variety of lizards, including the iguana, as well as turtles and crocodiles. Among the snakes, there are a lot of varieties that are non-venomous and not dangerous to humans. More than 7 thousand species of insects and 500 species of fish complete the fauna of this Republic.
Climate of Cuba
The location in the tropical strip 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 it reaches 27-28 degrees on average. From the beginning of May until October, quite heavy rain showers can be observed, and in autumn hurricanes complete the picture. November to March is 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 that could bring profit to the Cuban budget in the country. The main types of industry are light, textile and food, heavy industry occupies a very small place in the country.
Fertile lands give rich harvests, therefore 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 tangible quantities ...
Map of the island of Cuba.
Cuba (Spanish - 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 "Cubanakan", which is translated from the language of the Taino Indians as "the central place".
The general geographical coordinates of the island of Cuba are determined, as a rule, by its conditional geographical center: 22 ° 00′ 00 ″ s. sh. 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 Velasquez de Cuellar conquered the island, subjugating the indigenous tribes of the Indians, among whom the Taino tribes prevailed, to the Spanish crown. Diego Velasquez 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 native population of Cuba was quickly destroyed, so a large number of slaves were brought from Africa to work on plantations and mines.
In 1823, a popular uprising broke out on the island, the purpose of which was to gain Cuban independence, but the Spaniards manage to brutally suppress it.
Spain lost control of 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 received formal independence in 1933, during this period the United States brought its puppet government to power on the island, headed by dictator Batista.
The year 1953 in the history of Cuba is 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 seizes power in Cuba and announces the construction of a pro-communist state.
In the spring of 1961, Cuban immigrants who fled the island to the United States landed in Cuba in the Playa Giron area, with the goal of seizing power. Castro's troops inflict defeat on the rebels, which forces the US to partially recognize the ruling regime in the country.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Cuban economy falls 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 in the area of the junction of three geological plates that collided with each other during the Miocene, 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 Florida Strait, and from Yucatan by the Yucatan. To the northeast of Cuba are the Bahamas through the Nicholas Straits and the Old Bahama Strait, and to the east, separated by the Windward Strait. There are several islands and island groups off the coast of Cuba, among which it is worth highlighting the rather large island of Juventud, the archipelagos of Los Colorados, Sabana, Camaguey, Los Canarreos, Jardines de la Reina and.
The island of Cuba is elongated from east to west and slightly curved. The coastline along its entire length forms a lot of bays and bays, among which Corrientes, Batabano, Ana Maria, Guacanaybo and others stand out. The shores are mostly low, in some places swampy and, as a rule, covered with mangroves. There are a lot of sandy beaches along the coast, along which there are a large number of resorts.
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, which stretches along the southeast coast. The highest point in Cuba is also located in this mountain system - Turquino Peak, 1974 meters above sea level.
The rivers in Cuba are not full of water and are not long, among them the Cauto River, which flows into the Guacanaybo Bay in the southeast of the island, can be distinguished.
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 most hot in Cuba in August, when the average temperature is + 27-28 ° C. Quite a lot of precipitation falls on the island in the form of tropical showers, their average annual rate is approximately 1400-1500 millimeters. The period from May to October receives the most rainfall, with a pronounced dry season from November to April. It is also worth noting that the island of Cuba is quite often affected by tropical cyclones, which bring heavy rainfall and destructive winds here.
Panorama of Havana as seen from the sea.
Population.
The population of the island of Cuba is approximately 11 million people. It is an ethnic group formed over a long historical period, consisting of descendants of Indians, as well as immigrants from Spain and Africa, which is called Cubans.
The official and most spoken language on the island is Spanish.
The capital of the state 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 inhabited 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, Camaguey, 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 the 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), which are divided into 100 centavos.
Quarters of old Havana.
Flora and fauna.
Flora and fauna, despite the rather impressive size of the island of Cuba and its climatic conditions, are relatively poor. Forests, most of which are tropical, cover only 10% of the island and grow in mountains and wetlands.
The fauna of the island is also poor. Of 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 off the coast.
Cayo Coco beach.
Tourism.
Tourism under any governments and authorities on the island of Cuba was given special attention, since this area of \u200b\u200bactivity was the main source of income for the local budget. Before the revolution, a large number of Americans rested 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 a priority role to the tourism sector 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 luxurious 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 an object of medical tourism. A large number of tourists come to the island for qualified medical care, usually from Russia and Eastern Europe.
Beach and hotel complex Varadero.
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 experience. Time stopped in Cuba about three decades ago. And you still have the opportunity to see the world of the past.
What is it, Cuba on the map
In the north of the Caribbean Sea there is a very interesting, original and uniquely memorable country, the Republic of Cuba. It covers not only the central island, but also several smaller ones. It is divided into 16 provinces, also includes the municipality of the Youventud Islands. No matter how large the area of 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 white, blue and red. The three blue stripes represent the Spanish parts of Cuba, the two white stripes represent independence, the red triangle represents equality, and the star represents freedom.
Cuba covers a total area of 110,860 square kilometers and is 1,250 kilometers long. The state borders on the United States, Mexico, Jamaica and the island of Haiti. The climate here is tropical, the temperature ranges from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Where the name of the Island of Freedom came from is not fully 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 the island of Cuba was named by Columbus in honor of the village of the same name in Portugal.
History of Cuba
Cuba has gone through a difficult path in the period of its formation. These lands have seen many revolutionary actions. The first civil uprising took place as early as 1823, when the locals decided to fight for an independent Spain. From 1868 to 1878, battles were fought here during the Ten Years' War for the independence of the Cuban people. This was followed by a number of revolutionary leaders, bringing to Cuba their orders and principles of government.
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 "left" revolutionaries took the lead. 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, there were not enough jobs. Stability was achieved only by 1994.
The church in Cuba operates according to its own rules, because everyone here has the right to their own religion. Mostly they profess Catholicism. But sometimes there are examples of Protestantism and African cult, which are built on the sacrifice and worship of various pagan gods.
They speak mainly in 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 the status of the capital in 1902, and at the moment it is the cultural, economic and political center of the country.
A lot of museums have been built in the city, in particular the Colonial, the National, the José Marti House Museum and the Museum of the Revolution. Also here you can see many old restored houses of the XVI-XVIII centuries. Also opened is the house-museum of the great writer Ernesto Hemingway, who was utterly in love with Cuba.
The second largest city in Cuba 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.
In the center of Cuba in 1514 the city of Camagüey was built. 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, Campestre Casino Park.
How to organize an unforgettable vacation in Cuba
Despite the fact that Cuba is not the richest country, there will definitely be something for a tourist to see here.
The bell-shaped Cathedral of St. Christopher rises in the capital, the building is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was built from 1767 until the end of the 19th century, the frescoes of Giuseppe Perovani became the crowning achievement of architectural creation. The bells are made of bronze with an admixture of silver and gold.
Be sure to 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 hotel "Seville" was built for tourists, and the old Capitol towers nearby. Walking along the boulevard in the evening, you will certainly see the Bolshoi Theater and Central Park. Walk a little more - and you are on the Malecon.
The picturesque and one of the largest parks, Sierra del Rosario, can be seen if you get to the Rosario ridge. The large park is a protected area with a length of 250 kilometers. This land is home to a rainforest 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 and not look into 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 brackish 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 that Ernest used to see. 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
You will definitely not find such another country anywhere in the world. And there are plenty of quirks on Liberty Island. Accustomed to bans, repressions and restrictions, Cubans have some other permissiveness. Surprisingly, the activities of Masonic lodges are still legal here. To this day, there is an organization of Masons, including a little less than 300,000 local residents.
But there are more restrictions. For example, one of the strangest rules is the ban on catching and eating lobsters by locals. This product is considered exclusively for tourism 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, of course, is 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 the coveted picture, make sure it's legal. It is strictly forbidden to photograph administrative and military buildings, cars and any other places. There are a lot of KGB officers in all cities, but it’s better not to risk taking photos or videos with them. If you are photographing locals or taking 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 is presented by a traditional cabaret with bright Cuban costumes. Ticket price - 95 Cuban pesos, this amount includes a pass to the event, a glass of champagne, a can of Coca-Cola and a bottle of rum. Cabaret tells the rich history of Cuba from the time of the Indians to the dictators of Castro.
Cuba and tourism
What does a tourist do when he gets tired of the sights or when there is a little less than a couple of hours left before the plane? Of course, go shopping!
The Caribbean coast is rich in its ocean sights and beauties. In local souvenir shops you can buy bracelets and figurines made of tortoise shell. It will be interesting for musicians to bring bongos, for fashionistas - a guayabera shirt. Well, where without traditional portraits of Che Guevara, who look at tourists from T-shirts, cups, key rings and other things.
You are unlikely to have to buy products, but you will not be able to do this very well either. In Cuba, everything is issued on coupons, and supermarkets work for tourists. To tell the truth, there are only two large shopping centers in Cuba, and then in the capital.
What to try in Cuba?
Of course, drink a glass of rum and, if tastes permit, smoke 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 for a relatively small price.
When it comes to restaurants, things are not going well. There are no large five-star restaurants with arches and waiters in butterflies in Cuba. And even small cafes for three tables with a thatched roof are called a restaurant here. But they cook in all establishments quite tasty. Sea food is widespread. The same lobsters and lobsters that are relatively inexpensive here.
All about Cuba for tourists
To visit Cuba you will need. The Embassy of the Island of Freedom warmly welcomes Ukrainian tourists, 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 documents can be easily extended at the Ukrainian embassy.
Will cost you about 500-700 dollars. to Cuba ranges from 25 to 50 thousand hryvnia. The hotel will cost in a tourist city about 1500 - 2600 hryvnia per day. In smaller towns, hotels cost about
1000 - 1500 hryvnia per day. You can give yourself a truly heavenly pleasure and rent a house, villa or cottage on the coast. This luxury will cost 800 - 2200 hryvnia per day.
Regarding the currency, it is worth knowing one fact. 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, which is designated as CUC. This is the so-called convertible peso, which corresponds to the usual one as 1:25, respectively. Interestingly, in any city in Cuba, both currencies are accepted. And the magic still exists.
Video - 13 interesting facts about Cuba
On the account of money, it is also important to know that there are no terminals in the local stores. So you should always carry cash with you. It is better to immediately withdraw a large amount from ATMs, because the commissions there are literally extortionate. Part of the amount should be kept close to you, and part should be left in the safe of the hotel or villa. And in general, all valuable things 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 in Cuba on a large scale. You can use it only with the help of a map in certain places. Or in the central districts 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 discouraged Cubans will gladly share their experience with you from the old memory. Ukrainians are habitual guests in Cuba. Once upon a time, a tour to Cuba was organized for the children of Chernobyl. Now everything is getting better, and Cuba is still waiting for our countrymen. The point is small - to clarify where Cuba is located, order a visa, book a hotel and fly to a meeting for a sunny vacation.
