By cube. Cuba - everything a tourist needs to know about Liberty Island
"Cuba libre" or Liberty Island. White sand of sunny beaches, endless ocean expanses, bright nature, unique architecture, rum and cigars - all this and a little more THERE about Cuba.
General information about Cuba
Location
The free Republic of Cuba is located not far from the shores of the northern and South American continents, separated from them by the waters of the Strait of Florida. The state occupies the islands of Cuba, Youventud and about 1,600 smaller islands with a total area of 110,860 km².
The southern coast of the main island of the country goes to the waters caribbean, and the northwestern and northeastern beaches are washed by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Population
According to the population department of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the population of the republic in 2017 is 11.4 million people.
Currency
The national currency is the Cuban peso CUP, CUC. At the rate of 1 peso = 1 US dollar.
Useful phone numbers
Phone country code: 53
Phone code for Havana : 7
Call from Cuba: 119 - your country code - area code - phone number.
Call to Cuba: 8 - international call code - Cuba code - area code - phone number.
Embassy of the Russian Federation: (+53 7) 204-10-85
Russian Consulate: (+53 2) 268 61 46
emergency services(Havana):
- Police: 116
- Honey. help: 40-50-93
- Firemen: 78-85-41
On the territory of the country:
- National police: 82-01-16
- Firemen: 81-11-15
- Honey. help: 24-28-11
Payment and exchange in Cuba
In tourist areas, convertible pesos are in circulation. Because of the warm relations between the island communist state and the Empire of Good, which is jealous from the other end of the Florida Strait, it is better not to fly with evergreen presidents on vacation. When exchanging US dollars, you may be charged a commission of 10 to 20%. Therefore, already experienced tourists recommend coming here with the Euro. Interestingly, it is almost impossible for a tourist to meet an inconvertible Cuban peso (CUP).
If it is more convenient for you to use Visa/MasterCard cards, please note that:
- Visa is accepted in more establishments than Mastercard;
- When visiting small shops or cafes, it is better to have cash with you, as there may not be a payment terminal;
- Card transactions are taxed at 11.24%.
tourist memo
A stay in Cuba should be as colorful as possible, you may need to add colors to your everyday wardrobe. You have every chance of becoming a fan of Cuban cigars after visiting their homeland, but smoking in public places is prohibited.
If you meet a cow on the way to the beach or during the excursion, be extremely careful. This animal is sacred to Cubans, and the death of a cow in your presence can lead you to unpleasant conversations with representatives of the local police.
It is also important for a tourist to know that photographing government institutions, military equipment, soldiers, policemen prohibited. In addition, before photographing a Cuban, be sure to ask him for permission.
What is the Cuban people like?
Cuba is a multinational and multicultural country where the blood and traditions of the peoples of Africa, Spain, Italy, Britain, Germany, Cuban and American Indian tribes, immigrants from China, France, as well as Jews resettled during the First and Second World Wars were mixed.
Local, friendly people. Do not rush to refuse an offer to play dominoes or share a meal. Do not be surprised if you are asked to have a drink in a cafe at your expense. And if the hotel or hostel staff asks you to leave personal hygiene products (razors, shaving foam, etc.), remember that this is due to the high cost and inaccessibility of the latter for poor citizens.
Security on Cuban soil
The people in the communist republic are friendly, but poor. It is better not to show cash and expensive accessories. Watch your belongings so as not to become a victim of petty scammers and pickpockets. At night, walking in poor areas is not recommended due to the high probability of being attacked.
Climate in Cuba, when is the best time to go
The most favorable time for rest is the period from November to April.
Windsurfers will enjoy summer when the highest peaks rise during the rainy season. big waves. The dominance of hurricanes between October and November can overshadow the rest, but in fact you can plan a vacation in Cuba at any time of the year.
Due to the small area, you can go around Cuba in a few weeks of rest. So that you do not miss anything important, our website has prepared for you a list of cities and resorts that you must visit.
Capital Havana is a city of opposites. Here, modern skyscrapers stand next to colonial pre-revolutionary mansions in which ordinary people live. The city is full architectural monuments, and interesting places. Havana dazzles with white beaches, treats with gourmet cuisine and lures with the sounds of salsa. The El Floridita bar, one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite places, deserves special attention. If you are not interested in the bar, visit the writer's house museum and then go to the Roma Museum. For those who are not tired of day trips, it is important to know that closer to the night the city turns into one big disco filled with unbridled energy. It's time to visit the Tropicana cabaret show, which has been famous all over the world since 1939.
Santa Clara
Santa Clara a place memorable for the Cuban revolution, where Comandante Che Guevara derailed the armored train of the dictator Batista. The wreckage of the same train remains at the crash site to this day, they are the pride and attraction for the inhabitants of the country. In addition, a mausoleum named after Ernesto Che Guevara was erected here, and if you are an American citizen, then you may not be allowed into it.
Santiago de Cuba
home of street culture Santiago de Cuba. Music on the streets of the town sounds on every corner. By right, this place is considered the cradle of Cuban melodies and rum, because Don Facundo Bacardi was born here.
Trinidad
If it is interesting to see the island as it was in the 18th century, then the city Trinidad is the best place for it. The authentic atmosphere of this place is amazing. Cobbled roads, colonial-style houses, sugar plantations and, preserved echoes of the old days, houses for slaves.
Matanzas
Matanzas the capital of the province of the same name is known for a large number of bridges, for which it was nicknamed the "Cuban Venice". The province of Pinar del Río is interesting to visit, where you can visit the tobacco plantations and admire the views of the Viñales Valley, which received the title of "Cultural Landscape of Humanity" in 1999.
Cuban resorts
Varadero
Varadero- the oldest of the resorts, a popular and truly heavenly place with turquoise waters of the ocean and white sandy beaches. The resort can be called a classic Russian holiday, everything is always included here. Round-the-clock bars, a buffet table in a restaurant with cuisines from all over the world.
Holguin
Holguin- resort elite business VIP class. Hotels are mostly five-star. Visit this place for the sake of luxury, tranquility and sophistication.
guardavalaca
guardavalaca, one of the best resorts for diving, famous for its coral reef. Esmeralda is a place of emerald beaches. For lovers of original parties, it will be interesting to be at the cave disco of Cayo Coco.
juventud
juventud, known as the island of Youth (located 100 km from the island of Cuba) is interesting for its nature reserves. It is said that R. L. Stevenson described the image of Treasure Island from the landscapes of Youthud.
Cayo Largo
Speaking of pirates, it's hard not to mention La Yana - this is an ancient tree located on the island Cayo Largo. According to legend, it served as a guide for pirates of the Caribbean when they buried their stolen gold.
These are just a few of the places you can visit during your stay in this country. Even if you come to Cuba several times a year for several years, this country will always find something to surprise and entice you.
Entertainment and recreation on Liberty Island
The very thing for which thousands of tourists come to rest every year is diving. Undersea world interesting not only for beautiful coral reefs, but also for the many sunken ships off the coast. Windsurfers can catch waves off the sandy shores, those who don't want to (or don't know how to swim) dive into the embrace of the ocean in a submarine.
The main monuments of Cuban architecture are concentrated in several of the most famous cities among tourists. In the capital of Cuba, Havana, you can see many cathedrals, including Cathedral St. Christopher. And you better not brag that you have been to Cuba without visiting the Armory, Cathedral and Old Square state capitals.
Memorial to Che Guevara in Santa Clara, a cigar factory Francisco Donatien» in Pinar del Rio, caves with rock paintings Mantanas. On the Isle of Youth is a prison Presidio Modelo", which is a copy former place conclusions of F. Castro, prisons " Joliet"(Illinois). natural scenery and National parks more than make up for the small number of architectural sights, many natural areas of Cuba are under the protection of UNESCO.
Coming to rest in the period from July 15 to August 15, be sure to visit the carnivals that take place in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, as these are unforgettable colorful events full of dance music and colorful dresses. And lovers of smoking will be interested to know about the festival of Cuban cigars of international level taking place at the end of February.
And where are we without shopping, because you need to buy something sort of, truly Cuban - cigars, rum and coffee. Black corals and products from them are popular among tourists. AT shopping malls Havana or Casa del Habano chain stores will not deceive you and sell goods of good quality.
National Cuban cuisine
Creole cuisine prevails in Cuba. The main national dishes are prepared from pork and chicken. Meat is prepared in many different ways. Among the national dishes cuisine - "Creole ajiako" - one of the main ones. It is prepared from pork and vegetables with the addition of a good portion of spices. Also you should try:
- lobsters with lemon;
- crocodile meat;
- turtle meat and eggs.
Fresh fruit slices are often served with each course. Delicious and strong coffee is brewed. The main national drink is rum, which is part of almost all local cocktails.
Most restaurants are concentrated in resort and tourist areas, it is recommended to visit them with cash. The cost of a meal for one person in a good establishment is from 30 to 40 pesos, simpler establishments will cost no more than 15 pesos, and in an eatery you will leave a maximum of 5 Cuban coins. Tipping is 10% of the check amount and it is better to give it to the waiters. And if you decide to eat in a bar, you are unlikely to succeed. In colorful Cuban bars you have to drink, and from food you will get the most nuts, well, or chips.
Cuban hotels
The most common hotels in Cuba are 4-star hotels, although for those who do not really plan to stay within four walls, there are a sufficient number of 2- and 3-star hotels. But for lovers of luxury, there is not much to choose from, so there are literally a few hotels in 5 stars. Most of the hotels on the island of freedom represent well-known global chains that operate on the system " all inclusive". Check-in at a hotel in Cuba takes place at 15:00, check-out is at 12:00. Cunning Cubans leave themselves three hours to clean the room before the arrival of the next guests, so you can safely make a claim if you find unwanted traces of previous guests.
How to get to Cuba
For a convenient and comfortable flight to Cuba, Good THERE recommends using the services of Aeroflot, which organizes permanent, direct flights Moscow-Havana. If residents of Russia will fly non-stop, then citizens of the CIS countries are recommended to fly through Moscow, or through Europe on the appropriate flights.
A direct flight from Moscow lasts about 12 hours, a flight with transfers through Europe from 16 to 20 hours. Ticket prices start at 55,000 rubles per adult. Cheaper can be obtained through the registration of permits. So with accommodation in a three-star hotel for 7 days and nights, the cost of a tour is on average from 60,000 rubles.
Pros and cons of vacationing on a Cuban island
No matter how heavenly place Cuba seems to you, OK THERE recommends paying attention to negative sides holidays in this beautiful country:
- the sun is much more intense and brighter than the inhabitants of the CIS countries and Russia are used to, in order to avoid sunburn, stock up on sunscreens;
- evening beach holiday small insects can spoil, it is necessary to have protective sprays and creams with you;
- do not drink raw water, but alcoholic drinks ask for chilled ones without ice, as Cuban water contains a lot of bacteria that are harmful to an unaccustomed tourist;
- beware of marine life: moray eels, sea snakes and urchins and "Portuguese boats";
- be aware of the poverty of the population, which can provoke individuals to want to rob you if you openly show your valuables and cash.
All these are just warnings, because it is better to prepare in advance so that your vacation is not overshadowed by anything, and you can enjoy positive aspects trips:
- feel the atmosphere of freedom;
- enjoy the white sand beaches;
- soak up the cultural spirit of Cuba by visiting festivals and carnivals;
- admire the beauty of Cuban nature;
- try cigars and rum in their homeland;
- dive into the depths of the ocean to view its treasures;
- meet and chat with new people.
A video about Cuba will complement our article
In Cuba, everyone will find something interesting for themselves. Expand your boundaries, the world is not in our apartments and phones. Travel, feel, learn new things. Good THERE wishes you a pleasant stay on Liberty Island.
Cuba is an island of beauty, health and fun, which annually receives many foreign tourists, including Russians. Of course, everyone who is going to visit Liberty Island is interested in what language is spoken in Cuba. It is especially important to know this for those who plan to visit the country for the purpose of treatment.
State language of Cuba
Speaking about which language is the state language in Cuba, it should be noted that Spanish is considered as such here. This was the result of the colonization of the island by the Spanish conquerors in the 16th century.
The rooting of the Spanish language in Cuba took place in several stages. Initially, the island was inhabited by Indian tribes of the Tains, Guanahanabeys and Siboney, who spoke their own dialects. But in 1492, the ships of Christopher Columbus arrived here, and between the Spaniards who landed on the island and the indigenous population, a painful search for mutual understanding began, as a result of which the Spanish language underwent significant changes. This explains why the Spanish language, or rather, the Cuban dialect of Spanish, has become widespread in Cuba.
After the extermination of a significant part of the local population, the Spaniards began to bring slaves from Africa to the island to work on the plantations. This contributed to the connection to the process of formation of the Cuban version of Spanish also African dialects, which have their own characteristics. And after the liberation of Cuba from colonial dependence, the formation of Cuban Spanish was significantly influenced by the English language, which was brought by the Americans, who replaced the Spaniards.
Thus, the national language of Cuba is Spanish, but it has significant differences from traditional Spanish. Moreover, sometimes they are so significant that, having heard the local speech, it is impossible to immediately understand what language is spoken here. The Cuban variety of Spanish even got its own name Espanol Cubano.
That is, to the question of what language is official in Cuba, the answer is unequivocal - Spanish. And if you know this language, you will be able to communicate with the local population, despite some differences in pronunciation.
Popular languages on Liberty Island
When answering the question of what language is spoken in Cuba, it should be noted that although the main language of the country of Cuba is Spanish, there are residents here who speak other languages, such as French or English. But there are few of them on Liberty Island. Most often they can be found on popular resorts(Varadero, Cayo Coco, Holguin, etc.) where they work in restaurants, hotels and large entertainment centers. Most of the locals do not consider it necessary to know and understand even the most common phrases in English. Moreover, if one of them knows this language, then he answers it extremely reluctantly. This attitude towards English is explained by not the warmest relations that have historically developed between Cuba and the United States.
Despite this, there is a special category of Cubans on Liberty Island. They are called "friends". They are fluent in English and even specifically study the language in order to earn money on foreign tourists. The "friends" offer help with housing, booze, cigars, and more, and are usually extremely friendly. They impose themselves on tourists and spend whole days with them, counting on a kind of maintenance on their part, for example, treats to food and drinks or monetary rewards.
Language courses in Cuba
When planning a trip to Cuba, you need to understand that without knowledge of the Spanish language, communication with the locals will be very problematic, so it would be a good idea to learn the basic phrases in Spanish before the trip. And you can take up the study of Spanish right on the island - good, language schools in Cuba, they offer both individual and group classes of different levels of intensity for visitors of any age. In addition, it is possible to combine Spanish lessons with music or dance classes. 
The most popular language schools in Havana are Jakera, StudeTeam Cuba and Study & Live in your Teacher's Home (Learn and live in your teacher's house). The latter program provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the culture and traditions of this country through the study of the language. In addition, you will be the only student, which will allow you to quickly learn the language.
It should be noted that studying Spanish on Liberty Island is in no way inferior to studying at the same courses in Spain.
Do they speak Russian in Cuba?
Among countries Caribbean there is not a single state where the Russian language is as widely spoken as in Cuba. This is due to the many years of friendship between the Soviet Union and Cuba. A large number of Cubans were once educated in the USSR, many Cubans married to Russian women live here. People still drive Soviet cars on Liberty Island, use equipment manufactured during the Soviet era, and watch Soviet movies and cartoons, only in Spanish.
Geography of Cuba
The island of Cuba, which is part of the Greater Antilles, located in the Caribbean Sea. The length of the island is 1,199 km, the area of its territory is 105,006 square meters. km. Most of the island is occupied by hilly plains, in the southeast of the island there are the Sierra Maestra mountains with the highest point in the country - Turquino Peak (1975 m).
State structure of Cuba
The Socialist Republic of Cuba is headed by the President of the Republic of Cuba, who is elected by the National Assembly of People's Power for a five-year term. The main judicial body of the country is the Supreme Court of Cuba. The main body of executive power of the country is the National Assembly of People's Power.
Weather in Cuba
The peak tourist season in Cuba falls on Christmas, Easter and in the summer months - July and August, when hotels and other service businesses raise prices. In July and August, Cuba has very hot, dry weather. Most the best time for holidays in Cuba falls on the period from January to May (the weather is warm, there is no threat of hurricanes).
Language of Cuba
Spanish is the official language of Cuba and is spoken by most of the country's population. Immigrants speak Catalan and Corsican. English, German and Italian are the languages of tourism.
Religion in Cuba
About half of the Cuban population are adherents of Catholicism. About 4% of the population professes Protestantism, local folk beliefs are also common on the island.
Currency of Cuba
The monetary unit of Cuba is the Cuban convertible peso (CUC) and the Cuban peso (CUP). Basically, the country uses Cuban convertible pesos.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at bank branches and exchange offices international airports. The commission for the exchange of US dollars is 8%.
International bank cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants and shops.
Customs restrictions
It is forbidden to import weapons, narcotic and psychotropic substances, antiquities, precious metals into the country. It is allowed to export cigars (23 pcs).
You can import duty-free:
- Tobacco products (200 pcs.)
- perfumery
- Medicines and items for personal use.
Tips
In Cuba, it is customary to leave 10% of the bill for tea. The hotel maids leave 1 dollar.
Souvenirs
Tourists bring coral jewelry, tortoise shell, national musical instruments (for example, bongos) from Liberty Island. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of capturing the famous Cuban rum and Cuban cigars from Cuba. Don't forget the famous Cuban blouse, the guiabera.
Office Hours
Banks are open from 8:30 to 12:00 and from 13:30 to 15:00 (Mon-Fri), on Saturday they are open from 8:30 to 10:30. Sunday is a day off.
Most shops in the country are open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. Do not forget about the midday siesta, when all commercial establishments are closed. On Saturday, shops are open from 9 am to 3 pm. Big supermarkets in tourist centers open at 10 am and close at 8 pm.
Photo and video shooting
Photo and video filming of strategically important objects (airports, bridges), as well as military equipment is prohibited.
Security
Cuba has a generally calm criminal environment, however, in Central Havana there is a high probability of being robbed, especially at night.
The medicine
Cuba has fairly high standards of medical care. Most types of medicines can be found in local pharmacies. Tourists are advised to take out medical insurance before entering the country. In large cities, tourists are provided with modern clinics with staff who speak English language.
Mains voltage:
220VCountry code:
+53First level geographic domain name:
.cuEmergency Phones:
National Police: 82-0116
Fire brigade: 81-1115
Ambulance: 24-2811
Representative offices of Cuba in the territory of the Russian Federation:
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Temperamental as a salsa rhythm, elegant as an orchid flower, Cuba has always attracted tourists with the warmth and hospitality of the locals. Tourists who have visited Cuba at least once assure that after two days of staying in this beautiful country, there is a feeling that you are in a paradise... 0 |
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Cuba
Cuba is the most big Island in the West Indies and one of the largest islands in the world. Resembling a crocodile shape, a long, narrow island is located in the western Caribbean Sea on the border of the Gulf of Mexico. The Cuban archipelago lies in the western Caribbean Sea. According to its history, culture, language and customs, Cuba is part of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Geography of Cuba
Area - 110992 sq. km.
The highest point is Turquino Peak 1974 m.
The longest river is Cauto 370 km.
The island is 1200 km long and 210 km wide at its widest point. The Cuban archipelago covers an area of 110,992 km2 and has more than 300 natural beaches covered with white sand and surrounded by crystal clear waters. The most famous beach in Cuba is Varadero. The landscapes of Cuba are very diverse. There are valleys, mountains and hills here. The main mountain ranges of the country are the Cordillera de Guaniguanico in the west, the Escambray in the center and the Sierra Maestra in the east. In the mountains of the Sierra Maestra is the most high mountain countries, Turkino Peak (1974 m above sea level). The rest of the island is a fertile plain.
On the island you can admire the many caves. Most of the rivers in Cuba are small, but they are very fast-flowing. Rivers flow down from the mountains, forming beautiful waterfalls. Of particular interest are the Agabama and Salto del Carbuni waterfalls. The longest river in Cuba is Cauto (about 370 km), which flows in the eastern part of the island. There are many reservoirs and lakes in Cuba. Amateurs come here - ornithologists, because Cuba is a place of migration of resettled birds.
National symbols of Cuba
Mariposa "white butterfly", a variety of white ginger, characterized by a very delicate aroma. The national bird is the tocororo, the Cuban trogan, a native bird whose plumage combines the colors of the Cuban flag. The national tree is the Royal Palm. These palm trees grow all over the island.
Economy of Cuba
It is a centralized system based primarily on sugar production and tourism. The tourism industry is developing at a rapid pace. Canadian, Spanish, European corporations are investing huge amounts of money in Cuba. In addition to sugar, Cuba produces tobacco, coffee, rum, honey, cocoa, and also grows citrus fruits. Cuba is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Important sectors of the Cuban economy are the production of building materials, fishing, nickel mining (the country has the largest open reserves of nickel in the world), copper, magnesium and chromium. Another important source of income for the country is the money sent by Cubans by emigrants, most of them living in Florida, to relatives who remained in Cuba.
Flora and fauna of Cuba
Differs in richness and variety. There are more than 300 nature reserves here, which occupy approximately 22% of the country's territory. UNESCO has declared six areas of Cuba biosphere reserves: the Guanacabibes Peninsula, the Sierra del Rosario, the Ciénaga de Zapata National Parks in the west, El Caguanes in the central part, and the Baconao and Cuchillas del Toa parks in the east of the island. Cuba is home to four percent of the entire flora of our planet. The most interesting types of Cuban vegetation are orchids, cacti and palm trees. Among the animal world there are endemic species, especially among reptiles and amphibians. The most characteristic of Cuba are crocodiles, which are bred on special farms. More than 400 species of birds are found in Cuba, there are also extremely rare ones, for example, the smallest bird in the world, the sunsuncito, or bird-fly. The smallest toad in the world, a tiny butterfly bat and a scorpion, whose length does not exceed 14 mm, also live here.
Economy of Cuba
It is a centralized system based primarily on sugar production and tourism. The tourism industry is developing at a rapid pace. Canadian, Spanish, European corporations are investing huge amounts of money in Cuba. In addition to sugar, Cuba produces tobacco, coffee, rum, honey, cocoa, and also grows citrus fruits. Cuba is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Important sectors of the Cuban economy are the production of building materials, fishing, nickel mining (the country has the largest open reserves of nickel in the world), copper, magnesium and chromium. Another important source of income for the country is the money sent by Cubans by emigrants, most of them living in Florida, to relatives who remained in Cuba.
History of Cuba
The written history of Cuba begins on October 28, 1492, when the caravels of Christopher Columbus approached the island. Prior to this, Cuba was inhabited by three Indian tribes. The Guanatabeians were cave-dwellers, the Siboneans were hunters and fishermen. The Indians of the tribe were secretly engaged agriculture. They moved to Cuba from the territory of modern Venezuela and were the most developed and largest group on the island.
Cuban population
It is more than 11.1 million people. The population density is 101 inhabitants per km 2. 75% of the island's population lives in cities, 25% in rural areas. Cuban cities are a mixture of architectural styles. The most populated provinces are Havana with 2.2 million people, Santiago de Cuba and Holguín with half a million people each. An amazing community of people arose in Cuba. White Europeans (mostly Spaniards), black descendants of African slaves and Asians from the Chinese community have long lived here. Today, half of the Cubans are mulattoes. Cubans are very sociable, talkative and cheerful.
Cuban lifestyle
This is one of the pleasures awaiting tourists. Cubans love the nightlife. At night you can dance, listen to music in the style of a dream. Music plays a very important role in the life of Cubans. You will come across a huge variety of musical styles, from traditional salsa to charanga and African rumba rhythms.
Religion in Cuba
The official religion on the island is Catholicism. However, the Afro-Cuban beliefs, called Santeria, which bizarrely mixed the foundations of Catholicism and the cults of the Yoruba people living in Nigeria and Benin, have a greater influence on Cuban culture. Religious rituals are performed right in the houses. Cubans arrange altars at home and decorate them with the attributes of the god they prefer to worship.
Official language of Cuba
The official language is Spanish. AT resort areas widely used English, German, Italian. Cubans are a proud people. They really want to make a good impression on foreigners and try to speak English: but if you say even a few words in broken Spanish, they will really love you. Cubans speak Spanish relatively quickly compared to other Latin Americans.
Time
It is 7 hours behind Kiev, and 8 hours behind Moscow.
Currency unit
The monetary unit is the Cuban peso (CUP), equal to 100 centavos. There are banknotes of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos, as well as coins of 1 and 3 pesos. There are coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 20 cents.
Tourists must pay only in foreign currency, mainly euros or US dollars, so it is advisable to have more small bills with you.
When you change, you may be given the so-called Cuban convertible peso (CUC). This type of peso is equal to the dollar: 1:1. This is a new Cuban banknote that has nothing to do with the "wooden" Cuban peso. These banknotes are accepted everywhere and are exchanged on a par with US dollars. Most ATMs only dispense convertible pesos, while the bank accepts both dollars and convertible pesos. In order not to get into trouble - the convertible peso should be written "convertible" (convertible). As a rule, they are given in small denominations of 1, 5, 10 pesos. The exchange rate of the old Cuban peso to the dollar is approximately 1:25. A convertible Cuban metal coin circulates on a par with American cents. Often they give change to both. Convertible pesos cannot be exchanged outside of Cuba, so try to spend or exchange them before you fly. Currency can be exchanged both at the hotel and at exchange offices that operate around the clock.
Avoid travelers checks and American Express cards. Cuba accepts the main international cards VISA, MASTER, DINNER`s CLUB. Credit cards issued by any US bank are not accepted.
Tourist fees
When leaving the country, an airport tax of 25 USD is paid. e
Car rental
It is very difficult for a foreigner to do without a car while in Cuba. In order to rent a car in Cuba, you will need a driver's license from your country or an international driver's license. You must be over 21 years old and the rental company will require your passport.
There are several car rental companies in Cuba. The main car rental companies in Cuba are Transautos and Havanautos. When renting a car, make sure that the tank is full so that you do not have to rush around in search of a gas station on the first day. In general, car rental is quite expensive (from $60). There are no particular problems with gasoline, although gas stations are much less common than we are used to. Outside of Havana, you can easily find gasoline for $0.5 per liter, but here you have to be careful not to fill it with donkey urine. In addition, before taking the car, you need to carefully examine it for defects, which should be noted in the contract. If the trip route involves trips to roads with poor coverage (trips along the coast, going to the beach), then you need to take only a jeep.
Number plates on cars in Cuba have different colors, indicating the affiliation of the a/b: yellow - private, black - diplomatic, brown - rent-a-car. There are also red ones, blue ones ... There are a lot of police in Havana, but they don’t touch cars with black and brown (tourist) numbers. If you clearly break the rules in the presence of a policeman, he has to turn away or lower his eyes - "he didn't see anything, that's why he didn't whistle." In addition, cars with such numbers enjoy certain benefits, such as driving through tunnels that are closed for repairs, connecting parts of Havana, parking in unauthorized places, etc.
A bike
Many people move around the city on bicycles. You can rent a bike from the Capri and Riviera hotels ($1 per hour) or from local resident for $1 a day. You cannot leave your bike on the street. It is better to do this at a bike stand for 1-2 pesos. For all problems with your bike (flat tire, puncture, misadjusted seat, etc.), contact Pocheria's small workshops.
Phones
Cuban telephone company - ETESCA. Phone cards can be purchased at ETESCA hotels, shops and call centres.
If you are calling to Cuba, dial the international prefix (i.e. 10) followed by the country code (53 for Cuba) followed by the local code and phone number. The number of digits in local telephone numbers may vary depending on the size of the city.
Private phones in Cuba must be called through an operator and prepaid.
Calls from abroad to Cuba: 10 - 53 - local code - local phone.
Calls from Cuba: 119 - country code - telephone number. For direct dialing: 0 - area code - telephone number
Gastronomy
The main products of Cuban cuisine are pork and chicken cooked in various ways, rice and black beans. You can enjoy good seafood such as prawns, lobsters, kaguama (turtle meat), octopus in garlic sauce, (we recommend private restaurants that cook at a high level and at reasonable prices). And, of course, exotic tropical fruits.
The shops
As souvenirs from Cuba, you can bring black coral and jewelry made from it, tortoise shell products (especially bracelets and hairpins), coffee and handicrafts. Jewelry made of black coral in a gold or silver frame, as well as items made from tortoise shell. Don't forget to buy one or two bottles of unique Cuban rum and real Cuban cigars. When buying products made of crocodile skin, ask the seller for an export license, otherwise this souvenir will be confiscated during customs control. A good gift from Cuba would also be tumbadora or bongos - percussion musical instruments used in African melodies. Another gift is the guayabera, a shirt worn by officials in the tropics.
And, of course, you can not ignore cigars and rum (the cost of a bottle of rum is from $5). To buy good cigars or learn about their production, you can contact Real Fabrica de Tabaco Partagas (c.Industria, 524). The shop on the ground floor of the factory sells all kinds of Cuban cigars. The most expensive are Cohiba Lanceros ($230 for 5 pieces).
Food is better to buy in stores or supermarkets. In INTUR tiendas stores, you can buy food, clothes, medicines, electronics and souvenirs for foreign currency. You will probably have to use the foreign exchange shops, as pesos can only buy books and medicines.
Cuban cigars
It is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to the question of what drives cigar fans when choosing a particular cigar. But many connoisseurs are of the opinion that Cuban-made cigars are superior to all other cigars in quality and taste. There is something elusive about Cuban cigars that gives them that famous range of qualities so appreciated by connoisseurs. Bright Cuban sun, special air humidity, rich fertile land, experienced hands of craftsmen? Probably, all this and much more has made Cuban cigars the most famous, a symbol of quality and style.
It is forbidden to import: fresh products, plants, drugs and pornographic materials, medicines without indicating the brand of the manufacturer, cars, motorcycles and spare parts for them. It is forbidden to export: singing and exotic birds, bark and wood of valuable species, skin and feathers of exotic animals and birds, cultural values. To export works of art from Cuba, you will need an official export stamp. Such a document will be issued to you in most specialized stores. When leaving the country, a customs fee is charged.
Mode of stay and movement
There are no restrictions on movement around the country for Ukrainian and Russian citizens.
Lost things
To report the loss or theft of personal documents or belongings, contact the nearest police station or a policeman. You may have to wait a long time for your application to be accepted. Remember to make a photocopy of the main pages of your passport in case the original is lost.
Holidays and non-working days
Holidays Throughout the year, Cuba hosts many festivals, celebrations and fiestas.
January- January 1 (national holiday) - Liberation Day, 1959
February– International Book Fair
March- International Puppet Theater Festival
April– Celebration of Spanish-Cuban culture
May- 1 May International Day of Workers' Solidarity; May parades and festivities; national festival folk dances
June– Outdoor concerts; Havana carnival; Festival of Cuban Rural Culture - (national holidays)
July- July 26 - Day of the National Uprising, 1953), Celebration of the culture of the Caribbean peoples; Carnival in Santiago de Cuba.
August- International Festival of Cuban Music.
September– Pilgrimage to the image of Our Lady del Cobre; theater festival
October- October 10 (national holiday) Day of the beginning of the war for the independence of Cuba from Spain, 1868); Contemporary Music Festival; Festival of Spanish Culture; International Ballet Festival.
November- Salon of contemporary Cuban art; Celebration in honor of the founding of Havana; International Festival of Choral Singing.
December- December 25 - (national holiday) Christmas; International Latin American Film Festival; Folk Art Festival.
See also:
Physical and geographical characteristics
Geographical position
Relief of Cuba
Relief
The relief of Cuba is predominantly flat. Hills and mountains occupy about a third of the territory. The tallest mountain range Sierra Maestra stretches along the southeast coast for 250 km. Its highest point is Turquino Peak (1972 m). The picturesque low mountains located in the west of the island are intricately dissected and poorly populated.
Minerals
Cuba occupies one of the leading places in the world in nickel mining (2nd place in the world in terms of reserves and 3rd in production), has significant reserves of chromium, manganese, iron and copper ores, asbestos, rock salt, phosphorites. Oil and gas fields have been discovered in the west of the country.
Climate
The climate of Cuba is tropical, trade winds. The average annual temperature is 25.5 °C. average temperature the coldest month (January) is 22.5 °C and the hottest (August) is 27.8 °C. The temperature of surface waters off the coast in winter is 22-24 °C, in summer - 28-30 °C. The average annual rainfall, usually in the form of showers, is 1400 mm, but dry years also occur frequently.
There are two distinct climatic seasons in Cuba: rainy (May-October) and dry (November-April). The rainy season accounts for 3/4 of the total annual precipitation.
A feature of Cuba's climate is typical high humidity throughout the year. The combination of high humidity and high temperature has a generally unfavorable effect on people's lives. However, on the coast, the wind from the sea moderates the heat, brings freshness, and in the evenings, coolness. In any place, the winds are distinguished by a certain constancy, so you can often see trees whose trunks also have a corresponding slope.
Cuba is subject to the action of tropical cyclones, which originate in the summer-autumn period (June - mid-November) east of the Lesser Antilles and in the west of the Caribbean Sea, then moving towards Florida. Typhoons are accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds that can cause great damage to the economy and the population of the island. The rivers in Cuba are short and shallow. Forests, covering about 10% of the territory, have been preserved only in mountainous and swampy areas. Animal world sushi is relatively poor. At the same time, in the waters surrounding Cuba there are valuable commercial fish, molluscs, lobsters, shrimps, and sponges.
Administrative division
Cuba is a federation. For political and administrative purposes, the national territory is divided into 14 provinces and the special municipality of Isle of Youth.
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Transport
Railroad map of Cuba
The island of Cuba has Railway(Cuban Railway, Spanish) Ferrocarriles de Cuba), network highways. Maritime and air communications have been established with other countries. Cuba's leading airline, Cubana de Aviación, has offices in 32 countries around the world.
Connection
After Castro came to power, the development of telecommunications on the island turned out to be extremely difficult. Cuba, however, received a lot of help from the Soviet Union, which provided some resources, such as communication channels.
In 2003, there were 2 ISPs operating on the island. National domain Raul Castro abolished the rules for using mobile phones in the country, the national telecom operator - the company ETECSA - from April 14, 2008 began to provide communication services for ordinary citizens. In Cuba, the GSM 900 standard is currently in effect, and in some areas of Havana and the resort of Varadero - GSM 850.
Population
Story
The first European to be here was Columbus, who landed in the east of the archipelago in October. In Diego, Velasquez de Cuellar subjugated the indigenous population of the islands, built Fort Baracoa and became the first Spanish governor of Cuba. By the year seven settlements had been founded. In Cuellar, he moved his headquarters to Santiago de Cuba, which became the first capital of Cuba. Colonization took place in the conditions of struggle with the indigenous population of the island - the Taino Indians, who made up 75% of the population.
- The first uprising for gaining independence was suppressed in the city.
- The Ten Years' War for Cuban Independence began in the city; the rebels were backed by the US. Hostilities reached highest point in 1872-73, but then the rebels fought only in the eastern provinces, Camagüey and Oriente. In a peace agreement was signed, which eliminated the most unpleasant legislative acts for the inhabitants of the island.
- In Cuba, a detachment of Cuban patriots landed under the leadership of José Marti. This event became the starting point of a new war with the Spaniards, during which the Cubans gained control of almost the entire territory of the island, excluding big cities(see Cuban War of Independence).
- In the city of the United States began a war with Spain, in which they won. Cuba becomes dependent on the USA. The constitution stipulated the right of the United States to send troops to the territory of the country. This item was canceled in
- In the city, as a result of a coup organized by revolutionaries led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista, the dictator Gherardo Machado y Morales was overthrown and a democratic regime was established.
- On March 10, Mr. Fulgencio Batista carried out a coup d'état and established a personal dictatorship.
- On July 26, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro attempted to capture the Moncada barracks. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the participants in the assault ended up in prisons, but this event became the starting point of the Cuban Revolution. In the city, the revolutionaries were amnestied. December 2 a new group revolutionaries landed from the Granma yacht in the east of the island and began hostilities against the Batista government.
- On January 1, the dictator Batista fled Cuba. At that moment, the rebel forces occupied the city of Santa Clara in the center of the island and controlled large areas of the area in the east, although the capital was not in immediate danger, and Batista remained at the disposal of significant military forces. Amid the power vacuum created by Batista's flight, on January 8, the rebel column entered Havana, where it was greeted with popular rejoicing.
As a result of the victory of the revolution, the left-wing government headed by Fidel Castro gained power in Cuba, which then leaned towards the path of building socialism and is in power to this day. The country's ruling and only permitted party is the Communist Party of Cuba. The government of Fidel Castro carried out agrarian reform, the nationalization of industrial assets, launched broad social transformations, which alienated many groups of the population, and the result of the process was the mass emigration of dissatisfied people, mainly to the United States, where a large diaspora of opponents of Castro and his policies was created.
- In April, Cuban emigrants, with the active support of the United States, landed an armed assault on south coast islands with the aim of organizing a mass protest against the policy of the new government in the future, but the intervention was quickly suppressed, and the expected social explosion did not occur. Subsequently, emigrant organizations repeatedly organized terrorist attacks and small-scale landings on Cuba, but without much result.
From the early 1960s to the early 1990s, Cuba was an ally of the USSR, which provided significant financial, economic and political support, actively supported the Marxist rebels and the Marxist regimes of Latin America (Puerto Rico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Bolivia, Peru , Brazil, Argentina, Chile), Africa (Ethiopia, Angola) and Asia, and also pursued a policy of providing humanitarian assistance to various countries of the world. In the late 1980s, more than 70,000 Cubans were abroad on military and humanitarian missions.
Executive power is vested in the Chairman of the State Council (Head of State) and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Head of Government).
The ruler of Cuba since 1959, Fidel Castro, announced his resignation from the post of chairman of the State Council and commander-in-chief of the Cuban troops. Castro's address to the people was published on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 by the Granma newspaper. “To my dear fellow citizens, who have given me the immeasurable honor of electing me as a member of Parliament, in which the most important decisions for the fate of the revolution will be made, I inform you that I do not intend and will not give my consent to take the post of Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief,” it says. in an address by Fidel Castro, published on the newspaper's website.
Economy
Advantages: The tourism industry attracts foreign investors. Export of sugar and nickel. Elite cigars. The banking sector is strengthening.
Weak sides: due to the US embargo, lack of access to important markets and investments. Acute currency deficit. Fluctuations in world prices for sugar and nickel. Sophisticated trade restrictions and a lack of regulation discourage investment. Bad infrastructure. Shortage of fuel, fertilizers and spare parts. Hurricane damage in 2001
There are different points of view regarding the level of development of Cuba before the revolution. According to a number of sources, in terms of GNP per capita, Cuba was ahead of Spain and Japan at that time. Robin Blackburn also wrote that Cuba was one of the richest countries in the underdeveloped category. Professor Maurice Halperin, who worked in Cuba immediately after the revolution, objected to the use of the term “underdeveloped” for pre-revolutionary Cuba, which, in his words, causes false associations with truly backward countries, and proposed calling it “medium developed”. On the other hand, the Groningen Growth and Development Centre, having carried out their own retrospective calculations using a special method, obtained data stating that Cuba was inferior to these countries and a number of Latin American ones in the year.
| Source | Robin Blackburn | Humberto (Bert) Corzo | NationMaster | Angus Maddison | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units | U.S. dollars | USD PPP | U.S. dollars | geary-khamis dollars | ||
| Year | 1953-1954 | 1958 | 1960 | 1960 | 1953 | 1960 |
| Cuba | 360 | 356 | 4399 | 1900 | 2363 | 2052 |
| Spain | 250 | 180 | 396 | 396 | 2528 | 3150 |
| Mexico | 284 | 353 | 353 | 2439 | 3025 | |
| Chile | 360 | 551 | 551 | 4112 | 4392 | |
| Costa Rica | 230 | 381 | 381 | 2353 | 2605 | |
| Japan | 254 | 471 | 471 | 2474 | 3289 | |
| USA | 2881 | 2793 | 10613 | 11328 | ||
According to statistics, in 1951 there were 122 thousand cars in Cuba for 5.5 million people, that is, 1 car for 41 people. At the same time, according to the authors of the Area Handbook for Cuba, “all this, as a fact, does not matter, since there were de facto two Cubas, in one the elite lived beautifully and comfortably, and in the other the most necessary things for life were not available » .
In 1960, a massive nationalization of the private sector was carried out. Currently, Cuba has one of the most state-owned economies in the world. In the second half of the 60s. the government is trying to abandon central planning in favor of sectoral planning and is moving towards experiments involving morale incentives and the widespread use of free forced labor. The fall in the level of production and the avoidance of forced labor forced a return to Soviet-style central planning. In the 1970s - 80s. with the help of the countries of the socialist bloc, the basis of the industry is being created in Cuba.
The main branch of the Cuban economy is the sugar industry. The capacities of sugar factories in Cuba are capable of processing 670 thousand tons of sugar cane per day (production of 9-9.5 million tons of sugar per year). In the past, the industry developed extensively thanks to the support of the CMEA.
The Cuban government, in order to attract foreign investment, creates free economic zones (FEZs). In 1996, a law was adopted on the procedure for the creation and functioning of free economic zones. The term of the concession for the right to operate in the SEZ is 50 years. In 1997, three SEZs (Mariel, Havana City and Wahai) began to operate.
Exports nickel, sugar, tobacco, seafood, medical products, citrus fruits, coffee. The main export partners are the Netherlands, Canada, China. In November 2004, during a visit to Cuba by Chinese President Hu Jintao, an agreement was reached that China would invest $500 million in Cuba's nickel industry. In January 2008, Brazilian President Lula da Silva and the head of the Cuban state oil company, who visited Cuba, import oil products, food products, industrial equipment, and chemical products. The main import partners are Venezuela, China, Spain.
The banking system of Cuba consists of the Central Bank, 8 commercial banks, 13 non-banking financial institutions, 13 representative offices of foreign banks and 4 representative offices of foreign financial institutions. There are 2 types of currency in Cuba. Citizens of Cuba receive black and white Cuban pesos, foreigners receive colored (convertible) pesos when exchanging currency. Western media reported on the currency fraud of the top Cuban leadership and the family of F. Castro.
Since 1962, a card system has been operating in Cuba, products are issued according to the same norms for the whole country. According to Cuban experts, at present, the population receives from 40 to 54 percent of the minimum required calories from products distributed by cards. Milk is given free of charge by the state to children under 6 years of age or purchased by the population in the market. Throughout the post-revolutionary years, there was a black market in Cuba. A number of goods, the distribution of which by cards is carried out irregularly or intended only for beneficiaries, are still purchased on the black market.
In 2008, Cubans were allowed to buy cell phones, computers and DVD players, as well as 19 and 24 inch televisions, electric pressure cookers and electric bicycles, car alarms and microwave ovens (but only for convertible currency).
According to the BBC broadcaster, there is an increase in prostitution and corruption in Cuba. The average monthly salary in Cuba is $12, but there are many government benefits. For example, free clothes are given to workers. There is a free medical care and free higher and secondary education.
Foreign policy
Russia
From the very beginning of the revolution in Cuba, the attitude of the leadership of the CPSU towards the Island of Freedom was ambiguous, in some ways similar to the position regarding the SFRY. First, neither the Castro brothers nor their associates were formally Leninists. Their theoretical base was limited to the legacy of Marx and Engels. Secondly, among other things, Cuba was fundamentally not part of military blocs. Highly appreciating freedom, since the Belgrade Conference (Yugoslavia, September 1-6, 1961), Cuba has been one of the most active participants in the Non-Aligned Movement. It joined the CMEA only in 1972 .
Participation in international organizations
Immediately after the revolution, about 3 thousand doctors left the country. However, this shortcoming was filled by the organization of the medical education system. Currently, the Cuban health care system is considered one of the best in the world and has extensive primary health care and scientific development programs. Cuba has the lowest infant mortality rate in Latin America. All types of medical care are free.
Education
Cuba has a traditionally high educational level of the population. Since the beginning of the 20th century, there has been a system of state free 9-grade elementary education for children from 6 to 14 years old (the ninth grade was optional, the rest are mandatory). In 1932, 90% of school-age children attended elementary schools (state and church). In 1951, illiterates accounted for 22% of the adult population, which was lower than in Spain and pre-war Italy. In 1961, a massive campaign to eradicate illiteracy began. As a result, in 1980 the number of illiterates was only 2%, and in 1990 Cuba became a country of complete literacy. A public secondary and higher school was created. During the 60s. the number of students has doubled (from 717 to 1.5 million) with a population growth of 1-2% per year. In total, counting all stages of education, the number of people covered by them has tripled.
Currently in Cuba there is a compulsory nine-grade education (the average is 12-grade education). There are 50 higher education centers. Education at all levels is free.
Main educational institution country is the University of Havana, located in different parts of the capital. Until 1999, Russian was also taught there as the main foreign language (faculty of the Pais brothers). The work of this faculty was supervised by the Central Moscow State University. After 1999, English became such. Other universities in Cuba: Agrarian University of Havana.
The science
Art
Cuba in music- Muslim Magomaev . Cuba my love
- Guantanamera - song
Religion
In Cuba, the church is separated from the state, and the Cuban Constitution guarantees freedom of religion for the people. The most common religion is Catholic.
Despite the peculiarities of socialism as a socio-political system that has dominated the country for many decades, Cubans are quite religious. Even members of the Cuban Communist Party are not prohibited from attending churches. Catholic churches exist throughout the country. Even after the victory of the revolution, masses are celebrated daily and solemn services are held on national or local religious holidays.
With the arrival of black slaves on the island, various beliefs of African origin spread. Over time, three main currents were formed from them, which still exist and are popular today. This is Regla de Ocha (Spanish. Regla de Ocha) or Santeria (Spanish. Santeria), Las Reglas de Palo (Spanish. Las Reglas de Palo) and La Sociedad Secret Abaqua (Spanish. La Sociedad Secreta Abacua). As a result of the historical process, a mixture of Catholic dogmas and African cults was also formed. For example, the Most Pure Virgin of Mercy of Cobra is considered by Catholics to be the patroness of Cuba. In Santeria, she goes by the name Ochun.
In recent years, Protestant churches have begun to appear, especially in the provinces.
Sport
Military establishment
Guard at the mausoleum of José Marti
The Cuban Army (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias - FAR) is the main armed formation of Cuba, providing its national defense.
media
The daily newspaper of the Island of Freedom "Granma" bears the name of the yacht of the same name, on which a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro landed in Cuba to carry out a guerrilla struggle against the Batista regime. The newspaper is the official guide and promoter of the policies pursued by the Cuban Communist Party (CCP). Once a week, Granma Internacional is published in English. Also, the press of Cuba is represented by such publications devoted to the problems of economy, tourism, finance, culture, politics, such as Opciones, Bohemia, Juventud Rebelde, Trabajadores.
Notes
- As a result of the Spanish American War.
- http://www.echo.msk.ru/news/425116.html
- http://som.csudh.edu/cis/lpress/devnat/nations/cuba/cuba3.htm
- Raul Castro: Between Deng Xiaoping and Gorbachev
- Robin Blackburn. The economies oh the Cuban revolution// Fidel Castro's Personal Revolution in Cuba: 1953-1973. Edited with an Introduction by James Nelson Goodsell, The Christian Science monitor. Consulting Editor Lewis hanke, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. New York, 1975, p. 134
