Cuba is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, situated in the east of the Gulf of Mexico, south of the Straits of Florida, northwest of the Windward Passage, northeast of the Yucatán Channel, west of the North Atlantic Ocean. Also, 48 miles of Haiti, 87 miles of Jamaica and 90 miles of the United States across the Straits of Florida. The country has a land area of 109,884 sq. km, and its capital, Havana, is an administrative center and a major port.
The Land area 109,884 square kilometers (42,426 square miles), makes it the eighth-largest island country in the world. The Colorados, the Sabana-Camagüey, the Jardines de la Reina and the Canarreos surround the main island of Cuba. Cuba boasts of a coastline of 5,746 kilometers (3,570 miles) and land borders of 28.5 kilometers (17.7 miles), including the U.S. Navy’s Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. Sierra Maestra mountain range, located in the southeast of the island, with the highest point being Pico Turquino at 1,974 meters (6,476 feet). Other major cities include Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey.
The people of Cuba are a diverse group with a population of 10,966,038 people. The ethnic groups consists of whites (64.1%), Mulatto or mixed (26.6%) and Blacks (9.3%). The official language is Spanish. Major religions include Christianity (58.9%), Folk religion (17.6%), Buddhism (<1%), Hinduism (<1%), Judaism (<1%), Islam (<1%), Other (<1%) and None (23.2%). The people of Cuba are known as Cubans.
Cuba food and drink
Cuban cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices, and is often characterized by its rich flavors and aromas. Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines, and features a variety of delicious dishes. Some popular Cuban foods include Rice and beans, Roasted pork, Fried plantains, Cuban sandwiches, Fried yuca, Grilled corn on the cob, Cuban coffee, Flan, Chicharrón, Croquetas, Empanadas and more.
Touring Cuba
Visa requirements to enter Cuba include a passport with at least six months remaining validity, a return ticket, proof of financial solvency, health insurance, a visa or tourist card, which can be obtained online, at the airport, or at a Cuban consulate, a completed visa application form, a passport-size photo, payment for the visa application fee, proof of status in the country of residence (for non-nationals), a business letter and business invitation (for business visas), a certificate of police clearance, medical certificate, and proof of qualifications (for work visas), a letter of sponsorship, list of equipment, and a letter detailing the reason for travel (for journalist visas), a birth certificate, high school diploma, proof of language proficiency, and health certificate (for student visas) and proof of permission for residency and proof of family relationship (for family visas). For further information, https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu.
Cuba attractions :
Old Havana (Habana Vieja): a well-preserved slice of Cuban history
Varadero: One of Cuba’s most famous beach destinations
Trinidad
Guardalavaca
Playa Paraíso, Cayo Largo del Sur
Cayo Coco: one of its most isolated beaches
Parque Nacional Viñales (Valle de Viñales)
Baracoa: the oldest city in the country.
The Malecon, Havana: the Malecon is Havana’s famous seafront promenade.
Che Guevara Mausoleum, Santa Clara
Places to avoid
Certain neighborhoods in Havana, like Centro Habana and Habana del Este, which can be rough around the edges.
The border areas with Haiti and the Dominican Republic, due to drug trafficking and smuggling activities.
Some areas of Santiago de Cuba, like the Tivolí neighborhood, which has a high crime rate.
Areas with military presence or restricted access, like the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.
Beaches with strong currents or riptides, like the ones in Varadero.
Unlicensed accommodations or casas particulares, which may not meet safety standards.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and wearing expensive jewelry or watches, especially in crowded areas. A 7!!!
