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General information


Population : 11.2 milion people (106th in the World,12th in the Americas)
Total Area : 109,884 km^2 (104th in the World,19th in the Americas)
Official languages : Spanish
Official currencies : Peso and Convertible peso(CUP and CUC)
Capital : Havana
Population density : 102 people/km^2 (106th in the World,28th in the Americas)
Top 5 biggest cities : Havana,Santiago de Cuba,Camagüey,Holguín,Guantánamo

The Republic of Cuba is one of the world's last remaining socialist countries following the Marxist–Leninist ideology. The Constitution of 1976, which defined Cuba as a socialist republic, was replaced by the Constitution of 1992, which is "guided by the ideas of José Martí and the political and social ideas of Marx, Engels and Lenin".The constitution describes the Communist Party of Cuba as the "leading force of society and of the state".
The First Secretary of the Communist Party is concurrently President of the Council of State (President of Cuba) and President of the Council of Ministers (sometimes referred to as Premier of Cuba).Members of both councils are elected by the National Assembly of People's Power.The President of Cuba, who is also elected by the Assembly, serves for five years and there is no limit to the number of terms of office.

The country is subdivided into 15 provinces and one special municipality (Isla de la Juventud). These were formerly part of six larger historical provinces: Pinar del Río, Habana, Matanzas, Las Villas, Camagüey and Oriente. The present subdivisions closely resemble those of the Spanish military provinces during the Cuban Wars of Independence, when the most troublesome areas were subdivided. The provinces are divided into municipalities.







National sport : Baseball


National animal : Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus)


National plant: Cuban royal palm(Roystonea regia)




National instrument: Cuban tres





The significance of the 1st of January


The 1st of January commemorates the ousting of then president Fulgencio Batista on the 1st of January 1959, 6 years after the beginning of the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro and his 26th of July Movement, whose members also included Raul Castro and Che Guevara. By ousting Batista, the movement replaced his government with a new one, structured after a revolutionary socialist state.









Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro was a legendary survivor -- besting what Cuban officials say were more than 600 attempts to kill him.He lived much of his long life in the spotlight -- and much of it in the cross hairs -- surviving a half century of assassination plots.

His would-be assassins are alleged to have plotted to kill him in a variety of ways, including poisoning him, dosing his dive suit with fatal botulism and blowing him up during a speech. Many of the plots were spectacular failures. More Wile E. Coyote than Jason Bourne.
"More people have tried to murder the world's most famous socialist than any man alive," according to the 2006 British documentary "638 Ways to Kill Castro."



Few had as much reason to want Castro dead as the American mafia. Before the revolution, US mobsters paid off Cuban officials to let them operate hotels, casinos and brothels on the island, just 90 miles from Florida but well out of US jurisdiction.
Castro brought the party to a crashing halt, seizing the mobsters' casinos and hotels and sending them scurrying back to the States.

And that led to an unusual partnership.

A CIA agent met with mobster Sam Giancana in Miami in 1960. Giancana agreed to help the American government kill Castro and even said the mob would waive their usual fee, according to declassified CIA reports.

"Sam suggested they not resort to firearms, but if he could be furnished with some type of potent pill, that could be placed in Castro's food or drink," according to a "Secret - Eyes Only" CIA cable that was released in 2007 as part of a Freedom of Information Act request.
Cyanide pills were delivered via the mob's contacts to the former Hilton Hotel in Havana, now nationalized and renamed the Hotel Habana Libre, the CIA documents show. It served chocolate milkshakes that Castro adored.

But on the night that Castro turned up, it all went wrong for the mob assassin, according to Fabián Escalante, a retired Cuban intelligence officer who looked after Castro for decades.
"They ordered a chocolate milkshake, and in the rush and nervousness brought on by the moment for which he had prepared himself for over a year, he broke the capsule of poison while trying to pick it up, as it had stuck to the shelf of the freezer in which it was hidden," Escalante wrote in his book "Executive Action: 634 Ways to Kill Fidel Castro."



The CIA tried pills again, recruiting an erstwhile lover of Castro's to deliver the poison.
Marita Lorenz had met and fallen in love with Castro shortly after the revolution, she wrote in her 1993 memoir, "Marita: One Woman's Extraordinary Tale of Love and Espionage from Castro to Kennedy."
They had a whirlwind romance, but then, Lorenz wrote, the CIA recruited her when she visited the United States.
She was sent back to Cuba with poison pills, Lorenz remembered. But when she got to Havana, she found that the pills had dissolved in the jar of face cream where she had hidden them and, worse yet, Castro was aware of the plot.
"Are you here to kill me?" Lorenz recalled Castro asking her, and then handing her his pistol as they met in a hotel suite for a tryst. Instead of shooting Castro, according to Lorenz, she fell into the Cuban leader's arms.



Over the decades Castro became one of the longest-ruling heads of state in the world, but the plots against him never abated. According to Escalante, Castro was targeted with sniper rifles, explosive-laden baseballs, poisoned cigars and pistols disguised as news cameras. All failed.
Even in his fifth decade of power, Castro was still calling out plots against him. In 2000 at the 10th Ibero-American Summit of Latin American and European leaders in Panama, Castro publicly denounced what he said was another attempt about to be made against him.
"They are already in Panama and they have introduced weapons and explosives," Castro said, holding up a photo of one of his most persistent foes: Luis Posada Carriles.

Posada was a Cuban exile and former soldier in the CIA sabotage campaign against the Cuban government. He had been accused by Cuban officials in the 1976 downing of a Cubana airliner and the 1997 bombings of hotels in Havana.
Posada, his face riddled with scars from what he said was a failed attempt by Cuban agents to kill him, has at various times both denied and admitted playing a role in the airplane and hotel bombings.

The plan, Castro said, was to blow him up while he gave a speech to a Panamanian university.
Panamanian police arrested Posada and three other Cuban exiles who were indeed in the country. The men were convicted of endangering public safety but then controversially pardoned.











Places to visit:


Havana









As the capital of Cuba and the major transport hub, virtually all visitors will spend at least some time exploring Havana. This sophisticated, retro and cosmopolitan city is known for its spectacular nightlife, but days offer just as much excitement. Start in La Habana Vieja, or the Old Town, where crumbling colonial buildings and vibrant mid-century structures stand side by side. Don’t leave Havana without watching cigars being rolled by hand in a small factory, or tasting some local rum fresh from the distillery. Mingle with the locals along Malecón, the seawall right along the coast that offers sea views and plenty of fun.

Trinidad









For those with a love of history or architecture, Trinidad is a great place to visit in Cuba. The heart of Trinidad is Plaza Mayor(1), the main square surrounded by neo-Baroque buildings. Next door to the plaza is a colonial convent that now houses the Museum of the War Against the Bandits, or the Lucha Contra Bandidos. After exploring the museum, walk uphill away from the Plaza Mayor to shop for handicraft souvenirs. Popular items for sale include hand-sewn tablecloths and napkin linens. Another of the breathtaking structures in Trinidad is the Palacio Brunet Mansion(4), which now serves as the Museo Romantico. Visit to admire a fantastic collection of 19th century artworks and antiques.





Viñales Valley






While Cuba has several national parks, none is so beautiful and accessible as the one located in the Viñales Valley. Viñales is known as a stunning destination, and history tells that it was Castro’s favorite place on the island. The valley is surrounded by mountains, tobacco still grows to manufacture iconic Cuban cigars and countless caves add an extra ounce of adventure for the intrepid traveler. One of the most popular caves is the Cuevas del Indio, or Indian Caves, where you can actually take a boat ride completely within the cavern system itself.


Varadero








Just a short drive from Havana is Varadero, a popular beach resort town found on Hicacos Peninsula. Many miles of coastline let you enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the white sandy beaches and blue warm waters really are stunning to behold. While the gorgeous beach is the reason why Varadero is among the best places to visit in Cuba, there is plenty more to do. Parque Josone is a gorgeous park filled with botanical gardens, lakes, wildlife and bridges, not to mention music, vendors and even camel rides for kids. Also worth exploring are the Bellamar Caves, an extensive cavern system that been available to visitors for more than 150 years.


Santiago de Cuba










Located in eastern Cuba, Santiago de Cuba is a coastal city known for its colonial history. Santiago de Cuba was founded in the 16th century by the Spanish, and it is known as the Second City of Cuba. The heart of the city is the Parque Cespedes, a central plaza that is surrounded by a number of historical Spanish colonial structures. In more recent history, the plaza was where Fidel Castro famously declared the revolution a success in 1959. You can also explore the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, a 17th century fortress overlooking the bay.




Cienfuegos






Cienfuegos is a city in Cuba that is unlike others on the island. Since it was founded by the French, rather than the Spanish, it has a unique atmosphere. The city is known as La Perla del Sur, or the Pearl of the South. For those who appreciate mid-century modern architecture, the peninsula of Punta Gorda is a must see. There are still many 1950s homes, many of which have been carefully preserved. The center of Cienfuegos is Pueblo Nuevo, where you can explore the history museum, dine at an outdoor cafe or take a Spanish or French language lesson.



Cayo Largo del Sur






Cayo Largo del Sur, also known just as Cayo Largo, is a small island off the mainland of Cuba. If you are visiting Cuba in order to find gorgeous, uncrowded beaches, then it makes sense to visit the resort-like island of Cayo Largo. The largest and most popular beach on the island is Playa Sirena, the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun. Common activities on Cayo Largo include swimming, snorkeling, surfing and kayaking. The Marina is a hub for the island, and it is also where you’ll find the fascinating sea turtle hatchery, which offers regular tours to visitors.








Inventions Cuba gave to the world!

*Cuba Libre!



*Mojito!



*CimaVax-EGF - vaccine against certain forms of cancer!



*Heberprot-P! - medication for diabetic foot ulcers, that prevents the need for amputation



*Cuban cigar!







Famous people from Cuba

Fidel Castro - Cuban communist revolutionary and politician who governed the Republic of Cuba as Prime Minister from 1959 to 1976 and then as President from 1976 to 2008. Politically a Marxist–Leninist and Cuban nationalist, Castro also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from 1961 until 2011. Under his administration, Cuba became a one-party communist state, while industry and business were nationalized and state socialist reforms were implemented throughout society.
(1926-2016)

Gloria Estefan - Cuban-American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman.
She started off her career as the lead singer in the group called "Miami Latin Boys" which was eventually known as Miami Sound Machine.
Estefan's breakthrough success with "Conga" in 1985 made her known worldwide. The song became Estefan's signature song and led to the Miami Sound Machine winning the grand prix in the 15th annual Tokyo Music Festival in 1986.In the middle of 1988, she and the band got their first number-one hit for the song "Anything for You". She is a contralto.
(born 1957)

José Martí - Cuban National Hero and an important figure in Latin American literature. During his life, he was a poet, essayist, journalist, revolutionary,philosopher, translator, professor, publisher, Freemason, political theorist, and supporter of Henry George's economic reforms. Through his writings and political activity, he became a symbol for Cuba's bid for independence against Spain in the 19th century, and is referred to as the "Apostle of Cuban Independence.
(1853-1895)

Andy García - Cuban American actor and director. He became known in the late 1980s and 1990s, having appeared in several successful Hollywood films, including The Godfather Part III, The Untouchables, Internal Affairs and When a Man Loves a Woman. In the 2000s, he starred in Ocean's Eleven and its sequels, Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen, and The Lost City.
(born 1956)

Desi Arnaz - Cuban-born American actor, musician, and television producer. He is best remembered for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the American television series sitcom I Love Lucy. He co-starred on that show with Lucille Ball, to whom he was married at the time. He and Ball are generally credited as the inventors of the syndicated rerun, which they pioneered with the I Love Lucy series.
(1917-1986)








Traditional food


Arroz con pollo



A traditional dish if there ever was one, this one-pot delicacy combines the incredible flavors of saffron and cumin to give the rice that golden hue.

Cuban sandwich



This classic which requires five key ingredients: ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. And, of course, Cuban bread. When you’re pressed for time, go for a deli-style honey ham like in this easy recipe, which takes just 10 minutes to make. Don’t skip out on the panini press, though, since it gives it that extra special texture of a true Cubano.

Fried sweet plantains



These can (and should!) be served as a side dish with virtually any and every Cuban dish. All you need are ripe plantains and some fearlessness when it comes to frying them up. When choosing plantains, make sure the edges are fairly curved and the peel is almost completely black.

Picadillo cubano



The next time you see a ground beef sale at the supermarket, grab some to make this dish filled with extras like potatoes, raisins, olives and tomatoes. Serve with a side of plain rice, and let it soak in all of the flavors like you would with a nice chili.

Yuca con Mojo



If you’re having company over and looking to impress, this side is sure to do it; it’s often served around the holidays and is great for BBQs. Prep ahead of time and bring extra mojo sauce for dipping — or coating on your favorite ready-for-the-grill meat.

Lechon Asado





Traditional desserts

Cuban pumpkin flan



Dessert doesn’t get any better than this creamy and delicious concoction full of traditional fall flavors. It’s much easier to make than you ever imagined, and you won’t be able to resist the DIY caramel after trying your hand at this recipe.


Buñuelos de Anís



These anise-scented Cuban fritters are a sweet twist on donuts and churros.



Traditional drinks

Cuba Libre



Nothing like a rum and Coke with a squeeze of lime to cool you off on a hot day. An ideal, sweet sip to wash down any of the dishes here.

Daiquiri



It’s time to return to the classic Daiquiri. Rum, lime juice, simple syrup and a few shakes with ice is all it takes to create one smooth sip.







Interesting facts about Cuba


1.Cuba has the highest doctor to patient ratio in the world. There are so many doctors in Cuba, that doctors are often sent abroad to countries with a great need of medical professionals.
2.Dance is very important in Cuba, the birthplace of classic dance styles like the Bolero, Mambo and Cha Cha.
3.Until 2011, an import ban in the country meant that the only cars found on the roads were classic cars from pre-1959. Since 2011, the ban has gradually been lifted to allow more modern vehicles on the roads.
4.Cuba is the most populous country in the Carribean.
5.Every child in Cuba between the ages of 6 and 15 is required to attend school. Every school child wears a uniform, and the color of their uniform depicts their grade level.
6.Cubans refer to the island of Cuba as El Cocodrilo, which translates into the word crocodile. This is because from an aerial view, the island resembles a crocodile.
7.It has only snowed once in Cuba. This rare event occurred way back in 1857.
8.Government vehicles in Cuba must stop to pick up hitchhikers.
9.Cuba is known for its cigars, which are thought to be the finest in the world. All premium Cuban cigars are manufactured by the same company.
10.Cuba has two different currencies: One type is used by natives, while tourists use the other currency.






My 5 words when I hear about Cuba:
#Cigar,#Cocktail,#Rum,#Castro,#Carribean

What are your 5?





Sorry for the little delay but New Years Eve kept me really busy.



Waiting for feedback , comments , opinions and if there is anyone that thinks I missed something , I could do something better or just wants to help me with this project , PM me !

Special thanks to Kariky for the spacers !!



Hope you enjoyed and see you next time!

P.S. Article 34/74!










P.S.2. Don't forget to push the flags !