Whereas in popular culture it’s primarily recognized for rum and cigars, these are undoubtedly not Cuba’s solely attracts. Cuba is a brilliant, bustling, and vibrant nation, with unimaginable structure, wealthy tradition, and equally wealthy wildlife. It’s a hotspot for divers, photographers, historians, and lots of others. It’s a welcoming nation, with a pleasant inhabitants as vibrant because the surroundings.
Whether or not you’re keen on automobiles, road artwork, music, nature, superb food and drinks, or the buildings themselves, there’s something for everybody to get pleasure from; Cuba might as nicely be an unlimited, dwelling museum. It’s a rustic wealthy in historical past and keen to present to others, be they locals or guests.
Having been to Cuba quite a lot of instances now, we are able to undoubtedly say it’s well worth the go to.
Pondering of touring there in your subsequent vacation? Listed here are 20 fascinating info about Cuba to know earlier than you go.
1. Cuba is the biggest island within the Caribbean
Cuba has an space of 109,884 km² and a inhabitants of round 11.5 million individuals, making it the biggest and most populous nation in all of the Caribbean Islands.
Bordered to the north by the Atlantic Ocean and to the south by the Caribbean Sea, Cuba is an extended and slim island, situated simply 145 kilometers (90 miles) south of Florida in the USA.
The terrain of the island of Cuba is diversified, with mountains, valleys, plains, and coastlines all current. It’s house to a various vary of animal and plant species, together with quite a few endemic species distinctive to this area.
One of the crucial fascinating Cuba info is that the nation is understood for its vibrant tradition and historical past, which displays a novel mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. The island is house to many historic cities and landmarks, together with the capital metropolis of Havana, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, together with different nice locations to see, together with Viñales, Trinidad, Baracoa, and extra.
If you wish to see as a lot of the nation as doable, we extremely suggest at the least a one- or two-week Cuba itinerary.
Cruising in Havana
2. WiFi in Cuba is scarce
One other fascinating reality about Cuba is that WiFi right here is sort of restricted. Web connectivity in Cuba has improved in recent times, however it’s nonetheless comparatively restricted and might be costly for locals.
In Cuba, web entry is managed by the federal government. Till just lately, it was principally restricted to public WiFi hotspots that have been arrange in public areas, akin to parks and plazas. In 2018, the federal government started rolling out house web companies, which have turn out to be more and more accessible in recent times. Nonetheless, the price of house web stays excessive and is usually out of attain for a lot of Cubans.
Public WiFi hotspots are nonetheless accessible in lots of public areas, and customers can buy a WiFi entry card from the state-run telecommunications firm, ETECSA, to entry the web. These entry playing cards might be bought at ETECSA workplaces or at designated gross sales factors all through the nation, and so they can be utilized to log onto the web at any public hotspot.
Oksana getting her wifi repair in Cienfuegos, Cuba
3. Cuba’s Foreign money is a Bit Complicated
You will have heard that Cuba operates in a twin foreign money financial system, with a Cuban Peso (CUP) and Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) in circulation. As a result of latest financial reforms in Cuba, that is now not true.
The official foreign money of Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP), often known as the nationwide peso. The Cuban convertible pesos (CUC) are now not in circulation in Cuba. The Cuban authorities formally phased the Cuban convertible peso in January 2021 as a part of a financial reform that aimed to simplify the nation’s twin foreign money system.
Because of the reform, the Cuban peso (CUP) is now the one official foreign money in circulation in Cuba. The federal government additionally established a brand new alternate fee between the Cuban peso and foreign currency echange, together with the US greenback.
Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC) is one other foreign money that was launched in Cuba in 2019, primarily to be used in sure shops that promote imported items. It’s generally additionally known as the Cuban greenback, however it’s not an official foreign money of Cuba.
The MLC, a foreign money pegged to the US greenback, is used to purchase commodities like electronics, home equipment, and different luxurious items that aren’t available on the native market.
In the event you plan to go to Cuba, it’s necessary to know that almost all transactions are carried out in Cuban pesos (CUP). Foreign currency echange such because the US greenback, Euro, and Canadian greenback are extensively accepted in sure institutions, akin to motels and a few eating places. It’s additionally necessary to concentrate on the present alternate fee and any charges that could be related to exchanging foreign money.
CUC on the suitable, CUP on the left
4. Empty Grocery store Cabinets are Widespread in Cuba
Cuba has skilled shortages of sure items and meals gadgets in recent times, notably within the state-run shops the place most Cubans usually store for groceries These shortages usually end in empty grocery store cabinets and prolonged lineups in grocery shops throughout the nation.
The US commerce embargo, which limits commerce with Cuba, a faltering financial system, restricted entry to international foreign money, and provide chain shortages all contribute to the difficulty. The COVID-19 outbreak has additionally made issues worse by upsetting international provide traces and making it harder for Cuba to accumulate requirements.
Whereas the state of affairs could seem dire, it’s value noting that Cuba has a well-established rationing and meals distribution system, which helps assure that each resident has entry to primary meals gadgets.
Grocery store cabinets in Cuba are…nicely form of empty.
5. Cuban Cigars are the Greatest within the World
Even in the event you aren’t a smoker, making an attempt Cuban cigars is a should whereas in Cuba. Due to their distinct flavour, aroma, and artistry, Cuban cigars are acknowledged as among the best and most prestigious cigars on the earth. They’re completely handmade, using an intricate, extremely expert process that has been developed over a few years.
The tobacco used to make Cuban cigars is grown within the fertile Vuelta Abajo area of Cuba, situated within the western a part of the nation. Earlier than getting used to supply cigars, the leaves are meticulously collected and matured for a number of years. The tobacco’s attribute flavour and aroma can develop in the course of the maturing course of, and it additionally helps to melt the smoke.
The manufacturing of Cuban cigars is very regulated by the Cuban authorities, which intently displays each facet of the method to make sure that solely the very best high quality cigars are produced. Every cigar is fastidiously inspected by hand and should meet strict high quality requirements earlier than it’s packaged and shipped.
We acquired an opportunity to study extra about Cuban cigars on a tour of a tobacco plantation throughout our time in Viñales and would suggest the tour to anybody curious concerning the expertise.
Visiting a tobacco plantation
Having fun with the views of Vinales Cuba
6. Resorts in Cuba are Scarce
This is among the fascinating info about Cuba that vacationers might not notice. Exterior of Havana and the seashores of Varadero and Cayo Coco, motels in Cuba are more durable to seek out. It’s one of the shocking Cuba info we found whereas planning our journey.
Most of the motels in Cuba are owned and operated by the federal government, though there are additionally some privately-owned and operated motels and guesthouses. The standard of the motels in Cuba can differ extensively, with some providing fashionable facilities and top-notch service, whereas others could also be extra primary or outdated.
Probably the greatest Cuba journey ideas for lodging: Keep and eat at a Casa Explicit and luxuriate in the most effective service and meals you’ll expertise in your Cuban journey
In recent times, Cuba has additionally seen a rise in non-public homestays and leases, often called “casas particulares,” which provide guests a extra genuine and native expertise. Consider it because the Cuban model of Airbnb.
Most of them are licensed by the federal government and are outfitted to obtain international company. Better of all, you’ll have the expertise of staying with an area household, consuming home-cooked meals, and supporting an area household whereas getting the texture for actual Cuba.
A scrumptious meal at our Casa Explicit
7. The common Cuban wage is shockingly low
The common month-to-month wage in Cuba is round $125 USD per thirty days. The precise quantity varies primarily based on the kind of firm somebody works for, what number of workers there are, and the extent of somebody’s expertise and training. Authorities employees usually make greater than the common. The quantity can also be growing annually; just some years in the past, it was as little as $20 USD per thirty days.
The Cuban authorities offers a variety of social companies to residents, together with free training and healthcare, backed meals and housing, and entry to cultural and leisure actions. Nonetheless, the low salaries and restricted job alternatives could make it difficult for a lot of Cubans to make ends meet, and the nation continues to face financial challenges as it really works to develop its financial system and enhance dwelling requirements.
Trinidad, Cuba
8. Numerous Payments are Backed by the Authorities
Because the common wage is so low, President Raul Castro’s authorities subsidizes a number of payments and month-to-month bills to assist Cuban residents. This contains healthcare, meals, clothes, transportation and training. This follow dates again to the reforms that adopted the Cuban revolution, which ended with the victory of the revolutionary forces led by Fidel Castro in 1959.
Because of these subsidies, regardless of the comparatively low wages, Cuba’s poverty degree ranks very low amongst growing international locations. Against this, nevertheless, they land close to the underside of the charts for fiscal and financial freedom.
Revolution Sq. in Vedado, Havana
9. Cuba is Well-known for its Previous Automobiles
In the event you’re on the lookout for enjoyable info about Havana, Cuba, you’ll respect this: previous automobiles are part of Cuban historical past and tradition!
After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Cuba grew to become a socialist nation and was minimize off from many international locations, together with the USA. The US imposed a commerce embargo on Cuba in 1960, which prevented new American automobiles and elements from coming into the nation.
Consequently, Cubans needed to depend on the previous American automobiles that have been already within the nation, a lot of which dates again to Forties and Nineteen Fifties. Cubans had to make use of their creativeness and ingenuity to restore and preserve these outdated autos. This led to a particular automobile tradition in Cuba that finally represented Cuban heritage and nostalgia.
A number of Cubans have preserved their classic autos as household treasures and take nice enjoyment of them. These classic autos have just lately attracted new curiosity and at the moment are a favorite enjoyable reality about Cuba and a popular vacationer attraction
10. Cubans Love Dominoes…
The sport of dominoes is among the favorite pastimes of Cubans. Here’s a enjoyable Cuba reality: dominoes are Cuba’s favorite sport. You’ll usually see individuals sitting round at tables outdoors enjoying the sport. Cuba has its personal set of native guidelines for the sport, usually utilizing ten tiles at a time, slightly than seven.
This fondness for dominoes stems, partly, from the interval earlier than electrical energy was widespread throughout the nation. In cities or rural areas, it was equally more likely to see individuals enjoying in parks or on porches.
The sport of dominoes continues to be embedded within the tradition at present, though lately it serves as a terrific motive to have a few drinks with buddies whereas catching up about life. Whether or not individuals are enjoying with neighbours, buddies or relations, a superb recreation of dominoes offers a relaxed, cheerful environment to get near somebody.
At this level, dominoes are a necessary a part of Cuban tradition!
11…and Sandwiches!
In Cuba, a Cuban Sandwich is only a sandwich, a easy and inexpensive meal that grew to become in style in Cuba due to its comfort and portability. Conventional sandwiches are known as “mixto” and are made with ham and cheese on Cuban Bread.
Sandwiches even have a social and cultural significance in Cuba. They’re usually eaten as a fast and informal meal with family and friends, or as a snack whereas socializing or watching sports activities. Sandwiches have turn out to be part of Cuban tradition and are sometimes related to the heat and conviviality of Cuban hospitality.
A Cuban sandwich.Picture by: star5112 through Flickr CC.
12. There are 9 UNESCO Websites in Cuba
Cuba is the proud house of no fewer than 9 UNESCO World Heritage websites dotted throughout Cuba map.
These embody Previous Havana and its Fortification System, Trinidad and the Valley de Los Ingenios, Viñales Valley, Alejandro de Humboldt Nationwide Park, the Archaeological Landscapes of the First Espresso Plantations within the South East of Cuba (attempt saying that ten instances quick), the Historic Centre of Camaguey, San Pedro de La Roca Citadel, the City Historic Centre of Cienfuegos, and Desembarco del Granma Nationwide Park.
Previous Havana was included in 1982, whereas the Historic Centre of Camaguey was added in 2008. Three different websites are additionally being thought-about for nomination: Cienaga de Zapata Nationwide Park, the Nationwide Colleges of Artwork, and the Reef System within the Cuban Caribbean.
Cathedral Sq. (Plaza de la Catedral), Previous Havana
13. Medical doctors in Cuba are Extremely Expert
Cuban docs should not onerous to return by. One of many highest patient-to-doctor ratios might be present in Cuba, making docs one of many nation’s strongest commodities. In reality, there are extra docs right here than on the continent of Africa—how’s that for one of many craziest Cuba enjoyable info?!
Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital in Havana.Picture by: mattkieffer through Flickr CC.
Cuba has an extended historical past of sending docs abroad, and along with the constructive affect that comes from their charitable work, additionally they carry again billions of {dollars} annually into Cuba’s financial system.
14. Medical Tourism is on the Rise in Cuba
With so many certified medical professionals, you’d be proper to imagine that healthcare in Cuba is extraordinarily good. They’ve even pioneered their very own COVID-19 vaccine! Not solely that, however healthcare in Cuba is free for this residents!
Many think about Cuba to have among the greatest docs on the earth, with unimaginable expertise and professionalism. Cuba has turn out to be a preferred vacation spot for medical tourism because of the top quality of medical care, in addition to the inexpensive costs in comparison with many different international locations.
There are a variety of specialist hospitals and clinics that cater notably to medical in Cuba and the federal government has been actively pushing medical tourism as a method to strengthen Cuban financial system. Amenities in these hopsitals often embody cutting-edge tools and extremely expert medical employees. The nation presents a variety of medical companies, together with beauty surgical procedure, dental therapies, and conventional medical procedures.
15. Schooling is Free and Necessary
Along with free healthcare, training can also be free for residents. Kids and youngsters are required to attend faculty for the primary 9 years. Extra three years of free training are additionally on supply. For many who select to cease after the primary 9 years, technical coaching is obtainable.
The training system was nationalized within the late Nineteen Fifties, when lower than half of the nation’s youngsters had entry to training. Now, Cuba has the very best literacy fee not simply in Latin America, however on the earth, with one of many largest commerce offs being the expectation of group service.
College of Havana
16. Cuba has a excessive literacy fee
In keeping with the United Nations Instructional, Scientific and Cultural Group (UNESCO), the literacy fee in Cuba is estimated to be over 99%, which is among the many highest within the Americas and the world. It’s additionally one of many few international locations on the earth the place the feminine literacy fee is larger than the male literacy fee.
Along with common training, Cuba has positioned a big emphasis on literacy initiatives and packages. These have been notably efficient in rural areas and amongst marginalized a part of the inhabitants..
17. Individuals Nonetheless Have Limitations on Visiting Cuba
Technically, Individuals nonetheless have limits for visiting Cuba, however it’s a lot simpler than it was within the latest previous. Individuals can’t go to Cuba for tourism causes, however there are 12 classes of approved journey, together with household visits, academic actions, {and professional} analysis.
Individuals who want to journey to Cuba should receive a journey authorization, often called a “common license,” which permits them to journey to Cuba for particular functions. Additionally they have to hold information of their actions and transactions in Cuba, as these could also be topic to assessment by US authorities upon their return to the USA.
The Cuban vacationer card, often known as a “Tarjeta del Turista,” is a compulsory entry requirement for many international guests to Cuba, together with Individuals. The vacationer card is a kind of visa that enables guests to remain in Cuba for as much as 30 days and is normally legitimate for a single entry. It’s issued by the Cuban authorities and might be obtained prematurely from a Cuban embassy or consulate, or it may be obtained upon arrival on the airport in Cuba.
Picture Supply: Pixabay
18. There is no such thing as a Coca Cola in Cuba
Cuba is one in all solely two international locations on the earth (North Korea being the opposite) that doesn’t promote Coca-Cola. That is because of the commerce embargo that the USA has imposed on Cuba. You possibly can nonetheless purchase it at some choose and discrete shops below the counter, however its not extensively accessible in common supermarkets and minimarkets.
The Cuban authorities has additionally allowed different international firms to supply and promote mushy drinks in Cuba, akin to Tropicola and Cachito.
19. Most Insurance coverage Corporations Don’t Cowl Journey to Cuba
Medical insurance is a requirement for entry into Cuba. Nonetheless, in the event you’re American, it’s possible you’ll battle to discover a firm that may insure you to your journey to Cuba. Many US insurance coverage firms don’t supply protection in Cuba, because of the ongoing commerce embargo that the USA has imposed on Cuba.
It’s an necessary Cuba reality to contemplate when planning your journey. In case your insurance coverage says ‘worldwide,’ it’s best to in all probability name and double-check that ‘ worldwide’ additionally contains Cuba. There are insurance policies which might be issued by non-US insurance coverage firms could possibly present protection for journey to Cuba, and a few US-based insurance policies might present protection for journey to Cuba if it falls below one of many approved classes of journey.
20. Cuba Hosts one of many Greatest Carnivals within the Caribbean
In the event you’re keen on a vibrant and upbeat celebration, head to the Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba.Happening within the city of Santiago de Cuba, that is the biggest carnival celebrations within the Caribbean, with loads of dancing, singing, parade floats and thrilling conga traces
The competition normally in late July or early August and lasts for a few week. The Carnival options a variety of cultural and musical occasions, together with parades, reside performances, road events, and extra.
Parades are a must-watch!