CUBA

HAVANA  -  THE CAPITAL 

CUBA BEACH

Cuba, its people and history makes it a fascinating country to read about it. First of all Cuba has a long history of colonial oppression then corrupt dictators and constant disagreements with one of the most powerful country in the world; America.

In 1492 Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba and claimed it for Spain. Spain ruled it for almost 400 years and in the 19th centuries the People demanded independence. Even a 10 year old war in 1870 did not achieve it. Eventually the US managed to force out the Spaniards and the influence from the US lasted for 50 years. In those 50 years dictators ruled Cuba and the poor got poorer. while the rich got richer. At the end a revolution began and Fidel Castro was the leader.  In 1961 Castro declared Cuba a communist state.

Cuba's tobacco and especially the cigar became world famous. The discovery began when the Spanish saw the Indians twist up a leaf, wrapped it in a dried palm leaf, lit and smoked it. However, the native Indians grew the tobacco long before the Spanish landed in Cuba.

Cuba is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean. It is over 1250 km across. The climate is warm and tropical including heavy rainfall. These heavy rainfalls are between May and October. Between September and October is hurricane season. The country, once covered with rain forest, was much cleared to grow crops. However, there still remains a tropical paradise.

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The plains from Havana towards the east are cultivated for crops and cattle rearing. The Sierra Maestra Mountains in the south-east rising 2000 m are difficult to cultivate. The hillsides and valleys are used to grow tobacco.

Animals native to Cuba are small. Hundreds of birds migrate to the island from the American mainland in winter.

The Cubans are proud of Fidel Castro having succeeded in the communist revolution in 1959. Since tourism started and getting more popular; the Cubans start to realize the wealth in other countries. Citizen from the USA are not welcome.

In the centre of the modern city you will find Old Havana with its maize of cobble-stone streets and alleyways. There are also magnificent old 18th century's mansions. This area had been declared a World Heritage Site. These mansions were built by countless smugglers, black marketeers and pirates.

Cuba was supported by the USSR but they cut short the financial aid in 1990; Cuba was plunged into a crises. However, they pulled through with the successful industries of sugar cane and tobacco. In 1980 the quality of tobacco dropped and sales was reduced.

The US blockade, because of the communist regime, is very damaging. Since Cuba is so close to the US it could have been its biggest trading partner.