Summary
- Interesting Facts about Cuba
- 1. Cuba Is Bigger Than You Think
- 2. Cuba Is Very Diverse
- 3. Cuba Is Full of World Heritage Sites
- 4. Fidel Castro Survived 600 Assassination Attempts
- 5. Che Guevara
- 6. Cigars Are a Way of Life
- 7. Cuba’s National Pastime Might Surprise You
- 8. Old Cars Abound on Cuba’s Roads
- 9. You’ll Find the World’s Smallest Bird on Cuba’s Shores
- 10. Cuba Used to Have Two Currencies
- 11. Cuba Has an Impressive Literacy Rate and Life Expectancy
- 12. The Cuban Missile Crisis Was a Thing
- 13. Christopher Columbus Sailed in 1492
- 14. Cuba Is the Home of Many Popular Cocktails
- 15. You can Get Coke in Cuba
- 16. Ernest Hemingway Lived and Drank in Cuba
- 17. Wifi Is Hard to Come By
- 18. What’s the Deal with Guantanamo Bay?
- 19. Cuba Has an Interesting New Year’s Eve Tradition
Interesting Facts about Cuba
Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean Sea, is strategically located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The closest countries to Cuba are the United States, Haiti, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Moreover, Cuba is part of the Greater Antilles, which includes Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.
1. Cuba Is Bigger Than You Think
When considering Caribbean islands, we often envision smaller archipelagos like the Lesser Antilles, which includes islands such as Barbados and Grenada. However, Cuba surpasses these islands significantly, being the largest in the Caribbean. In fact, its land area is similar to that of Pennsylvania and stretches from South Carolina to Arkansas. Notably, Cuba consists of over 4,000 islands and cays, totaling approximately 40,852 square miles (105,806 km), making it nearly 10 times larger than Jamaica.
2. Cuba Is Very Diverse
One of the most intriguing facts about Cuba is its rich cultural diversity, shaped by its history of various peoples who have settled on the island. Before the Spanish conquest in the early 1500s, the native Taino people inhabited Cuba. Today, the Cuban culture reflects the influences of Spanish, African, and other immigrant communities, resulting in a vibrant and welcoming environment.
3. Cuba Is Full of World Heritage Sites
In a remarkable display of cultural significance, Cuba boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. Among these, Viñales Valley is noted for its traditional tobacco farms, while Old Havana, dating back to the 1500s, showcases well-preserved colonial architecture. History enthusiasts will find the San Pedro de la Roca Castle in Santiago de Cuba to be a fascinating site, revealing Cuba’s storied past.
Cuba’s World Heritage Sites
- Old Havana and its Fortifications: Renowned for its colonial architecture and historic fortifications.
- Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios: A beautifully preserved colonial town with a rich history of sugar production.
- San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba: An impressive fortification built in the 17th century.
- Viñales Valley: Known for its stunning karst landscape and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Desembarco del Granma National Park: Famous for its dramatic coastal landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
- Alejandro de Humboldt National Park: Recognized for its exceptional biodiversity.
- Historic Center of Cienfuegos: Celebrated for its neoclassical architecture.
- Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the Southeast of Cuba: Showcasing the history of coffee cultivation.
4. Fidel Castro Survived 600 Assassination Attempts
Fidel Castro, a prominent leader in Cuba’s history, ruled from 1959 until his resignation in 2008. His leadership during the Cuban Revolution led to the establishment of a socialist state, while he famously survived over 600 assassination attempts. Consequently, Castro’s life and legacy continue to be a topic of interest and debate.
5. Che Guevara
The iconic revolutionary figure Ernesto “Che” Guevara significantly influenced the Cuban Revolution and has remained a symbol of rebellion worldwide.
6. Cigars Are a Way of Life
Cuban cigars are world-renowned, enjoyed across all social classes. Their popularity can be attributed to the unique blend of cured tobacco leaves, resulting in a rich flavor. Additionally, the process of hand-rolling these cigars ensures a superior quality that cigar enthusiasts cherish.
7. Cuba’s National Pastime Might Surprise You
Baseball, often associated with the United States, is incredibly popular in Cuba and has a rich history dating back to the 1860s. This sport has fostered a competitive league, producing numerous MLB players. Other popular sports include soccer, volleyball, and boxing, but baseball remains the nation’s pride.
8. Old Cars Abound on Cuba’s Roads
Cuba is one of the few places where vintage American cars from the pre-communist era still dominate the streets. The creative engineering by Cubans keeps these classic cars functional, making the roads echo with nostalgia.
9. You’ll Find the World’s Smallest Bird on Cuba’s Shores
For bird lovers, Cuba offers a treasure: the bee hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world. Additionally, numerous other bird species can be spotted, including the Cuban Amazon parrot and colorful flamingos.
10. Cuba Used to Have Two Currencies
Cuba previously operated with two currencies: the Cuban Peso and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). This dual currency system has been phased out, simplifying transactions for tourists and locals alike.
11. Cuba Has an Impressive Literacy Rate and Life Expectancy
Despite its economic challenges, Cuba boasts a 99.7% literacy rate and an accessible healthcare system that result in a life expectancy nearly equal to that of the United States. The country’s focus on education and health demonstrates its commitment to citizen welfare.
12. The Cuban Missile Crisis Was a Thing
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 marked a pivotal moment in the Cold War, bringing the globe close to nuclear conflict due to the Soviet Union’s missile presence in Cuba. This historical event continues to influence U.S.-Cuba relations.
13. Christopher Columbus Sailed in 1492
Christopher Columbus’s arrival in Cuba in 1492 initiated European exploration in the Caribbean, marking a significant historical turning point.
14. Cuba Is the Home of Many Popular Cocktails
Renowned for its rum culture, Cuba has birthed famous cocktails like the Cuba Libre and Mojito. These refreshing beverages are a testament to Cuba’s rich drink heritage.
15. You can Get Coke in Cuba
Contrary to popular belief, Coca-Cola is available in Cuba, allowing visitors to enjoy this refresher alongside local drinks like Mojitos.
16. Ernest Hemingway Lived and Drank in Cuba
The acclaimed author Ernest Hemingway spent several years in Cuba, where he penned literary classics. His favorite haunts, including El Floridita, continue to attract visitors today.
17. Wifi Is Hard to Come By
While Cuba welcomes tourists, internet access remains heavily regulated. Visitors must seek designated hotspots to connect, and should consider downloading offline maps for navigation.
18. What’s the Deal with Guantanamo Bay?
Guantanamo Bay’s U.S. Naval Base has long been a source of tension between the U.S. and Cuba. The controversial lease, established in the early 20th century, continues to shape diplomatic relations.
19. Cuba Has an Interesting New Year’s Eve Tradition
New Year’s Eve, or “Nochevieja,” in Cuba is celebrated with unique customs, including the practice of eating 12 grapes at midnight and the “burning” of rag dolls representing the old year’s troubles.
We Hope You’ve Enjoyed These Facts About Cuba
These captivating facts about Cuba reveal the depth and beauty of this incredible destination. If you are considering a visit, take the time to explore what makes Cuba unique.
