Cuba

Cuba is the Caribbean 's largest and least commercialised island and one of the world's last bastions of communism. Its relative political isolation has prevented it from being overrun by tourists, and locals are sincerely friendly to those who do venture in.

Although you can't quite hear the colonial architecture peeling in the streets, even Cuba 's larger towns are pretty relaxed. The most frenetic it gets is in the middle of an enthusiastic chachachá, and the loudest it gets is behind one of the huge finned American cars chugging the streets.

If you want it even quieter, Cuba's backcountry and beaches are perfect chillout destinations for hikers, swimmers, cyclers, spelunkers or those who just want to smoke a fine cigar under a palm tree.

Full country name: Republic of Cuba
Area: 110,860 sq km
Population: 11 million
Capital City: Havana (pop 2,200,000)
People: 60% Spanish descent, 22% mixed-race, 11% African descent, 1% Chinese
Language: Spanish; Castilian
Religion: 47% Catholic, 4% Protestant, 2% Santería (many Catholics also practice Santería
Government: Communist republic
Head of State: President of the Council of State Fidel Castro

GDP: US$20 billion
GDP per capita: US$2,000
Annual Growth: 2.5%
Major Industries: Sugar, minerals, tobacco, agricultural, medicine & tourism
Major Trading Partners: Western Europe, Latin America, Russia , China , Iran & North Korea

Facts for the Traveler

Visas: Virtually all visitors require a Cuban visa or Tourist Card, available from travel agencies, tour operators or a Cuban consulate for a stay of one month. The USA officially prohibits its citizens from traveling to Cuba unless they obtain a special license; travel restrictions are relaxing, however.
Health risks: Hepatitis
Time: GMT/UTC (USA Eastern Standard Time)
Dialling Code: 53
Electricity: 110-230V ,60Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

When to GO

There isn't a bad time to visit Cuba . The hot, rainy season runs from May to October but winter (December to April) is the island's peak tourist season, when planeloads of Canadians and Europeans arrive in pursuit of the southern sun. Cubans take their hols in July and August, so this is when the local beaches are most crowded. Christmas, Easter and the period around 26 July, when Cubans celebrate the anniversary of the revolution, are also very busy.

Events

Public Holidays
1 January - Liberation Day
1 May - Labor Day
25-27 July - Celebration of the National Rebellion
10 October - Day of Cuban Culture
Note that Christmas Day has been observed as a public holiday since the Pope's visit in 1997.

Money & Costs

Currency: Cuban Peso

Meals

• Budget: US$5-10
• Mid-range: US$10-20
• High: US$20+

Lodging

• Budget: US$15-25
• Mid-range: US$25-100
• High: US$100+

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