Cuba

Cuba
Flag	Coat of Arms
Motto: Spanish: Patria y Libertad (English: "Homeland and Freedom")
Anthem: La Bayamesa (The Bayamo Song)
Capital	Havana 23°8′N 82°23′W
Largest City	Havana
Official Language	Spanish
Government: President of the Council of State of Cuba:	Republic Fidel Castro
Independence - Declared from Spain - Cuban Republic declared - Date recognised in Cuba	Ten Years' War October 10, 1868 May 20, 1902 January 1, 1959
Area - Total - Water (%)	110,860 km² (104th) 42,803 sq mi negligible
Population - 2005 est. - 2002 census - Density	11,345,670 (70th) 11,177,743 102/km² (73rd) 264/sq mi
GDP - Total - Per Capita	2004 estimate $33.9 billion (89th) $3,000 (126th)
Human Development Index	0.817 (52nd) - high
Currency	Peso Convertible peso (see ~1~)
Time Zone - Summer (DST)	EST (Starts April 1, end date varies)
Internet TLD	.cu
Calling Code	+53
~1~ 1993–2004, the U.S. dollar was used in addition to the peso until the dollar was replaced by the convertible peso.

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Cuba

Cuba is the largest Caribbean island [16th largest island in the world :-) ]. Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly.

Timing

November is the start of the dry season in cuba. Temperatures are normally around 27 Celsius. We will also miss the peak tourist season (mid Dec. to mid-March, & all of July & August).

Things to do, when in Cuba

- smoke Cuban cigars

- take a ride in a Vintage american car

- stay in a 'casa particular' - a common phenomenon in Cuba - for locals to rent out a room or 2 of their houses for tourists, this is the best way to gain an insight into the country

- drink 'Mojitos' - 'just the ticket after a hard day on the beach, Cuba's quintessential cocktail, a refreshing concoction of rum, limes & mint'

Havana

The capital, Havana, with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city (pop. approx. 2.2 million) and the hub of Cuban nightlife.

We will spend a good 2 or 3 days in Havana.

Things to do in Havana:

- Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas - famous Havana cigar factory, offers a fascinating insight into the skills behind cigar making and lays bare some idiosyncratic Cuban working practices.

- La Guarida restaurant - where the excellent food is matched by Baroque surroundings,

- Visit Habana Vieja (old Havana) - including a visit to Edificio Bacardi - A slice of dazzling art deco architecture, the Bacardi family's pre-revolution HQ is a fitting place for to enjoy a Cubre libre

Other potential places to visit

Maria La Gorda - approx. 5 hrs drive from Havana - this seems to be the best place in Cuba for scuba diving. And also, you don't have to know how to scuba dive already!

Varadero - Fantastic beaches, and also good for scuba diving

Trinidad - a world heritage site, the country's most perfectly preserved colonial city, and also close to the beach & mountains.

Useful Links:

For practicalities - health, visas, climate etc. The Guardian

For geography, history & culture: Encarta

Wikipedia