The largest island of the West Indies group (equal in area to Pennsylvania), Cuba is also the westernmost—just west of Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and 90 mi (145 km) south of Key West, Fla., at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. The island is mountainous in the southeast and south-central area (Sierra Maestra). It is flat or rolling elsewhere. Cuba also includes numerous smaller islands, islets, and cays.
Climate and Weather
Cuba has a moderate sub-tropical climate. The territory of Cuba is situated near the Tropic of Cancer, and due to its long thin shape, stretching from east to west; it is cooled by trade winds and sea breezes. The average annual temperature is 25C, January and February being the coolest months, with an average temperature of 22C, and the hottest month being August, with an average of approximately 28C. The relative humidity is 81%, with two perfectly defined pluviometric seasons: one dry, from November to April, and the other rainy, from May to October, with an average annual rainfall of 1,375 mm.
Population
Cuba is an Island state situated in the Caribbean Sea with a diverse population. The total population of Cuba is eleven million. The indigenous population of Indians in Cuba were largely wiped out by the Spanish who brought black slaves from Africa to work the land in Cuba. There were originally 800,000 black slaves who were brought to Cuba by the Spanish and who were the ancestors of much of the population of Cuba today. The black population of Cuba today account for about 15% of the total population of Cuba. The majority of the white population of Cuba are originally from Spain. Up to one million immigrants from Spain came and settled in Cuba at the beginning of the 20th century. Today the white population of Cuba comprises about 60% of the entire population of Cuba.
Transportation
Renting a car is the most practical way to discover the countryside and gives you all the liberty you need to fully appreciate Cuba.There is a fairly good bus system that links major cities in Cuba called "Via azul". A fun way to travel about Cuba is by train. Cubana Airlines offers domestic flights to major cities. Seat availability is limited so you should reserve before traveling to Cuba or few days in advance.
Top Attractions
1. Playas del Este.
2. Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City).
3. Cigar factories.
4. Plaza de la Revolución.
5. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
6. Museo de la Revolución.
7. Montemar Natural Park.
8. Capitolio Nacional.
9. Baconao Park.
10. Castillo de San Pedro del Morro (Morro Castle).
Best Travel Time
Cuba enjoys a warm, tropical climate throughout the year. The best time for visit is during the winter months from November to April. The rainy season from May to October can be humid. Hurricanes are common from September to October.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• Soup made of chicken or black beans.
• Black beans & rice (known locally as Moors and Christians).
• Chicken or pork with rice, or occasionally french fries.
• Plantains, baked or fried.
• Omelettes, often stuffed with meat and/or cheese.
• Cuban ice cream.
National drinks:
• Cuban coffee (very strong).
• Cuban beer (tasty, yet weak).
• Rum cocktails (especially the daiquiri, mojito pronounced ‘moh-hee-toe’ and cuba libre).
Local Products/Shopping
Those hoping to spend, spend, spend will be disappointed in Cuba. There are a few luxury shops in Old Havana and in large hotels like the Habana Libre. Some offer tax-free purchases, but stock is generally uninspiring. Cigars: Cuba makes the world’s finest cigars. Buy the real thing at factories such as Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás in Havana, which also sells fabulously ornate cigar boxes. Cigars from street vendors will probably be fakes or factory rejects, and may be confiscated at the airport. Castro’s favorite brand (before he gave up) was Cohiba, Ché Guevara favored Montecristos, and before he put the blockade in place, JFK stocked up on Upmans. Rum: Santiago de Cuba was once home to the Bacardi family distillery, but Havana Club is now the most famous Cuban rum. Good though it is, connoisseurs prefer Varadero. The rich seven-year old variety is sipped like fine malt, while younger and lighter blends are used for cocktails. Souvenirs and other gifts: Ché Guevara merchandise is everywhere. In the capital, perfumes in fine ceramic and glass bottles can be found at Habana 1791.
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1. Playas del Este.
Best Travel Time