Message about the country of cube. Cuba - description

Cuba represents a collection of exceptional emotions: it is sunshine and bright colors, it is joy and warmth. The traveler who will one day pass through Cuban soil, enjoy the magnificent golden beaches and understand its soul, will return here again and again in search of those amazing sensations that this can give you hospitable country. Tourists who come to Cuba will discover much more than just good vacation. The golden rule of these places: trust your feelings and follow the path to which your soul lies. Cuba is the tunes of a violin and the beat of drums. Cuba is both white and black, both a city and a village, and an amazing, gentle sea. These are snow-white sand beaches. This is a city caressed by the winds of other times, This is a diverse nature. And this, first of all, is its people, full of enthusiasm and sensuality, a welcoming atmosphere, warmth, and care for people.

Geographical position The Cuban archipelago is located in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, 74 degrees 7 minutes and 55 seconds west longitude and 19 degrees 49 minutes and 32 seconds north latitude.

The Cuban archipelago consists of: Cuba Island, Juventud Island and approximately 4,195 islets. Approximately 140 km separate it from Bahamas, from Haiti - 77, from Florida -180, from Cancun - 210 and from Jamaica -146 km. The island of Cuba, elongated and narrow in shape, reaches 1,200 km in length and from 32 to 145 km in width. The total area of ​​the territory is 110.922 sq. km, thus the island of Cuba is the largest among the Antilles. About 35 airlines from Europe and America, including the local airline Cubana de Aviación, fly regular flights to the Island, which has 11 international airports.

Climate

Temperate subtropical with two distinct seasons: the rainy season - from May to October, the dry season - from November to April. The average annual relative humidity is about 80%. Average annual precipitation is 1500mm.

January and December are the coldest and driest months. July and August experience the highest temperatures, but the heat is tempered by refreshing winds from the sea - a real treat in summer season.

The temperature of warm coastal waters varies from 25 to 28 °C - ideal conditions for lovers beach holiday and scuba diving.

Territory

The total area of ​​the Cuban archipelago is 110,922 km2. It includes the island of Cuba, the largest of the Antilles, the Island of Youth and 4195 adjacent islets. The maximum length of Cuban territory is 1250 km: from Cape San Antonio, in the westernmost province of Pinar del Rio, to Cape Camados, in the easternmost province of Guantanamo. From north to south, the greatest width of the island is 191 km, between Tararacos beach and the cape Camaron Grande in the province of Camaguey. The minimum width, barely reaching 31 kilometers, is located between the bays of Rio and Mahana in the province of Havana.

Administrative division

From west to east, there are 14 Cuban provinces: Pinar del Rio, Havana, Havana City, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo. Youth Island has the status of a special municipal district.

Population and language

Cuba's population exceeds 11 million people. The official language is Spanish. English language knows a fairly large number of the population, and in travel agencies everyone speaks this language well. You often meet Cubans who speak Russian, French, Italian and German languages.

Symbolism

The Republic of Cuba is the same one that for more than a hundred years was in the first echelon of its people’s struggle for independence: the lone star flag, the anthem of Bayamo and the coat of arms with the royal palm. The Cuban flag has a rectangular shape with alternating three blue and two white stripes. The red isosceles triangle symbolizes the deep-rooted ideals of freedom, equality and fraternity, while the lone star in the center expresses the necessary unity of the nation and complete independence. The three blue stripes symbolize the three departments into which it was divided at that time: The national flag was first raised in the city of Cardenas, Matanzas province), in 1850.

Coat of Arms: It is oval in shape and has a golden key at the top, symbolizing Cuba's key position between the two Americas. This is where the name “Key of the Bay” came from. The rising sun symbolizes the birth of a new nation. The three blue stripes separated by two white stripes have the same meaning as on the flag.

The shining sun symbolizes the life and prosperity of the Motherland, and the key located at the top of the coat of arms expresses the key strategic position that the country occupies.

On the other hand, the vertical fields of the coat of arms reflect the blue and white stripes of the Cuban flag, as well as the typical rural landscape of the island, in which the slender royal palm stands out, growing on a green plain against the backdrop of distant mountains. An expression of strength and trust are the oak and laurel branches framing the coat of arms on the right and left, respectively. The Phrygian cap with a white central star expresses the Cubans' love of freedom.

National flower: White butterfly. This is a species of endemic jasmine that was used by Cuban women during the Revolutionary Wars to convey messages to the front. The White Butterfly is a symbol of purity, indomitability and independence. National bird: Tocororo (Priotelus temnurus) A distinctive bird of the quetzal family, with a color pattern that follows the colors of the Cuban flag: red, blue and white.

National tree: Royal palm. Although this tree is not native to Cuba, it is part of the national landscape and symbolizes the unique Cuban character, capable of withstanding the fiercest winds without bending.

Island. Two white stripes remind of the purity of the people's attempts to fight for independence, an equilateral triangle represents freedom, equality and fraternity. Its red color symbolizes the color of the blood that was necessary to shed to achieve independence. The white and lonely star is a symbol of absolute freedom.

National Anthem: The music for the anthem was composed in 1867 by Perucho Figueredo. Later, in 1868, when troops fighting for independence took the city of Bayamo (Granma province), Figueredo himself composed the words:

Go into battle, Bayamans,
After all, Motherland is watching you.
Don't be afraid to die for victory. To die for the Motherland means to live
To live in shackles means to live in humiliation and shame.
Hear the trumpets call
To arms, brave men, into battle.

Where to go from Cuba

From the biggest Antilles you can travel in a short time to the Mayan Way, Montego Bay, Nassau, Grand Cayman, Cancun or any other continental or island destination in the Caribbean. Travel agencies such as Cubanacan Viajes, Avanatur, Cubatur, Gaviota Toure, Rumbos Cuba and San Cristobal organize travel all over the world.

National airlines:

Cubana de Aviation: Calle Infanta, corner Humboldt, City of Havana. Phone: (53-7) 870-5961.

Aerocaribean: Calle 23, corner P, Vedado, City of Havana. Phones: (53-7) 879-7524. Aerogaviota: Calle 47, no. 2814, between streets 28 and 34, Playa, City of Havana. Phone: (53-7) 203-0668.

Air taxi: Calle 27, no. 102, between Calle M and Calle N, Vedado. Phone: (53-7) 33-4064.

Car rental:

Standard, economy and luxury cars can be rented at airports, hotels, travel agencies and rental shops throughout the country. To do this, you need to have a driver's license, have a passport with you and be an adult. The road sign system is international.

Car rental agencies and their telephone numbers: Cubacar: (53-7) 33-7233, 204-2718, 204-2104.

Avanautos: (53-7) 831-9107 Rent-e-car Transtour: (53-7) 33-4038, 55-1944

Via Rent-e-car: (53-7) 33-9780 and 66-6777.

Mikar: (53-7) 204-3457.

Panautos: (53-7) 830-4765.

Rex: (53-7) 33-9160.

Grand Car: (53-7) 41-7980.

Palkokar: (53-7) 201-3676.

Rent-e-car Phoenix: (53-7) 863-9527 and 863-9580.

Autocaravanas Kampertur: (53-7) 33-7558.

Taxi

Avanataxi: (53-7) 41-9600. Panataxi: (53-7) 55-5555. Taxi OK: (53-7) 204-9518 and 19. Taxi Transtour: (53-7) 208-6666, 204-6163 and 204-9198. Gaviota Taxi: (53-7) 33-9780 and 66-6777 Phoenix: (53-7) 863-3149. Avanautos Taxi: (53-7) 832-3232.

Buses:

Avanatur: (53-7) 204-7300, 204-2464, 204-7299 and 204-2795. Omnibus Transtour: (53-7)66-6138 and 66-6139. Veracuba: (53-7) 201-6753 and 201-7374 Viazul: (53-7) 881-1413 and 881-5652. Transgaviota: (53-7) 33-9780. :

Railway transport

Central Station: Avenida de Belghica and Arsenal, Old Havana, Havana City. Phone: (53-7) 861-8540.

Climate

Cuba, located near the Tropic of Cancer, has a warm climate. It rains frequently and regularly, although there are two seasons: the dry season, from November to April, and the rainy season, from May to October. The average daytime temperature is plus 27.5 degrees Celsius or 81.4 degrees Fahrenheit, with night temperatures reaching plus 21 degrees Celsius or 69.7 degrees Fahrenheit. July and August are the hottest months of the year, while December and January are the coldest.

Religion

The Constitution of the Republic guarantees absolute freedom of religion. The most common religion is Catholicism, although some other religions show a strong influence of Afro-Cuban faiths.

Baggage

Light and loose clothing, sportswear and swimsuit, sun cream, sunglasses, insect repellent, in case you suffer from allergic diseases. It is also necessary to have a sweater or light coat (raincoat) with you if you are going to visit mountain zones or traveling in winter.

Connection

In order to call Cuba from abroad, you must first dial 53, then the medical center of the province where you are calling, and then the telephone number that you need to reach through the KUBASEL yumpany (telephone: 880-2222) and “ S-yum" (phone: 264-2266) you can purchase services mobile communications.

Province codes:

• City of Havana Ciudad de la Habana -7
• Pinar del Rio - 82
• Matanzas -45
• Varadero -45
• Playa Larga -45-9
• Cienfuegos -432
• Villa Clara - 42
• Sancti Spiritus - 41
• Trinidad -419
• Topes de Collantes - 42
• Ciego de Avila - 33
• Camaguey - 32
• Las Tunas - 31
• Holguin - 24
• Granma - 23
• Santiago de Cuba - 22
• Guantanamo - 21
• Largo del Sur islet Cayo L del Sur) - 45
• Special Municipality of Isla de la Juventud - 61

Where to eat

There is a a large number of establishments offering light food and restaurants serving international cuisine: Chinese, Italian, Spanish, French, Arabic and, of course, Cuban. Typical Cuban dishes are: fried pork, baked or in fracase sauce, congri (rice and black beans), yuca (fried banana, potato, sweet potato), vegetable salads, ajiaco (broth of vegetables and meat) and homemade desserts: from coconut, guava, mango, served with cheese.

The most extensive chain of restaurants throughout the country belongs to the Palmares company, which serves high-end restaurants, as well as more economical cafes such as: La Vicaria, Ditu (chicken dishes), Dichin (Chinese cuisine), Dinos (pizza and pasta), Pan .com (sandwiches). You can try light food in the cafeterias: Deprisa (owner - Islasul company), El Rapido (owner - SIMEX company), Cubanitas (owner - Cubalse company), Piropo (owner - Rumbos company) and in the establishments of Avaguanex JSC. The last three companies also have a chain of restaurants.

Holidays and festivals

Cuba is home to important festivals such as: New Latin American Cinema Festival, International Ballet Festival, Guitar Festival and Theater Festival (all held in Havana), Golden Bolero Festival, Plaza Jazz Festival, Humor Festival (held once every two year), in the city of San Antonio de los Baños, the House of the Americas Award, the International Exhibition of the Book of Havana, as well as the celebrations of the Caribbean (Fire Festival) and Ibero-American Cultures, Carnivals and traditional parades.

Monetary system

Despite the fact that the Cuban Peso is the national currency, all tourist services are paid for using the American dollar, which circulates freely throughout the territory, and the convertible peso, which can be purchased at currency exchange offices (CADECA). In the province of Varadero (Jardines del Rey, Sauo Largo del Sur, Holguin, Covarrubias y Playa Santa Lucia), in addition, Euros are accepted for payment. This trend is gaining momentum in other regions of the country. One peso is equal to 100 cents; banknotes are used in 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 pesos, as well as coins in denominations of 1 and 3 pesos and 20, 5 and 1 Cents.

Banks

As a rule, banks are open from Monday to Friday. Opening hours: from 08.30 to 15.30, with the exception of the last working days of each month, when banks are open only in the morning (until 12.00). In the event that a special cash desk service is provided (for checks with the right to withdraw cash, traveler's checks and purchases of US dollars), opening hours are from 09.00 to 19.00 from Monday to Saturday and on Sunday from 09.00 to 14.00. The network of automatic ATMs is expanding in the country.

How to pay

It is possible to pay in cash or using credit cards VISA INTERNATIONAL, MASTERCARD, ACCESS, BANKOMER INTERNATIONAL, EUROCARD, BANAMEX, DINERS CLUB INTERNATIONAL, XB, CABAL and CARNET and other cards issued in the country (BFI and RED cards), as well as traveler's checks and vouchers. Cards issued by banks of the United States of America and their branches are not accepted for payment. Prices for food and drinks vary depending on the category of establishment (shop, restaurant). A soft drink can cost between 45 cents and $2, a meal can cost between $5 and $30, a beer can cost between 75 cents and $2, while a bottle of wine can cost between $5 and $200.

In case of loss (loss, theft) of credit cards, you need to call (53-7) 55444 or territorial (regional) branches of the International Financial Bank.

Purchases

In shops in all hotels and in various establishments of this kind, the visitor can purchase personal items, handicrafts and souvenirs, rum, tobacco (cigars), music, Cuban films and documentaries.

Immigration Rules

To enter Cuba, you must have a valid passport and the appropriate visa or tourist card issued by your travel agent or your country's Cuban Consulate. The exception is the countries with which Cuba has signed an Agreement on visa-free entry.

Customs regulations

Citizens entering Cuba for the purpose of tourism can bring without taxes personal items and jewelry, imported items of a non-commercial nature, the value of which does not exceed 50.00 US dollars, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of dry tobacco, or a combination of all three of the previous types. tobacco weighing no more than 250 grams, as well as 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages (for adults over 18 years of age). Cameras (cameras), video cameras, radios and tape recorders that tourists carry with them upon entry must be removed. It is prohibited to transport firearms, with the exception of hunting weapons accompanied by appropriate permits. As for household electrical appliances that are imported into the country, it is necessary to present a purchase receipt and pay a tax amounting to 100% of the cost of the product. Any purchase made in a national retail chain can be taken out of the country upon presentation of a cash receipt. The export of cigars (tobacco products) with a value of up to 2,000 US dollars is allowed with the appropriate receipt, and 50 cigars without it, as well as representatives of flora and fauna (live or stuffed), always accompanied by sanitary documents and an export permit. For the export of art and antiques, permission from the National Register of Cultural Property is required. Departure tax is USD 25.00 per person.

Entry procedure by sea

When entering Cuban national waters (12 miles from the island platform), contact port services on HF (35V) 2760 (national shore frequency) and 2790 (tourist frequency) on channels 68 and 16 or on VHF on channel 19.

Sanitary requirements

Travelers coming from countries where there have been cases of yellow fever and endemic cholera, or from infected countries declared World Organization Health care providers must present a vaccination certificate issued at least 10 days before the date of entry to the Island.

It is possible to import meat products, provided they are properly packaged and sterilized, as well as vegetables, if they have undergone industrial processing, the same applies to pasteurized products and cheeses. Dried fruits and fresh fruits require the appropriate Agricultural Health Certificate. If you are traveling with animals, plants or products that do not comply with the above regulations, it is necessary that you contact Cuban health authorities upon arrival to become familiar with the requirements in each case.

Drug use is prohibited in Cuba.

Photography video filming

There are special rules for photography and video shooting in museums. It is strictly prohibited to take photographs or use a video camera in military zones and in certain industrial centres, factories and research centers where prior permission is required.

Electricity

Mains voltage 110 Volts, 60 Cycles. In many hotels the voltage is 220 volts.

Time

Time in Cuba is minus 5 hours from the Greenwich Meridian (standard time in the Eastern United States of America and Canada). From April to October there is summer time(clocks are set forward an hour) to make the most of the sunshine.

General information

The Republic of Cuba is a state and the largest island in the Greater Antilles archipelago. The territory of the Republic of Cuba is 110,861 square meters. km. Cuba is the only socialist state in the Western Hemisphere. Administratively, Cuba (since 1976) is divided into 14 provinces.

Geographical location, nature

The Republic of Cuba is located in the Caribbean Sea, between North and South America and is the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. The length of the island from west to east is 1200 km. Neighboring countries are Haiti, Jamaica, Florida, Mexico. The Cuban archipelago includes the island of Cuba - the largest in the Antilles, the island of Juventud (Youth Island, former Pinos Island) and 4195 small islands and islets. With such a long coastal strip, Cuba has 289 natural beaches bestowed by nature on this tropical country. The area of ​​the Republic of Cuba is 111,000 sq. km. The most high point- Pico Real del Turquino - 1,974 m.

Fauna. A characteristic feature of the Cuban fauna is the complete absence of animals that are poisonous or dangerous to humans. Polymites - mollusks found exclusively in Cuba - are distinguished by their bizarre and eye-catching shell colors. Cuba is home to the sunsuncito, or fly bird, the smallest bird in the world, and the tocororo, the country's national bird. Cuban forests abound in songbirds. About 900 species of fish can be found in the sea, most of them edible. The most valuable of them are pagr, sawfish and blue marlin. Shrimp, crab and lobster are also highly prized.

Flora. The Cuban flora is very rich and extremely diverse. The number of plant species significantly exceeds eight thousand. A characteristic element of the Cuban landscape is the royal palm, depicted on the coat of arms of the republic. The national tree of Cuba is the Jagruma, and the Mariposa is its national flower.

Undersea world. Cuba is a paradise for fishermen, scuba divers, biologists and underwater photographers. The fresh and salt waters of the island are home to about 900 species of animals and fish, including dolphin, barracuda, tuna, stingray, swordfish, moray eel and shark. The latter, frankly, never caused any trouble to vacationers. Here they are small and you still need to look for them. Meetings with them are extremely rare. Warm waters are especially loved by jellyfish, octopuses and sea turtles. Oysters and lobsters are objects of industrial and tourist fishing. The greatest pleasure will be given to you by lobsters with their magnificent coral palette and very tasty and tender meat. At the depths you can see black corals. The seabed is strewn with a wide variety of shells. It is officially prohibited to fish with a harpoon in Cuba. But making an agreement through a guide or directly with the boat crew is not a big problem. Officially with you Boat trip and it is better not to show off your naval guns before sailing.

Capital, largest cities

The largest city in Cuba, much larger than the rest in population, is the capital of the country, Havana (2.1 million inhabitants in 1989), where more than 20% of the country's total population lives. Other big cities– Santiago de Cuba (406 thousand people), Camagüey (283 thousand people), Holguin (228 thousand people), Guantanamo (201 thousand people) and Santa Clara (195 thousand people).

Weather and Climate

The climate of Cuba is very favorable, since the island does not have such humidity as in countries with a typical tropical climate, and the heat is moderated by the constantly blowing winds from the ocean. There are no animals dangerous to humans here, and countless fish, birds, and shellfish become not only a delicacy for gourmets, but also the subject of fishing and hunting (including underwater). The temperature is almost the same all year round, on average it is 250C in winter and 28-300C in summer. In Cuba, there is rather not a winter and a summer, but a dry and wet season. The heat in the dry season (autumn-winter) is well tolerated, it is even pleasant, which cannot be said about the rainy season (spring-summer), since it is quite humid at this time; not often, but it rains and there is very bright, dazzling sun. Relative humidity 81%. average temperature - +25.

Population

In 1993 – 10,978 thousand people; in December 1997 the population was estimated at 11,094 thousand people.

Culture. In Cuba there are 247 museums, 53 theaters, 354 libraries, 129 art galleries, 350 bookstores, 278 cultural centers.

When Alejo Carpentier, the greatest novelist and, perhaps, the most famous Cuban writer in the world, was asked about the origin of the inhabitants of this land, he answered: “We all got off the ships.”

The conquistadors arrived from Spain on ships across the seas and oceans and in a short time almost completely destroyed the indigenous population, who became victims of arquebuses, merciless diseases and backbreaking labor on the river banks in search of gold, which never appeared. In exchange for the labor of the indigenous inhabitants of the island, thousands and thousands of slaves were forcibly brought to Cuba in the holds of slave ships from the African coast of the Gulf of Guinea, from Old Calabar and the Mayombe jungle, who, under the dictates of the whip, ensured the development of the country's sugar economy. In the mid-19th century, Chinese coolies arrived by ship, and shortly before that, French settlers settled in the eastern part of the countries, fleeing through the Windward Strait separating Cuba and Haiti from Toussaint L'Ouverture's revolution.

Then ships with Canarian peasants began to arrive on the island, ready to grow aromatic tobacco and tropical fruits; Arabs and Jews took up urban trade; enterprising Spaniards mixed with the population of Cuba through marriage and extramarital affairs, which led to the emergence of mestizos. Yucatan Indians, artisans and soldiers from the recently liberated American republics, and even Japanese, Americans and Swedes, united in small agricultural communities, settled here. However, out of all this diversity arose a unity - the concept of nation and nationality, which was gradually defined and finally tempered in the crucible of the struggle for liberation from the colonial yoke. Mixed blood and common aspirations created a unique basis, a special vision of the world, in a word, their own culture. One of the most prominent Cuban thinkers, Don Fernando Ortiz, studied this process and called it transculturation.

If we were to define the essence of Cuban culture, we would have to take into account two main elements: its integrative orientation and its universal vocation. These elements do not exist one without the other.

At the dawn of the nation, in the first decades of the 19th century, the most refined poet of the time sang not only the palm trees - a typical element of our landscape, but also the grandeur of Teocali in Cholula - a monument of pre-Columbian Aztec architecture - and the mighty Niagara Falls in North America. The most universal of all Cubans was the poet José Martí, a man of exceptional personal and social sensitivity. Life of a wanderer - Spain, Mexico, Venezuela, Guatemala.

Sport. Today, Cuba is a sports power thanks to its policy of mass participation in various sports, starting from school.

During the Olympic Games in July 1996, Cuba finished eighth out of 197 participating countries, leaving behind large, wealthy developed countries.

Cuba won 9 gold medals, eight silver and the same number of bronze. She became a winner in boxing and in team sports such as baseball and volleyball (women), as well as in judo, weightlifting and classical wrestling.

During the 7th World Athletics Championships, organized in Seville, Spain, in August 1999, Cuba took sixth place, ahead of dozens of more developed and populous countries.

Cuban athletes constantly occupy high places at the Central American and Caribbean Games and confirmed this at the last games held in Maracaibo, Venezuela, in August 98, where they won 191 gold medals.

At the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Cuba, having received 157 medals, including 70 gold, took second place, beating Canada, the country where the games were held.

Currently, hundreds of Cuban coaches and specialists work in dozens of countries, in some of which athletes have already significantly improved their performance and achieved success in scientific disciplines related to sports.

Cuba - medicine. The infant mortality rate in Cuba is one of the lowest in the world: 7.2 for every thousand births. The life expectancy of Cubans today is 74.7 years.

Now, in the first months after birth, all children receive vaccinations against 12 diseases: polio, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid, measles, rubella, mumps, meningitis B and C and hepatitis B.

In Cuba, there are 6.7 hospital beds for every thousand inhabitants. Among the advanced medical specialties in Cuba, cardiology should be highlighted - the country has highly qualified specialists and excellent medical institutions in this field. Not only heart and lung transplant operations have received scientific recognition, but also a new method for installing pacemakers, the number of which exceeds 6 thousand. The rapid growth in international demand for health tourism in Cuba over the past five years can only be explained by its beneficial effects on patients who came here for help - namely, a complete cure or radical relief of their ailments. The ever-expanding health tourism in Cuba is now being enjoyed by visitors from approximately 70 countries on almost all continents.

The official language is Spanish. However, hotel staff will answer you in English, German, Italian.

In Cuba, the church is separated from the state, and the population is guaranteed freedom of religion. The most common religion is Catholic; there are many churches here that are of great architectural and artistic value - this is the Havana Cathedral, Church of the Holy Angel and others, in which all relevant religious ceremonies are performed. However, it should be noted that the Afro-Cuban religion also has deep roots here, which was the result of a mixture of African cults brought to Cuba by slaves with the Catholicism of the Spanish colonialists. Don Fernando Ortiz called this phenomenon religious syncretism as a result of the fusion of the cultures of Africa, Spain and Cuba.

This syncretism was born when black slaves, in search of the opportunity to freely practice their religious cults, began to identify their own gods with Catholic saints. This is how the cult of "Regla de Ocha", usually called "Santeria", with its famous "orishas" (deities) arose. And so the white clothes, purity and humility of the Most Pure Virgin of Mercy made it possible to identify her with Obatalage; Yemaya found her equivalent in the Virgin of Regla, Aochun in the Virgin of Kobre; Chango - in St. Barbara; Babalu Aye is identical to Saint Lazarus - the patron saint of the weak. In addition, there are other religious movements, such as “Reglade Palo Monte” with its animistic gods, “Regla Abakua”, which is based on the cult of ancestors, as well as other sects and beliefs that enjoy greater or lesser influence among the population of the country .

The artistic and religious manifestations of African slaves became a valuable contribution to national culture Cuba not only in terms of religion, but also in such important aspects of life as cuisine and clothing. They also had a decisive influence on the Cuban character.

Holidays and weekends

January 2 is Liberation Day and the anniversary of the victory of the revolution. May 1 is International Workers' Day, always a big holiday in Cuba. July 26 - Day of the start of the national uprising - storming of the Moncada barracks. The famous Havana carnivals take place in the summer, mainly in July. The most famous festivals are held in the fields of cinema, ballet, theater arts and jazz music.

Pork fried or in other forms, Kogri rice - white rice with black beans, cassava in garlic-lemon sauce, vegetable salad, homemade dessert, fruits of the season.

As for dessert, Cuba has very decent ice cream. We can’t help but remember Cuban coffee. This coffee is very strong and very sweet, it is served in a tiny cup. This tiny “atomic bomb” is to the Cubans what coca leaves are to the Bolivians. In general, the inhabitants of the island have a big sweet tooth.

The most commonly consumed beverage is beer. Along with rum, it can be said to be a national drink. Of the large palette of rums, the most famous is Habana Club. All varieties of rum differ primarily in aging: they are generally divided into 0-3 years; 3-5 years; 5-7 years. Cubans also love juices. However, no wine is produced in Cuba at all.

Please note that food products (fruits, sausages, etc.) cannot be imported into Cuba. As a rule, everything is confiscated at the border.

Transport

There are no clearly marked roads or signs in Cuba. Service stations are quite rare. There is only one highway: to the east and west of Havana. There are several car rental companies in Cuba. The cost of renting a car is not cheap, approximately 55-65 dollars per day, deposit is 100 dollars, gasoline costs 1 dollar per liter, mileage is 100 km per day. The local traffic police are very lenient towards foreigners. In general, driving is not difficult, because... There are few cars on Cuban roads, but they trudge along at a speed of 50 km/h and are certainly in the priority left lane. In recent years, thousands of cyclists have appeared, mainly in cities.

Taxi. In the resort of Varadero, there are an abundance of foreign cars that work as taxis. There is no need to look for them, as they are looking for you everywhere. You just need to look in the direction of the driver and he will immediately drive up. A taxi is not very expensive, but not cheap either (about 1.5 -2 km - 2 dollars). Previously, in Varadero, along with foreign cars, you could see our dear Zhiguli cars and old American cars from the 50s and 60s. They also operated as private taxis. Their cost was approximately 2 times less. Now there are practically none of them at the resort. There are still many of them in Havana and the provinces. Prices for “private owners” are low: for example, in the center of Havana - 2 dollars; from the center to Miramar - 3 dollars; from the airport to Havana - 10-12 dollars. In many places in Varadero you can rent, in addition to cars, a Yamaha moped or a bicycle. The moped costs $9 for 1 hour, $12 for 2 hours, $15 for 3 hours. Every hour of delay plus $5. To rent, you just need to have it with you international passport or hotel card.

It is 8 hours behind Moscow.

In Cuba, foreign tourists (one might say) only use dollars. Fortunately for us, no one pays attention to the dilapidation of banknotes. You should pay special attention to the fact that upon change you may be given a so-called convertible peso. This type of peso is equal to the dollar 1:1. This is a new Cuban banknote that has nothing in common with the “wooden” Cuban pesos. To avoid getting into trouble, the convertible peso must have “convertible” written on it. As a rule, they are given in small bills: 1.5, 10. The exchange rate of the old Cuban peso to the American dollar is approximately 1:25. Convertible Cuban small change also circulates on par with American cents. Often you will be hit back by both. Credit cards are also in use: VISA, EUROCARD, etc. Due to the political situation, AMERICAN EXPRESS cards are prohibited.

Visa and customs control

Visa-free entry (for stays of no more than 30 days). Have your salary with you (valid for 3 months from the date of return), an air ticket with a return date, cash at the rate of $50/day, power of attorney for the child from the second parent.

Tourists do not have to fill out a customs declaration. It is prohibited to bring drugs and all types of pornographic materials into Cuba, Cuban banknotes, except in cases where they are carried by passengers arriving from countries with which Cuba has signed bilateral agreements on this issue, firearms, with the exception of guns for sport hunting, belonging to tourists who come to the country for this purpose and have the appropriate permit issued in Cuba upon arrival.

When a visitor purchases durable goods or valuables in stores during his stay in Cuba, he must always have the appropriate receipt for the purchase in order to present it upon departure, if required. Allowed free from customs duties bringing personal belongings into the country within reasonable limits. It is not allowed to export from the country items that are national treasure, precious metals, sea shells, antiques and certain types of plants and animals.

Consulates and Embassies

Embassy of the Russian Federation - Havana, tel. 33-10-85, 33-33-26. Consular Section - Havana, Vedado, 8/306.

Additional Information

Cuba...Azure waters of the ocean and Coral reefs, gentle sun and snow-white sand of the shore, a fantastic underwater world and fabulous birds, the intoxicating smell of orchids and the fears of a crocodile nursery, a riot of colors of sunrises and sunsets, impenetrable forests and colonnades of palm groves, crystal waterfalls and the chilling silence of underground lakes in stalactite caves, the architecture of ancient cities and fortresses, the riotous fun of the night city and the refined severity of luxury hotels, the smoke of a Cuban cigar, slender mulatto women - all this is Cuba! For many people around the world, Cuba means beaches and sun, and this association is not wrong. Wonderful seaside resorts The islands are now its main and most famous offer - after all, the coastline of the archipelago is more than six thousand kilometers, it includes over four thousand small and medium-sized islands, and there are about three hundred magnificent beaches. The regime of sea currents washing Cuba on all sides ensures that the water here retains unique purity and transparency, as well as a pleasant temperature throughout the year (24-26 C). Observation underwater world, underwater photography, fishing and hunting in designated areas, as well as swimming and marine species sports - all this is offered by Cuba to lovers of marine ecotourism.

Cuba - history. Cuba was discovered on October 28, 1492 by Christopher Columbus and over the following centuries, until the end of the 19th century, was subject to Spanish colonization. In 1868, the War of Independence begins, and Spanish colonial rule gives way to a neo-colonial republic, when the country's economic and political development was completely determined by the will of its North American neighbor. And only from January 1959, with the victory of the people's revolution, did national independence become possible. In recent decades, for former USSR Cuba was one of the main partners in the Western Hemisphere, “the only socialist state” off the coast of the United States. Due to special political situation Republic of Cuba on the world stage, it is impossible not to mention some personalities who personify modern Cuban history. Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz - Commander-in-Chief, 1st Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Chairman of the State Council and Council of Ministers. Fidel Castro is without a doubt one of the significant characters of the 20th century. Castro was born in 1926. There was a lot in his life: the storming of the Moncada barracks, and the bright speech at the trial “History will vindicate me,” and the guerrilla war, and the victory of the revolution, and Playa Giron, and the missile crisis, and help, and then the betrayal of the “big brother,” and difficult years of the “special period in Peaceful time" Fidel Castro has a rare gift of oratory and exceptional personal charm, he never gets tired and is interested in everything, and, as always, continues to speak to top audiences for seven hours without a single “piece of paper.” Fidel Castro enjoys the unconditional support of a significant part of the population, which has followed him since the days of the guerrilla war and the first years of the revolution. However, now his position is not as strong as in former times. Raul Castro Ruz is Fidel's younger brother, Minister of Defense, and heir apparent to his older brother. Jose Marti is a revolutionary poet, “apostle of the Fatherland”, his image is comparable only to the image of Simon Bolivar. His memory lives on in the names of streets, the international airport, etc., a bust of José Martí in every school. Something makes him similar to our Lenin. Ernesto Che Guevara - his image in a beret with a star will forever remain in the memory of the generation that adored the great rebel. He was young and romantic. The god of war and love of the 60s, this Argentine revolutionary was a close friend of Fidel Castro. He was killed in action in Bolivia in 1967. Camillo Cienfuegos - shortly before the victory of the revolution in Cuba, Cienfuegos, Che Guevara and Castro formed a triumvirate of romantic bearded guerrillas. Ciefuegos fought alongside Fidel and entered Havana in triumph. Some time later he died in a plane crash.

Cuba - courtesans. Of course, local girls deserve attention; they are truly extraordinary in beauty, giving tourists their ardent love and affection for free. Today, approximately 70% of foreign visitors to Cuba are so-called sex tourists. Mexicans come in search of white-skinned chicks, Europeans are eager to communicate with passionate mulattoes. Yes, indeed, Liberty Island is turning into a men's resort. According to statistics, significantly more men come to Cuba than women. Local residents treat people of easy virtue with rather respect; you will never encounter a reproachful glance addressed to them. And what, tell me, can one reproach young beauties who earn money for themselves and their loved ones, often in the hope of a handsome overseas prince who will take her across these very seas? The prevailing opinion that all Cuban girls are courtesans is far from the truth. The definition of "prostitution" does not quite fit what is actually happening. If the man likes him, the girl can refuse the money. And if meetings are repeated, then the most accurate definition of such a relationship can be only one word - love. At the Havana airport. X. Marty can often be seen saying goodbye to couples. However, it is not only at night that love passions rage. During the day on the beach there is no shortage of offers of daytime beauties. Swimming with mulatto girls is a common occurrence on Cuban beaches. Love in water is a completely normal thing here. Cuban beauties are forbidden to sunbathe without swimsuits, but who can stop a passionate Cuban woman from taking off her swimsuit in the water!

Telephone conversations. International telephone calls can be made from your hotel room through Telecorreos branches or from an international call center. Upon arrival in Cuba, you can also contact the Cubacel agency, tel. 80-2222 to use cellular phone service or the 711 system if you have your own phone. To contact Cuba from abroad, first dial the Cuba code (53), then the corresponding city code, if it is Havana, dial 7 and so on phone number, from whom you want to contact. To call Moscow or another city in Russia you need to use a special telephone, which is available in every hotel. To make a phone call, you need to buy a special card from the administrator for 10 or 25 dollars; then you need to pick up the phone, enter the card into the machine (red arrow up) and dial the following code: 119-7-095 (Moscow) + phone number.

What is better to buy for friends and acquaintances? Undoubtedly, this is black coral and jewelry made from it: pendants, rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets. Paired with silver it will look better. There are also good items made from tortoise shell, especially bracelets and hairpins. Various seafood products are also in demand, especially various shells and mahogany products. Almost no one leaves without buying 1-2 bottles of Cuban rum (3,5,7 years of aging) or world famous Cuban cigars. Shopping can be done in shops at every hotel, on the beach, resort town, as well as in shopping centers. There are 3 such centers known in Varadero: Soreu - located between streets 61 and 63, opposite the 4 Palms hotel. "Caiman" - located between streets 61 and 62, i.e. in the same place as Sorey. Near the shopping centers there is a magnificent Josone Park - it is worth visiting free time. The third shopping center appeared relatively recently. It is located between two five-star hotels (MELIA VARADERO and MELIA LAS AMERICAS). The distinctive feature of this shopping center is that during construction the architects sought to breathe into it the modern style of similar structures: modern pavilions, parking, quality goods, security, etc. In addition to the above purchases, mention should also be made of the machete - the main tool for cutting sugar cane. The souvenir option looks, of course, more attractive. When transporting, check it in as your luggage, and when going to Sheremetyevo, go through the “green corridor” and there will be no troubles.

Cuba is a unique country. No matter how sophisticated a tourist is, this island will always remain a dream. Amazing story this country, its location, fauna, culture - everything here is captivating, everything is exciting.

People come here with children; adventure lovers are looking for extreme sports here; people stop here in couples and one at a time with the goal of seclusion, living away from civilization, in harmony with nature.

But, of course, today’s youth are most attracted to Cuba. Free, noisy, cheerful, it is simply created for those who cannot imagine their life without wild parties, dancing, and all kinds of entertainment.

Moreover, the myth that living costs in Cuba are higher than in other countries is slowly dissipating Caribbean. By having dinner at an inexpensive restaurant and renting a not-so-expensive room, you can easily get by 50 $ per day. But you will have enough impressions to last a lifetime.

Capital	Havana
Population	11.5 million people
	110,860 thousand m²
Population density	102 inhabitants per 1 km²
	Spanish
Religion	Catholicism
Form of government	parliamentary socialist republic
	Cuban Peso (CUP)
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity	110/220V/60Hz, socket type: A, B, C

Climate and weather

The tropical, trade wind climate of the island of Cuba provides fairly high temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature here is approximately +25.5 °C. The coldest month is January (+22.5 °C), the hottest - August (27.8 °C). The water off the coast remains warm almost all year round: from +22 °C – in winter and from +28 °C - in summer. The average annual precipitation is also quite high - about 1500 mm. Mostly it's rain. However, very dry years are not so rare in Cuba.

In general, the climatic seasons on the island are quite clearly defined: May-September is the rainy season, October-April is dry. The autumn-summer period is characterized by heavy rainfall, often with strong winds.

Humidity is very high all year round.

Nature

Cuba is rich in man-made attractions, which millions of people dream of touching. different countries peace. However, natural ensembles that amaze with their beauty are no less valuable: paradise beaches tens of kilometers, fabulous uninhabited islands with palm groves and mangroves, karst caves and low picturesque mountains.

The relief of Cuba is flat, but the bizarre shapes of the highest mountain range Sierra Maestra, stretching along southeast coast for hundreds of kilometers, they impress even seasoned travelers.

Cuba has a rich fauna and flora. Some plant species you will not find anywhere else in the world. And the variety of exotic species of butterflies and birds is simply amazing!

Attractions

Some of the cities and regions that you need to visit when traveling around Cuba include:

• Havana;
• Santiago de Cuba;
• Holguin.

In the capital alone there are about 1000 buildings of architectural value! Among the most famous are the cathedral square and Cathedral of St. Christopher(XVII century), building of the former governor's palace Cubes, fortresses La Cabaña and La Fuerza(XVI century). Is extremely popular among tourists Cathedral immaculate conception , and Ernest Hemingway House Museum. Undoubtedly, night life Cuba is also concentrated here in the capital.

Getting into Santiago de Cuba- the second largest city in Cuba - tourists usually head to the picturesque city Cespedes Park. This is perhaps one of the main attractions of the city. Besides, Santiago de Cuba, formerly the capital, can be considered the center cultural life islands: numerous museums, theaters, cathedrals attract those who want not only to enjoy the beauty of Cuba, but also to learn more about its history.

The most popular resort on the island is Varadero(province of Matanzas). The beaches here are among the top three in the world, and their surroundings - perfect place for leisure of tourists with a wide variety of tastes and hobbies. There is also a dolphinarium here - an integral attribute of any resort - where anyone can not only admire the local inhabitants, but also swim with them.

The second most important resort region is Holguin. This is where the most beautiful in Cuba is located Playa Esmeralda beach. The riches of the region also include six waterfalls and a rich fauna. In addition, Holguin is often called the city of public gardens. Walking here is not only pleasant, but also interesting: the city is very diverse in terms of architecture.

Nutrition

The gastronomic preferences of Cubans are quite diverse. The cuisine of this country mixes the traditions of Spain, Africa, Caribbean Islands. Here they treat meat with respect and cannot do without vegetables and fruits. A separate culinary topic - bananas. Cubans have dozens of options for preparing it and hundreds of options for dishes that include banana. They are fried, baked, used as an ingredient in sauce, and served as dessert.

By the way, desserts in Cuba are distinguished by their sweetness. Popular here mousses, puddings, ice cream. Many amazing dishes are made from tropical fruits and sugar cane. syrups.

With special honor local residents enjoys coffee. It is drunk very strong and sweet throughout the day. Among the alcoholic drinks, the favorite among Cubans is rum. It is customary to serve table wine with lunch and dinner.

The best food in Cuba is in restaurants located in private homes. They're called paladares. Lunch at such a restaurant will cost you approximately 7 $ , which is two times less than in a state restaurant. You can also get a bite to eat in the city by buying pizza or a sandwich from street vendors.

In Cuban restaurants, it is customary to tip based on 10% from the order cost. It is better to give the money personally to the waiter.

Accommodation

Most hotels located in Cuban resorts have five-star status. The beaches adjacent to such hotels are, as a rule, very well equipped with everything necessary for relaxation. Meals are most often organized according to the buffet principle, less often - according to the menu. The cost of an all-inclusive room in such a hotel will be close to 100 $ . For comparison: the same room in a middle-class state hotel will cost approximately 35 $ , and in private - in 15-25 $ .

Almost all hotels in Cuba have a car rental department.

Entertainment and relaxation

Of course, when it comes to entertainment in Cuba, the first thing you want to talk about is the island’s nightlife. In terms of the number of clubs, bars, and discos, Liberty Island ranks first in Caribbean . Music and dance lovers come here simply to immerse themselves in this environment. Particularly rich nightlife in the capital. Havana is ready to satisfy any requests. Cabarets, jazz clubs, Latin American shows - the nightlife of the Cuban capital is varied in rhythm. By the way, anyone can learn Afro-Cuban dances: dance lessons are organized right at the hotels.

Clubs and restaurants are not the only way of leisure for Cubans and guests of the island. Diving, fishing and hunting are extremely popular here. There is also something for speleology lovers to do here: the huge karst caves captivate both professionals and simply curious tourists.

Throughout the year, Cuba hosts many holiday events and festivals. The Fire Festival and Carnival in Santiago de Cuba (take place in the summer) are particularly spectacular. In August, the island hosts a Cuban music festival.

Purchases

It is better to buy food in Cuba in supermarkets or stores. In shops INTUR tiendas you can buy clothes, food, medicines, souvenirs for foreign currency. By the way, about souvenirs. You'll probably want to buy a bottle or two Cuban rum and cigars. You can also choose rum in the store (a bottle costs from 5 $ ), but to buy good cigars, it’s better to contact Real Fabrica de Tabaco Partagas. On the ground floor of the factory there is a store that sells all types of cigars.

Surely in the first days of your stay in Cuba you will want to buy a T-shirt with the image of the symbol of all revolutions - Che Guevara. Although it would be better if you follow the example of the locals and buy Guyabera shirt, in which you can easily endure any heat.

Not only rum and cigars, but also other exclusively “ Cuban» accessories: straw hats, wicker shoes, hammock. Audio CDs purchased in Havana with recordings of spirited local music will help prolong the festive mood (there is no other way in Cuba!).

When going shopping, do not forget that Cubans sacredly honor traditions: a four-hour rest in the afternoon is a must. However, it’s not just a matter of tradition: the scorching sun simply does not allow full-fledged work.

And one more important note. Icon $ on the price tag means nothing more than the word “ price" But the real cost of the goods is most often indicated in pesos.

When buying products made from crocodile skin, ask the seller for an export license, otherwise the souvenir may be seized at customs.

Transport

The main airport in Cuba is international Airport name Jose Marti, located 18 km from Havana. As for municipal transport, then, alas, its condition is deplorable. There are very few city buses, and they often break down. There is no schedule as such at all. If you plan to move around the city, rent a bicycle: this type of transport is common here.

Communication between cities is also poorly established. Buses and minibuses almost always crowded and bad traffic. Tickets for these must be purchased in advance.

In general, a tourist in Cuba cannot do without a car. And, fortunately, there are no particular problems with this. All that is required to rent a car is a driver’s license and at least a year of driving experience. True, this service is quite expensive - 60 $ per day. But believe me, the best way to see Cuba simply does not exist.

As for the quality of roads, then, as you may have guessed, there are problems. The traffic rules are standard, but there are practically no signs and markings. Service stations are also, in general, rare. Therefore, when renting a car, do not be lazy to check if everything is in order with the car. Including check whether the tank is full.

The only plus is that “tourist” cars (they have special colored license plates) enjoy benefits, and the police simply do not pay attention to minor violations.

Connection

Today Cuba is served by a single telecom operator - the company ETECSA. The current standard is GSM 900, in some areas - GSM 850. You can buy a phone card at any hotel or store.

Calling from a pay phone abroad is cheaper than calling from a hotel room (approximately 5 $ per minute of conversation with Moscow). And not every hotel has a telephone with international access.

Today there are 2 Internet providers on the island.

Safety

As for the safety of your stay on the island, various types of threats can await you everywhere, despite the fact that Cuba is a fairly safe country. First tip: don't walk around Old Havana after 10 pm. If only because at this time the city lights are turned off. It is better to store documents in your room, in a special safe (if there is one, of course).

Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited. It is not recommended to give alms to the poor: this is punishable by law.

Beware of the Cuban sun: you can get burned even in cloudy weather. Use protective equipment and be sure to cover your head. Be careful when swimming: you can easily get injured in the sea sea ​​urchin or sharp coral. Jellyfish can be extremely dangerous.

Business climate

The country's two main sources of income are sugar production and tourism. It is developing at a rapid pace tourism industry, attracting more and more foreign investors. In addition, Cuba is a global leader in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

IN this moment Cuba is in the spotlight of the world business community. Liberty Island amazes with its prospects, but at the same time, it is one of the most closed countries in the world. A huge advantage is the absence of taxes for foreign entrepreneurs. Among the disadvantages are poor infrastructure and the possibility of opening a business exclusively in partnership with a state-owned enterprise. It is not yet possible to register your company in Cuba.

Real estate

One of the most pressing problems in Cuba is housing. Most of housing stock has been in need of reconstruction and overhaul for a long time. As for buying a home on the island, such an operation is generally impossible for an ordinary foreigner. Even if you have millions of dollars in your pocket, you will not be able to buy housing here. Of course, there is an unofficial real estate market, but, of course, such a purchase has no guarantees. Although the prices are quite reasonable: an apartment in an old panel house can cost from 15 000 $ . And in the provinces it is several times less.

• Cubans are generally very cheerful, talkative, sociable and hospitable. But they are very proud. They will, of course, try to speak to you in English, but if you say at least a few phrases in bad Spanish, the Cuban will definitely love you.
• You should also know some of the Cuban traditions if you are planning to visit Liberty Island. In order not to offend a good-natured Cuban, you should never refuse an offer for a drink or dinner. It is advisable to accompany requests with special appeals: "mi amor", "mi corazon"- when talking to a woman, "amigo", "viejo"- when talking to a man.
• Photograph industrial buildings and military equipment prohibited in Cuba, but Cubans themselves, as a rule, willingly pose for the camera. Of course, before you capture the colorful appearance of an island resident, you need to ask permission.

Visa information

Tourists from Russia do not require a visa to Cuba if the period of visiting the country does not exceed 30 days. In order to cross the state border, you need to present a passport valid for the duration of your stay in Cuba, 2 copies of a migration card (one of which must be kept until departure from the country), as well as return tickets. You must have funds at the rate of $50 per day per person. This does not apply to tourists who used the services of travel agencies.

However, you can take care of a visa in advance by contacting the consular department of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Moscow. Among the documents submitted to the visa department must be a foreign passport (its validity must not expire earlier than 6 months from the date of arrival in the country), copies of round-trip tickets, confirmation of a hotel room reservation (a travel agency voucher or an invitation from a specific person), as well as a photo in size 3x4 cm. The consular fee will be $30, and the visa will be valid for one month.

For more specific information on obtaining a visa to the Republic of Cuba, please contact: 119017, Moscow, st. Bolshaya Ordynka, 66.

Cuba - magical island, separating the Atlantic from Caribbean Sea, the bottom of which is literally covered with treasures. A neighbor of Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico, it attracts not only with its tropical exoticism, but also with the special flavor of island life, the warmth, openness and hospitality of the local residents. Every day here is a carnival. There is no heat here, the caressing breeze from the ocean pleasantly cools. There are not even any animals dangerous to humans here. Here the crocodiles are only in the form of a roast. And countless fish, birds, and shellfish become not only a delicacy for gourmets, but also the subject of an exciting hunt. The resulting loot can always be “washed” with the best fiery cane drink in the world – rum.

Kilometers of the smallest white sand and azure blue ocean waters seem tailor-made for a world-class resort. The rest was done by people: tourism here has a large share of Spanish capital and therefore the service meets the highest requirements.

Cuba has excellent diving all year round, the cheapest (in terms of price) and the most exciting: the water is warm, the views underwater are probably the best in the world. But while enjoying the corals, fish and other beauties of the underwater world, you should remember that the pirate Morgan left at the bottom of the sea near southern islands Cubes 250 thousand reais in gold, jewelry and silver. And in the Cuban Bay of Matanzas lies 300 million dollars. Neither one nor the other has been found yet. So we strongly recommend that when traveling on a yacht to the islands, you be attentive to any details of the underwater world. Cuba is a paradise for fishermen, scuba divers, biologists and underwater photographers, as the island's fresh and salt waters are home to some 900 species of animals and fish. Warm waters are especially loved by jellyfish, octopuses and sea turtles. Oysters and lobsters are objects of industrial and tourist fishing. The greatest pleasure will be given to you by lobsters with their magnificent coral palette and very tasty and tender meat. At the depths you can see black corals. The seabed is strewn with a wide variety of shells.

Many people come to Cuba for treatment - plastic surgery, treatment of dermatological diseases, surgery, and cardiology are highly developed here.

There's a lot to see here. Colonial and modern Havana, the El Moro fortress and the Napoleon Museum, the Hemingway Museum and meeting the captain of the ship "Pilar", on which the famous writer sailed. Some of the architectural monuments are declared by UNESCO as a heritage of humanity. Among them is the oldest sugar center in Cuba - Trinidad. The island has an amazing number of archaeological excavations and grottoes, in which Indian household items and rock paintings were discovered, telling about their life before the Spanish conquest, about their first meetings with future conquerors. Walking through protected areas with swimming in mountain rivers and under tropical waterfalls, horseback riding, visiting an Indian village, where you will personally communicate with the aborigines. In the evening, cabarets, discos, Cuban dancing under the stars on the ship and all the other delights of Cuba at night. The most interesting event is the famous Cuban carnival, which takes place in February.

Cuban cuisine rich, varied and very complex. Often it includes Furthermore, which is considered purely Cuban. The national dish is "ajiaco crioglio" - a thick stew that has various variations; its main ingredients are various vegetables and fruits, which are cooked together with various types of meat. The pinnacle of Cuban cuisine is congri (white rice cooked with cauliflower beans) and arroz Moro, also called Moors and Christians, rice with black beans. There is an art to preparing picadillo a la abanera (Havanese minced meat). You can also try dishes that are unusual for us, for example, delicious swordfish and crocodile meat.

Cuba is rightfully considered one of the most safe countries peace. Even late at night you can walk in any quarter with complete peace of mind. And one more plus. Tours to Cuba are visa-free for Russian citizens.

All this is Cuba - the true pearl of the Caribbean islands!

Cuban territory

The Cuban archipelago is located in the western Caribbean Sea, between North and South America and is the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. coast The length of the island from west to east is 1200 km, its shape resembles a sleeping crocodile. The country's ecological water system includes beautiful coral reefs, including the second longest in the world. The islands and islets that form the Cuban archipelago still serve as a haven for a variety of animals and birds. A characteristic feature of the Cuban fauna is the complete absence of animals that are poisonous or dangerous to humans. Havana is the capital of the country.

Climate of Cuba

The Cuban archipelago lies near the Tropic of Cancer, which is the border of the subtropical zone of the planet. The climate here is subtropical. The archipelago is washed by a warm sea current - the so-called Cuban countercurrent. Its thermal effect is reinforced by two other currents crossing the Caribbean Sea in the opposite direction. Together they form the Gulf Stream - the "Big Blue River", - in the waters of which you can catch large marlin. The climate of Cuba is very favorable, since the island does not have high humidity, as in countries with a typical tropical climate, and the heat is moderated by the constantly blowing winds from the ocean. The average water temperature on the coast in winter is 24 - 25 C, and in summer – 26 - 27 C.

Population of Cuba

11 million people, Cubans

Cuba time

It is 2 hours behind Moscow.

Language of Cuba

In Cuba official language– Spanish, but under the influence of other languages, the classical pronunciation has been slightly changed.

Religion of Cuba

Catholics.

National characteristics of Cuba

The mixing of blood and common aspirations created a unique basis, a special vision of the world, in a word, its own culture. The culture and art of Cuba is a wonderful mixture of African, Spanish and so-called Afro-Cuban cultures. Who doesn’t know the famous Cuban rhythm, known as “son”, “cha-cha-cha”! Cuban culture is unthinkable without a smile, and this opens the way for it to every corner of the planet.

Money of Cuba

The Cuban peso is equivalent to 100 cents. There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 50 pesos, as well as coins of 1 and 3 pesos. Smaller coins are 1, 2, 5, 20 and 40 cents. In Cuba, only dollars are accepted for foreign tourists. You should pay special attention to the fact that upon change you may be given a so-called convertible peso. This type of peso is equal to the dollar 1:1. This is a new Cuban banknote that has nothing in common with the “wooden” Cuban pesos. To avoid getting into trouble, the convertible peso must have “convertible” written on it. As a rule, they are given in small bills: in denominations of 1, 5, 10. The exchange rate of the old Cuban peso to the American dollar is approximately 1:25. Convertible Cuban small change also circulates on par with American cents. Often you will be hit back by both. Credit cards are also in use: VISA, EUROCARD, etc. Due to the political situation, AMERICAN EXPRES cards are prohibited.

Cuba Post and Telephone

The country code is 53. International telephone calls can be made from hotel rooms through Telecorreos branches or from an international call center. In addition, you can contact the KUBASEL company, telephone 80-2222, in order to use cellular telephone communication. If a visitor has his own telephone, he can contact this enterprise by calling 711.

National Police: 82-0116
Fire brigade: 81-1115
Ambulance: 24-2811
Cardiovascular diseases: 24-2811 to 24-2814
Airport: 45-3133

Shopping, gifts, souvenirs of Cuba

What is better to buy for friends and acquaintances? Undoubtedly, this is black coral and jewelry made from it: pendants, rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets. Paired with silver it will look better. Products made from tortoise shell are also quite good, especially bracelets and hairpins. A variety of sinks and mahogany products are in demand. Almost no one leaves without buying 1-2 bottles of Cuban rum (3, 5, 7 years old) or world-famous Cuban cigars. In addition to the above purchases, mention should also be made of the machete - the main tool for cutting sugar cane. The souvenir option looks, of course, more attractive. When transporting, check it in as your luggage, and when going to Sheremetyevo, go through the “green corridor” and there will be no troubles. It is possible to purchase works of art in Cuba, but in order to export them abroad, appropriate documents are required, which are issued at the request of the interested party. Visitors can obtain the information they need when making purchases at art galleries and specialty stores. Every hotel, village or airport has duty-free shops where you can find prestigious brands, including cigars, rum, juices, canned goods, handmade crafts, items for personal use, books, CDs, cassettes, videos, postcards, maps, posters, T-shirts and much more. In addition, there are various chain stores that specialize in satisfying all tastes and requirements. If you purchase durable goods or valuable goods from any commercial center, you should ask for a receipt to facilitate removal. If you are interested in purchasing specimens of flora or fauna (live or stuffed), you must request information and assistance from your travel agency to legally carry out this transaction.

Major holidays in Cuba

In Cuba, the official language is Spanish, but under the influence of other languages, the classic pronunciation has been slightly modified. The mixing of blood and common aspirations created a unique basis, a special vision of the world, in a word, its own culture. The culture and art of Cuba is a wonderful mixture of African, Spanish and so-called Afro-Cuban cultures. Who doesn’t know the famous Cuban rhythm, known as “son”, “cha-cha-cha”! Cuban culture is unthinkable without a smile, and this opens the way for it to every corner of the planet.

Cuban cuisine

Cuban cuisine arose from the combined influence of Spanish and African traditions. A national dish- el ajiaco - stew soup with root vegetables and various vegetables, usually prepared with pork. The taste depends on the type of root vegetables and spices used. Other typical dishes include skewered pork, fried banana chips (tachinos, chatinos or tostones), black beans, oriental congri (rice with red beans), moros and cristianos (rice with black beans), chopped havanese steak, tamales, bacanes or ayacas (made from tender corn). The fame of Cuban rum has brought popularity to Cuban cocktails that are made on its basis (white, gold or aged rum). If you like to drink rum neat or with ice, then golden and aged are the most preferable, and for cocktails the ideal type is the white variety. The most popular cocktails served in most of our bars are Cuba Libre, Mojito, Daiquiri, Cubanito, Isla de Pinos, Presidente, Saoco and Cuba Bella.

Transport in Cuba

There are no clearly marked roads or signs in Cuba. Service stations are quite rare. There is only one highway: to the east and west of Havana. There are several car rental companies in Cuba. The cost of renting a car is not cheap, approximately 55-65 dollars per day, deposit is 100 dollars, gasoline costs 1 dollar per liter, mileage is 100 km per day. The local traffic police are very lenient towards foreigners. In the resort of Varadero, there are an abundance of foreign cars that work as taxis. A taxi is not very expensive, but not cheap either (about 1.5-2 km - 2 dollars). In many places in Varadero you can rent, in addition to cars, a Yamaha moped or a bicycle. To rent, it is enough to have a foreign passport or hotel card with you.

Cuba tips

The stated price is usually not included. It is customary to leave 10-15% of the cost of services provided, especially to porters.

Cuba visa

For Russian citizens, a visa-free regime has been established for a stay of no more than 30 days. A valid passport and round trip ticket are required. The passport must be valid for another 1 month from the date of entry into Cuba. When departing from the country, you must pay $25 USD.

Free economic zones were created. In 1997, there were already three SEZs operating in the country (Mariel, Vahay and the city of Havana).

Cuba exports, bringing income to its country's budget, tobacco, seafood, sugar, nickel, medical goods, coffee, and citrus fruits.

Cuba's export partners are China, Canada, Spain, and the Netherlands. China invested $500 million in the Cuban nickel industry, Brazil - the same amount in the development of Cuban hydrocarbon deposits and in the construction of a plant for the production of technical oils. A large nickel ore mining plant has been built in the province of Holguin.

The country today imports food, petroleum products, industrial equipment, and chemical products. Its import business partners are Venezuela, China, and Spain. Particularly close and productive ties in terms of the PetroCaribe oil program with Venezuela. Trade turnover between states annually reaches about $10 billion.

Since 1962, the country has introduced a card system for food distribution. The “black market” is thriving, since food cards are issued here irregularly.

Cuba has a developed system of free public services: medical care, higher and secondary education.

Since October 2010, the list of types of business activities permitted by the government has increased in the country. In 2016, private small and medium-sized businesses were legalized.

Cuban branches of government

Cuba is a socialist republic of parliamentary type. Most of the deputies in parliament today represent the Communist Party of Cuba.

The head of state is the Chairman of the State Council (who is also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba), who exercises executive power in the country. The Chairman of the Council of Ministers, who is also the Second Secretary of the Central Committee, helps him.

The government of the Cuban state consists of two branches: the Council of Ministers and the Council of State. The ministry employs 31 ministers.

The highest authority on Liberty Island is the National Assembly of People's Power, i.e. parliament of the republic. It includes 609 deputies who are elected for 5 years. She is entrusted with forming a government and appointing the head of the State Council. The responsibilities of the Assembly also include electing the People's Supreme Court. Provincial courts are elected by the provincial assemblies of people's power, municipal courts by the municipal assemblies.

The Republic of Cuba is divided administratively into 16 provinces, which are respectively divided into 169 municipalities. Only one municipality, Juventud, is accountable to the central government; the rest are subordinate to local administrative structures.

Cuba's participation in international organizations

In recent years, having changed course in the political sphere and being squeezed by economic sanctions, Cuba has become more active in influential international organizations.

The Republic is a member of the World Trade Organization and takes an active part in international agreements: the Paris Convention, the New York Convention on International Arbitration, and the Madrid Protocol. Cuba is a member of the international organization of ACP states. For decades, Cuba has been participating in social programs at the international level.

There are 57 Cuban specialists working in 101 countries, of whom 70% are health workers. One of Cuba's programs, Operation Miracle, provides affordable medical care in 16 countries to poor, seriously ill people. In 28 countries of Latin America there is a program “Yes, I can” aimed at combating illiteracy.

Whatever direction Cuba goes, the beauty of its natural landscape, the originality of its culture and the attractiveness of the Cuban mentality will remain unchanged.