Cuba: a country of freedom, cheerful people and sunny resorts. Geography of Cuba: landscape, climate, resources, flora and fauna Relief and coastline of Cuba

Freedom Island Cuba is a legendary country, about which, with all its flavor, we do not know so much. Meanwhile, this island is rich in its history, culture and incredible life experiences. Time stopped in Cuba about three decades ago. And you still have the opportunity to see the world of the past.

What is Cuba on the map

In the north of the Caribbean Sea there is a very interesting, original and uniquely memorable country, the Republic of Cuba. It covers not only the central island, but also several smaller ones. Divided into 16 provinces, it also includes the municipality of the islands of Juventud. No matter how large the area of ​​Cuba may seem, its population is about 11.3 million people.

The state is a member of the United Nations Organization and the World Trade Organization. The dominant Communist Party is in charge of politics. The flag of Cuba is painted in white-blue-red colors. Three blue stripes symbolize the Spanish parts of Cuba, two white stripes - independence, a red triangle - equality, and a star - freedom.

Cuba covers a total area of ​​110,860 square kilometers and a length of 1,250 kilometers. The state borders on the United States, Mexico, Jamaica and the island of Haiti. The climate here is tropical, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Where the name of the Island of Freedom came from is not fully known. It is assumed that the word "Cuba" came from the Taino Indians, who called the island "a beautiful place". And some historians say that the island of Cuba was named Columbus in honor of the village of the same name in Portugal.

History of Cuba

Cuba has passed a difficult path during its formation. These lands have seen a lot of revolutionary action. The first civil uprising took place back in 1823, when the locals decided to fight for an independent Spain. From 1868 to 1878, battles were fought here during the Ten Years War for the Independence of the Cuban People. This was followed by a number of revolutionary leaders who introduced their own rules and principles of government to Cuba.

The well-known Fidel Castro came here in 1953. It was with his activities that the Cuban Revolution began, which opposed the ruling dictator Batista. When he fled the island, the "left" revolutionaries took over the leading position. But the optimistic trend did not last long, as repressions soon began in Cuba. Castro feared dangerous US influence and began to actively cooperate with the Soviet Union.

It was this, the largest state at that time, that supported Cuba materially and financially. But when Perestroika began in the Union, relations changed. And Cuba itself has lost its former power. Money was scarce, jobs were scarce. Stability was achieved only by 1994.

The Church in Cuba acts by its own rules, because everyone here has the right to their own religion. Mostly they profess Catholicism. But sometimes there are examples of Protestantism and African worship, which are built on the sacrifice and worship of various pagan gods.

They say that here it is mainly in Spanish, but you can hear both English and Italian. In some regions, Dutch, German and various local dialects are spoken.

Cuba and its cities

The capital of Cuba, the city of Havana, is a tourist center and one of the largest in the country. Its total area is almost 727 square kilometers, on which there are 15 municipalities. Havana received the status of the capital in 1902, and at the moment it is the cultural, economic and political center of the country.

There are many museums built in the city, in particular the Colonial, the National, the Jose Marti House Museum and the Museum of the Revolution. Also here you can see many old restored houses of the XVI-XVIII centuries. The house-museum of the great writer Ernesto Hemingway, who was impossibly in love with Cuba, was also opened.

The second largest and most important city in Cuba is Santiago de Cuba. It was built and inhabited at the beginning of the 16th century, and until 1556 it served as the capital of the state. Here, as in the capital, a lot of museums were opened: ethnographic, municipal, natural history and others.

Tourists come to the south of Cuba to try their hand at recreational diving and see the fortress of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro. By the way, it is in this city that the grave of the dictator Fidel Castro is located.

The city of Camaguey was built in the center of Cuba in 1514. The locals have suffered from pirate attacks for several decades, but over time, the area has changed. Surrounded by picturesque nature, the city is famous for its many attractions - the Ignacio Argamonte Museum, the Trabahadores and Soledad squares, and, of course, the Casino Campestre park.

How to organize an unforgettable vacation in Cuba

Despite the fact that Cuba is not the richest country, tourists will definitely have something to see here.

In the capital rises the bell-shaped Cathedral of St. Christoph, the building is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built from 1767 to the end of the 19th century; the frescoes by Giuseppe Perovani became the crown of the architectural creation. The bells are made of bronze with an admixture of silver and gold.

Be sure to take a stroll along Prado Boulevard in the capital, a promenade that separates the two regions of Havana. Noisy and colorful Cuban weddings take place here, as there is the Wedding Palace on the boulevard. A large hotel "Sevilla" was built for tourists, and the old Capitol tower rises nearby. Walking along the boulevard in the evening, you will certainly see the Bolshoi Theater and Central Park. Walk a little more and you are on the Malecon embankment.

Picturesque and one of the largest parks, the Sierra del Rosario, can be seen if you get to the Rosario ridge. The large park is a protected area with a length of 250 kilometers. This land is home to a rainforest with over 800 plant species. At the moment, the park is of particular natural value for UNESCO.

And, of course, you cannot come to Cuba and not look into Hemingway's house. It was here that the writer lived almost until the end of his life. He was inspired by the unique seascape and fresh brackish air. Hemingway arrived in Cuba in 1940, but the house in which he settled was built at the end of the 19th century. Luxurious views, rum and national flavor inspired the author to write the legendary novel "The Old Man and the Sea".

In 1961, the writer passed away, and a year later, in tribute to his work, the Cuban authorities made a museum in his house. Everything here is preserved in the form that Ernest is used to seeing. Even in the bedroom, on the desktop, they installed an exact copy of the typewriter on which the brilliant works were created.

Cuba is something unique

Such a different country is definitely not found anywhere in the world. And there are plenty of quirks on the Island of Freedom. Accustomed to prohibitions, repression and restrictions, Cubans have some other permissions. Surprisingly, the activities of Masonic lodges are still legal here. To this day, there is an organization of masons, including a little less than 300,000 local residents.

But there are much more bans. For example, one of the strangest rules is the prohibition on catching and eating lobsters by locals. This product is considered exclusively for tourism and is grown or harvested by state monopolies. Local residents are not eligible for this product. We are talking not only about lobsters, but also about lobsters. To tell the truth, this rule is of course violated. But it still remains within the law and implies a prison sentence of several years.

Photography in Cuba is a separate art form. But before you take the cherished picture, make sure it's legal. It is strictly forbidden to photograph administrative and military buildings, cars or any other place. There are a lot of KGB officers in all cities, but it's better not to risk taking photos or videos with them. If you are photographing locals or taking selfies with them, then first of all, ask permission. You will hardly hear a refusal, but if this happens, it is better to immediately erase the photo.

And the most popular entertainment in Havana is the Tropicana show. It features traditional cabaret with colorful Cuban costumes. The ticket price is 95 Cuban pesos, which includes a pass to the event, a glass of champagne, a can of Coca-Cola and a bottle of rum. Cabaret talks about the rich history of Cuba from the days of the Indians to the dictators of Castro.

Cuba and tourism

What does a tourist do when he gets tired of sightseeing or when a little less than a couple of hours are left before the plane? Of course he goes shopping!

The Caribbean coastline is rich in ocean sights and beauty. In local souvenir shops, you can buy bracelets and turtle shell figurines. It will be interesting for musicians to bring a bongo, for fashionistas - a Guayabera shirt. Well, and where without the traditional portraits of Che Guevara, who look at tourists from T-shirts, cups, key rings and other things.

You are unlikely to have to buy groceries, but you will not be able to do it especially. In Cuba, everything is issued with coupons, and there are supermarkets for tourists. To tell the truth, there are only two large shopping centers in Cuba, and then in the capital.

What to try in Cuba?

Of course, drink a glass of rum and, if tastes permit, light a fragrant cigar and feel like Al Capone. Buying Rum in any city in Cuba is easier than finding a shop without a queue. Rum prices are minimal, but the quality matches the price. If you want to try a good cigar, then check out the Cigar Museum. This will help you learn more about this iconic item and buy a quality product for a relatively low price.

When it comes to restaurants, this is not the case. There are no large five-star restaurants with arches and butterfly waiters in Cuba. And even small cafes with three tables with a thatched roof are called a restaurant. But the food in all establishments is quite tasty. Seafood is widespread. The same lobsters and lobsters, which are relatively inexpensive here.

All about Cuba for tourists

To visit Cuba you will need. The Embassy of the Island of Liberty receives Ukrainian tourists warmly enough, so the documents will be processed quickly. With such a visa, you can stay in the country for up to 30 days, and if the atmosphere of the island drags on for some more time, then the documents at the Ukrainian embassy will easily be extended.

Will cost you about $ 500-700. to Cuba ranges from 25 to 50 thousand hryvnia. A hotel in a tourist town will cost about UAH 1,500-2,600 per day. In smaller cities, hotels cost about
1000 - 1500 hryvnia per day. You can give yourself a truly heavenly pleasure and rent a house, villa or cottage on the coast. This luxury will cost 800 - 2200 hryvnia per day.

There is one fact worth knowing about currency. There are two types of pesos in Cuba. The first one is designated as CUP, this currency is less colorfully printed and is intended for local residents. For tourists, the peso is designated, which is designated as CUC. This is the so-called convertible peso, which is 1:25 to the usual peso, respectively. Interestingly, any city in Cuba accepts both currencies. And the quirk still exists.

Video - 13 interesting facts about Cuba

As for money, it is also important to know that there are no terminals in the local stores. So you should always have cash with you. It is better to withdraw a large amount immediately from ATMs, because the commissions there are literally extortionate. Part of the amount should be kept close to you, and part should be left in the safe of the hotel or villa. Anyway, all valuable things should be kept with you. Theft rate is quite high in Cuba.

When taking photos, do not forget that posting pictures on Instagram will not be so easy. There is no Internet on a large scale in Cuba. You can only use it with a card in certain places. Or in the central districts of the city at the main post office. Or in a hotel, of course.

In Cuba, it is a separate world that cannot be compared with anything. Temperamental, emotional and to this day not discouraged Cubans will gladly share their experience with you from old memory. Ukrainians are usual guests in Cuba. Once upon a time, a tour to Cuba was organized for the children of Chernobyl. Now everything is getting better, but Cuba is still waiting for our fellow countrymen. The only thing to do is to find out where Cuba is, order a visa, book a hotel and fly to a meeting for a sunny vacation.

Cuba island map.

Cuba Island (Spanish version - Cuba) is an island in the Greater Antilles archipelago, located in the northern part of the Caribbean Sea. The name of the island comes from the word "kubanakan", which is translated from the language of the Taino Indians as "central place".

The general geographic coordinates of the island of Cuba are determined, as a rule, by its conditional geographic center: 22 ° 00'00 ″ s. sh. 79 ° 00'00 ″ W etc.

The area of ​​the island of Cuba is about 105 thousand square kilometers.

At the moment, Cuba is the main island in terms of importance and area within the state of the Republic of Cuba.

Photo of the island of Cuba from space.

Story.

Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Cuba in October 1492, landing on its east coast.

In 1515, the Spanish conquistador Diego Velazquez de Cuellar conquered the island, subjugating the indigenous tribes of the Indians, among whom the Taino tribes predominated, to the power of the Spanish crown. Diego Velazquez de Cuellar almost immediately founds the first Spanish settlements on the island, and a little later the future first capital of Cuba, the city of Santiago de Cuba.

In the early years of Spanish rule, the indigenous population of Cuba was quickly destroyed, so a large number of slaves were brought from Africa to work on plantations and mines.

In 1823, a popular uprising broke out on the island, the purpose of which was to win Cuba's independence, but the Spaniards manage to brutally suppress it.

Spain lost control of Cuba only in 1898, when it suffered a severe defeat during the Spanish-American War. Under the terms of the peace treaty, the United States annexed the island of Cuba.

Cuba received formal independence in 1933, during this period the United States brought its puppet government to power on the island, headed by the dictator Batista.

1953 in the history of Cuba is marked by the beginning of the national liberation struggle of the Cuban people under the leadership of Fidel Castro. With the support of the USSR, in 1959 Castro seizes power in Cuba and announces the construction of a pro-communist state.

In the spring of 1961, Cuban immigrants who fled from the island to the United States landed in Cuba in the Playa Giron area, with the goal of seizing power. Castro's troops defeat the rebels, forcing the United States to partially recognize the ruling regime in the country.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba's economy fell into a deep crisis. At the moment, the Republic of Cuba continues to build socialism, and the economic reforms carried out have significantly improved the state of affairs in the national economy.

Sierra Maestra mountain range and Turkino peak.

The origin and geography of the island.

The island of Cuba, like other islands in the Greater Antilles, is the surface of the underwater North Caribbean mountain range, which rose in the area of ​​junction of three geological plates that collided with each other during the Miocene period, 7-8 million years away from us.

Geographically, Cuba is located southwest of the Florida Peninsula and northeast of Yucatan. Cuba is separated from Florida by the Florida Strait, and from Yucatan by the Yucatan. To the northeast of Cuba are the Bahamas through the Nicholas and Old Bahamas, and to the east, separated by the Windward Strait. There are several islands and island groups off the coast of Cuba, among which it is worth highlighting the rather large island of Juventud, the archipelagos of Los Colorados, Sabana, Camaguey, Los Canarreos, Jardines de la Reina, etc.

The island of Cuba is elongated from east to west and slightly curved. The coastline along its entire length forms a lot of bays and bays, among which Corrientes, Batabano, Ana Maria, Guacanayabo and others stand out. The shores are mostly low, in some places swampy and, as a rule, covered with mangrove thickets. There are a lot of sandy beaches on the coast, along which a large number of resorts are located.

The relief of the island of Cuba is mostly flat, but about a third of the island's territory is occupied by mountains and hills. The highest mountain range on the island is the Sierra Maestra Mountains, which stretch along the southeastern coast. The highest point in Cuba is also located in this mountain system - Turchino Peak, 1974 meters above sea level.

Rivers in Cuba are not abundant and short, among them the Cauto River can be distinguished, which flows into the Guacanayabo Bay in the southeast of the island.

Sandy beach in the Ana Maria bay area.

Climate.

The climate on the island of Cuba is tropical trade wind type. There are no significant temperature fluctuations depending on the season on the island. The average annual temperature is approximately + 25 ° C. The coldest month on the island is January, during this period the average air temperatures are approximately + 22-23 ° C. The hottest in Cuba is in August, when the average temperature is + 27-28 ° C. Quite a lot of rainfall falls on the island in the form of tropical showers, their average annual rate is approximately 1400-1500 millimeters. The most rainfall period is from May to October, with a pronounced dry season from November to April. It is also worth noting that the island of Cuba is quite often affected by tropical cyclones, which bring heavy rainfall and destructive winds here.

Panorama of Havana as seen from the sea.

Population.

The population of the island of Cuba is approximately 11 million. It is an ethnos formed over a long historical period, consisting of the descendants of Indians, as well as immigrants from Spain and Africa, which are called Cubans.

The official and most spoken language on the island is Spanish.

The capital of the Republic of Cuba and the largest city on the island is the city of Havana, located on the northwest coast of the island and with approximately two million inhabitants. In addition to the capital, in terms of population and economic importance, it is worth highlighting the cities of Santiago de Cuba, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, Pinar del Rio, Cienfuegos, Bayamo and others.

The island of Cuba is the main territorial constituent of the Republic of Cuba, which is a unitary state and administratively consisting of 16 provinces. In the southeast of the island, in the Guantanamo Bay area, there is currently an American naval base of the same name, the territory of which is leased by the United States.

The currencies currently in circulation on the island of Cuba are the Cuban convertible peso (CUC, code 931) and the Cuban peso (CUP, code 192), which are divided into 100 centavos.

Quarters of old Havana.

Flora and fauna.

Flora and fauna, despite the rather impressive size of the island of Cuba and its climatic conditions, are relatively poor. Forests, most of which are tropical, cover only 10% of the island's territory and grow in mountains and wetlands.

The fauna of the island is also poor. Of the representatives of the animal world, only birds can be distinguished here, most of which are marine.

The waters off the coast of Cuba are home to several species of fish, most of which are commercial. In addition, there are always quite a lot of shellfish, lobster, shrimp and various sponges near the coast.

Cayo Coco Beach.

Tourism.

Special attention was paid to tourism under any governments and authorities on the island of Cuba, since this field of activity was the main source of income for the local budget. Before the revolution, a large number of Americans rested on the island, who, after the Castro regime came to power, moved to the Bahamas.

Currently, the authorities of the Republic of Cuba also assign the tourism sector a priority role in the national economy. Over the past 10 years, 18 hotels with the highest level of service have been built on the island of Cuba.

Along the southern coast of Cuba, there are several fashionable beachfront hotel complexes that welcome tourists from all over the world. Among them, there are such complexes as Cayo Guillermo, Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Largo and others.

It is worth noting that Cuba is increasingly being mentioned as an object of medical tourism. A large number of tourists travel to the island for qualified medical care, usually from Russia and Eastern Europe.

Beach hotel complex Varadero.

Cuba Islands: Havana, Juventud, Cayo Largo, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Romano, Cayo Guahaba, tourist reviews.

Cuba is a favorite vacation spot among Russian tourists who want to change from a rainy, late autumn or cold winter to the tropical paradise of Liberty Island. This name was given to this state for a reason. The first part of the name is associated with the geographical features of the country, the territory of which consists of two large and a huge number of small islands. The second refers to the relatively recent past, the revolution, the legendary personality of Ernesto Che Guevara, the favorite of every new rising generation, and the odious Fidel Castro.

All of Cuba's islands are part of the Greater Antilles. This archipelago also includes other world famous and popular tourist destinations. Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, along with Cuba, are some of the main "celebrities".

The largest island in the country bears the same name as the entire state. The very fact that it is there that the capital of the state, Havana, is located, speaks volumes. Juventud, the second largest, is located in the Los Canarreos archipelago. Translated from Spanish, it means "the island of youth." There are many pine forests, beautiful nature and good beaches. However, dangerous hurricanes periodically sweep away everything in their path and pose the main threat to residents and tourists.

Another island that is part of Los Canarreos is Cayo Largo. In addition to a beach holiday, you can go diving here, as there are many coral reefs near Largo. Jardines del Rey is an archipelago in the northern part of Cuba. Its islands are famous resort areas. Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Romano and Cayo Guahaba are the largest and most interesting to visit. The presence of an international airport on the island of Cayo Coco only adds to the benefits of the holiday. If Jardines del Rey translates as "gardens of the king", then Jardines de la Reina, an archipelago spanning two Cuban provinces, means "gardens of the queen."

The Gardens is Cuba's largest national park, Fidel Castro's favorite fishing spot and great diving site. The smallest archipelago in Cuba is Los Colorados. Its waters serve Cuban fishermen faithfully, providing lobsters, oysters and a variety of fish. However, in addition to locals, tourists also come here. Not all islands are suitable for a beach holiday, but those that exist are in no way inferior to the rest.

In total, the island of Cuba is surrounded by four archipelagos. Two in the south and two in the north.

Cuba is an island state in the West Indies located in the western part of the arc of the Greater Antilles. The country is located just south of the Tropic of Cancer, on the border of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. From the north of Cuba is the Florida Strait (150 km to the USA), from the east - the Windward Strait (77 km to Haiti), from the northwest - the Yucatan Strait (200 km to Mexico), and 140 km to the south is Jamaica.

The territory of Cuba includes approximately 1,600 islands and reef banks with a total area of ​​110,860 sq. km. Most of Cuba is located on the island of the same name, which is the largest island in the entire West Indies and has an area of ​​105006 sq. km. The island stretches for 1250 km from northwest to southeast, its width varies from 31 to 191 km. The second largest island is called Juventud (formerly Pinos) and has an area of ​​2200 sq. km. The nature of Cuba differs depending on the area of ​​the island. The western region is distinguished by a mosaic geological structure and relief, the greatest manifestation of tropical karst. Has large groundwater resources. Natural landscapes are almost completely replaced by agricultural land and urban development.

The central region includes the Guamuai mountain range, surrounded by plains and uplands. Dense river network, many swamps. Forests are preserved in the mountains, mainly along the gorges, on the plains - plantations of various agricultural crops.

The central-eastern region is the most flat. Forests are completely cleared and replaced by sugarcane plantations, and on the hills - pastures.

The southeastern region is mountainous, with a highly dissected relief and relatively full-flowing rivers. In the mountains - areas of tropical forests, on the slopes - plantations of sugar cane and coffee, pastures.

Southern Region (Juventud Island). There are small remnant hills above the surface. The south is heavily karst, there are many swamps. There is no surface runoff. Forests have been significantly reduced, vast areas are occupied by citrus plantations and pastures.

Relief and coastline of Cuba

Much of Cuba is occupied by low-lying, slightly hilly plains; mountain ranges and hills, lower in the west and higher in the east, stretch along the coasts.

In the extreme west, on the Guanaacabibes peninsula, a limestone surface with a peculiar karst relief stretches along the coast. To the west of Havana, there is a narrow ridge of the Sierra de los Organos with a height of 150 to 750 meters. Isolated haystack-shaped limestone hills rise above picturesque valleys. The Viñales Valley is especially beautiful, surrounded by dome-shaped hills with steep slopes up to 300-400 meters high, with numerous caves. The highest point of the western part of the island is Pan de Matanzas - 594 meters. In the central part of the island there are the high chains of the Sierra de Trinidad (peak San Juan - 1156 meters), Sierra Camarioca, Sierra Carcamezas.

The highest mountain ranges are located in the southeast of the island. The Sierra Maestra ridge stretches along the southern coast for more than 200 kilometers. Its southern slope is formed by an immense discharge and rises almost vertically above the sea. There is also the highest point in Cuba - Pico Turquino, which is 1,972 meters high. The northern slopes of the ridge are gentle and cut by wide river valleys. To the east is the compact Sagua Baracoa mountain range, separated from the Sierra Maestra by the Cauto River Valley and the Guantanamo Lowland. The heights of this massif reach 1000-1200 meters (Sierra de Nips - 995 m; Sierra del Cristal - 1231 m; Cuchillas de Moa - 1139 m; Cuchillas de Toa - 1011 m; Sierra del Purial - 1181 m). It is weakly dissected and difficult to access in the central parts.

Another group of mountain ranges (Sierra de Trinidad, Escambran mountains, Sierra de Mataambra) rises in the central part of the island. They are composed of crystalline rocks and limestones and reach heights of 1000–1100 m. There are karst caves on the slopes. The rivers dissecting these massifs in places flow in underground channels, crossing limestone ledges, and rushing down in waterfalls.

In the northwest, almost parallel to the northern coast, there is a chain of low mountain ranges (Sierra de los Orgapos, Sierra del Rosario). Their rounded peaks rise to an altitude of 400-700 meters. There are many karst caves, underground rivers in the mountains, vast areas are occupied by fields. The most characteristic forms are "mogote" - limestone outliers, which, alone or in groups, rise above the flat bottoms of the valleys. Plains, which occupy 3/4 of the area of ​​the island of Cuba, are mostly wavy. In places of bedrock outcrops, low hills and ridges rise above the plain.

In addition to mountain ranges and terraced uplands, Cuba's landscapes are replete with picturesque karst forms and valleys. In one of these valleys in the north of the island - Yumuri - a nature reserve has been created. The valley's attractions include tropical landscapes and caves, including the Bellamar system, famous for its crystalline formations. The Yumuri River flows through an almost regular round depression with a flat bottom about 8 kilometers in diameter and steep slopes about 150 meters high.

The seam between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates runs through the Cayman Trench, 7200 meters deep, located between Jamaica and Cuba, so Cuba is highly seismic. Over the past 300 years, earthquakes have been observed in the southeastern (Santiago) and northwestern (Havana, San Cristoval, Pinar del Rio, Guana) regions of the island.

Cuba climate

Mild, tropical, with a pronounced rainy season (May – October). Warm sea currents and northeastern trade winds have a strong influence on the climate. The temperature regime is softened by the influence of the surrounding bodies of water. The moisture-carrying northeastern trade winds penetrate almost everywhere, with the exception of deep valleys in the mountains and parts of the southeastern coast; this explains the milder temperatures in summer and the generally warm and comfortable conditions in winter. At higher elevations and on the slopes of the northern exposure, temperatures are lower.

The average annual temperature is 25 ° C. The average temperature in January is 22.5 ° C, in August - 27.8 ° C. The minimum temperature is 5оС, the maximum reaches 40оС. From time to time, cold air masses invade the northeastern regions of Cuba from the north, lowering the temperature to almost 0 ° C.

The annual amount of precipitation in the plains is 1000–1200 mm, in the mountains up to 2200 mm. The rainy and hurricane season starts in May and ends in November. There are two highs during the rainy season. The June period corresponds to the period of the so-called "zenital" rains (these are daily repeated rains that coincide in time with the position of the sun at the zenith; their formation is associated with powerful convective currents in the equatorial zone). The October period is associated with the passage of the tropical front, on the line of which destructive hurricanes arise, mainly covering the western regions of Cuba. The dry season lasts from November to April and is most pronounced in the southern plains (for example, in the Kauto river basin). A special feature of Cuba is the high air humidity - up to 85%. In winter, the weather is sunny and dry.

Water resources of Cuba

Rivers in Cuba are short and not full of water. Of all 600 rivers and streams, 2/5 flow to the north, the rest to the south, into the Caribbean Sea. Among the numerous coastal bogs, the Zapata bogs have the largest area. The total volume of renewable water resources is 38.1 cubic meters. km.

The largest river - Kauto, located in the eastern part of the island of Cuba, has a length of 370 km. The Almendares River flows in the western part. The rivers are fed mainly by rain, 80% of the runoff falls on the rainy autumn season. The Cauto and its tributaries, especially the Salado, flow through the provinces of Holguín and Las Tunas. Other rivers in the eastern region include Guantanamo, Sagua de Tanamo, Toa and Mayari. To the west lie the rivers Seville, Najasa, San Pedro, Jatibonico del Sur, Sasa, Agabama, Arimao, Ondo and Cuyaguateje (flowing north), as well as Saramaguacan, Caonao, Sagua la Grande and La Palma (flowing South).

Lakes in Cuba are small in size and to a greater extent can be characterized as freshwater and salt lagoons. Laguna de Leche is located in the central part of the northern coast of the island of Cuba, the waters of which become like milk when streams from the sea raise the chalk deposits from its bottom. The largest of the reservoirs is Sasa. Large groundwater resources are found in the western part of the island of Cuba.

Soils and vegetation of Cuba

Among the 13 groups of soils found in Cuba, approximately 80% are developed on the products of limestone weathering. These powerful red-colored soils are fertile and cultivated all year round for tropical plantation crops, mainly sugar cane.

The main fertile regions of Cuba are located along the southern coast from Havana to Cienfuegos, in the west of the Camaguey province, and also between the Sierra de Sancti Spiritus mountains and the Caribbean coast. Areas of sandy soils are found in Pinar del Rio, Villa Clara and in parts of the provinces of Ciego de Avila and Camaguey. Irrigated area - 8700 sq. km (2003).

The Ginger Lily (Hedychium coronarium) in the Sierra de Escambrai In Cuba, more than 3,000 species of tropical fruit plants and flowers grow, and over 50% of Cuba's flora are endemic. Since the colonization of America, the area of ​​forests in Cuba has decreased significantly. Before the arrival of Europeans, forests covered half of the island, then this figure dropped to 10%, forests remained only in mountainous and swampy areas. When the plains were cleared, only the royal palm tree remained intact, the image of which is present on the country's coat of arms. However, since the 1960s, through the efforts of the country's government, many areas have been reforested, and now forests cover a quarter of the country's territory.

Rainforests of a large number of deciduous and evergreen species, including mahogany, guaiac, logwood and zest, grow on the red and reddish-brown soils of the plains and low slopes. Pine forests are found in drier, rocky areas in the western province of Pinar del Río and eastern Cuba, as well as on Juventud Island. The very rare Microcycas calocoma palm, which is believed to have existed for more than 100 million years, grows in the province of Pinar del Rio. There are savannas with vegetation such as grasses, as well as areas with small-leaved shrubs with a small proportion of cacti and agaves. Mangroves are found in low-lying coastal areas. Cuba's national flower, the ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium), grows taller than 1.5 m and blooms with white, butterfly-like flowers.

Fauna of Cuba

Mammals are represented by the Cuban crack-tooth (now almost exterminated), the rodents of the Hutia, there are 23 species of bats. Deer have been introduced as game prey. Cuba is home to 300 species of birds, including migratory ones. Local species - flamingos, blackbirds, nightingales, hummingbirds, macaw parrot, small vultures. An endemic species of the Cuban trogon, which looks similar to the quetzal, has become the national bird of Cuba due to its matching colors of the country's flag. Reptiles include alligators, iguanas and other lizards, terrestrial turtles and bees, crocodiles, the Cuban smooth-lipped boa constrictor and other non-venomous snakes. Among the amphibians there are 60 types of frogs and toads, including the Cuban tree frog and the bullfrog.

Insects are represented by 7 thousand species, including termites and kokuyo fireflies. The fish are represented by 500 species, including several species of sharks. The American manatee lives off the coast and in rivers. The lakes of karst caves are inhabited by blind fish and shrimps. Crustaceans include land crabs and hermit crabs.

The island of Cuba (Hispanic version - Cuba) is a large island in the Greater Antilles archipelago, which is located in the northern part of the Caribbean Sea. The name of the island comes from the word "kubanakan", translated from the language of the Taino Indians as "central place".

Cuba, like its neighboring islands in the Greater Antilles archipelago, is the surface part of the underwater North Caribbean mountain range, formed at the collision of three geological plates. Geographically, the island of Cuba is located southwest of the Florida Peninsula (USA) and northeast of Yucatan (Mexico). The island of Cuba is separated from Florida by the Florida Strait, and from Yucatan by the Yucatan. To the northeast of Cuba are the Bahamas through the Nicholas Straits and the Old Bahamas, and to the east - the island of Haiti (Hispaniola), separated by the Windward Strait. The island of Cuba has a curved shape somewhat elongated from west to east. Along its entire length, the coastline forms quite a few bays and bays, among which the largest in area are Batabano, Corrientes, Ana Maria, Guacanayabo and others. The shores are mostly flat, and in some places are swampy, often covered with mangrove thickets. There are many sandy and pebble beaches on the coast. The relief of Cuba is mostly flat, but more than a third of the island's territory is occupied by mountains and hills. The highest and largest mountain range of the island is the Sierra Maestra, stretching along the southeastern coast. The highest point of Cuba is also located here - Turchino Peak, with an altitude of 1974 meters above sea level. The rivers on the island of Cuba are not long and not full of water, among them the Cauto River, which flows into the Guacanayabo Bay on the southeast coast, stands out. The area of ​​the island of Cuba is approximately 105,000 square kilometers.

The island of Cuba was discovered by the expedition of Christopher Columbus in mid-October 1492. In 1515, the Spanish conquistador Diego Velazquez de Cuellar conquered the island, conquering the local Indian tribes, among which the Tainos predominated. In the first ten years of Spanish rule, the indigenous population of Cuba was almost completely destroyed, and therefore, black slaves from Africa began to be imported from Africa to work in mines and plantations. In 1823, a national liberation uprising against the Spanish government broke out in Cuba, but the Spanish authorities succeeded in suppressing it. Spain lost Cuba in 1898 after being defeated in the Spanish-American War. As a result of the war, the island of Cuba was annexed by the United States. Cuba formally gained independence in 1933, but the puppet government of the dictator Batista was put in power on the island. In 1953, the national liberation movement of the Cuban people was born in Cuba under the leadership of Fidel Castro. In 1959, with the support of the Soviet Union, Castro seized power on the island and announced the construction of a pro-communist state. After the fall of the USSR, the Cuban economy fell into a deep crisis. Currently, Cuba has not abandoned the socialist path of development of society and continues to develop its post-crisis economy, basing it on the mining and sugar industries, and, of course, on tourism.

Cuba at the moment is almost the only state in the world on whose territory two monetary units are officially in circulation, issued by one issuing bank. These are the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC, Code 931) and Cuban Pesos (CUP, Code 192), which are siblings of 100 centavos.

The population of Cuba at the moment is about 11 million people. For the most part, it is a stable, formed over a long time, ethnos, which consists of the descendants of Indians and immigrants from Spain and Africa. This ethnic group is called Cubans. The state and most spoken language on the island is Spanish. The island of Cuba is the main island within the Republic of Cuba, which is a unitary state made up of 16 provinces. The capital of the Republic of Cuba and at the same time the largest settlement of the island is the city of Havana, which is located on the northwestern coast of the island and has more than two million inhabitants. In addition to Havana, the cities of Ciego de Avila, Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Camaguey, Bayamo, Pinar del Rio and others are worth highlighting in terms of their population and economic importance.

Numerous tourists and guests of Cuba do not find it difficult to get to the island, since several large international airports have been built here, the largest of which is Havana's Jose Marti Airport. In addition to air traffic, the island of Cuba is well connected with various corners of the Earth and the sea. There are several large seaports on the island, including Havana, which may well receive various passenger ships.

The island of Cuba has been a center of tourism since the end of the century before last, so from about this period on the island began to build luxury hotels and hotels in various coastal cities and combine them into complexes with other objects of the tourism industry. After the revolution in Cuba, the tourism business fell into crisis, but recently it began to gain momentum again, which led to the reconstruction of old hotels and the construction of new ones. Currently, a visiting tourist can stay in one of 358 hotels and hotels that are officially registered with the International Association of Hoteliers and Restaurateurs. Typically, coastal hotels, which are distinguished by a high level of service, have their own beaches, golf clubs, horse riding fields, tennis courts, restaurants and nightclubs. All this adds to the comfort for many vacationers.

Experts classify the climate in Cuba as tropical trade wind. There are no significant temperature fluctuations depending on the season on the island. The average annual temperature is kept around + 25 ° C. January is considered the coldest month in Cuba, at this time the average air temperature is about + 22-23 ° C. The hottest on the island is in August, when the average temperature rises to + 27-28 ° C. The island receives a lot of precipitation in the form of tropical torrential rains, their average annual rate sometimes exceeds 1400-1500 millimeters. The period from early May to mid-October receives the most rainfall, while the period from November to April is drier.

The unique natural features of the island, convenient geographical location and favorable climate have given impetus to the development of beach tourism in Cuba for a long time. Several fashionable and prestigious beachfront hotel complexes have been created along the southern coast of the island, receiving tourists from all over the world. Among them are such complexes as Varadero, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo and others. Vacationers are pleasantly surprised by the corresponding infrastructure of the resorts, which includes harmony of several factors that are indispensable for the modern tourism industry. This includes transport, accommodation, beaches, and entertainment facilities.

In addition to beach holidays, trekking tours in the mountainous regions of the island are also presented to tourists. The flora and fauna of Cuba is not very rich, but there is something to see for wildlife lovers. Mostly tropical forests cover about 10% of the island's territory in mountainous areas and in swampy coastal areas. There are always a lot of birds on the coast, both sea and land. The country currently has about 10 national parks and reserves, which are protected by law and recognized by UNESCO.

For lovers of attractions on the island of Cuba, there are quite a few places worth visiting. These are old fortifications from the times of Spanish rule, and old Catholic cathedrals of the same period, and the unique architecture of Havana and other cities of the island. Now in Cuba, several large museums of the historical development of the island are open and operate, which are recommended by local guides for visiting in the first place.