Probably, to find a person who has never heard of Cuba, who is also called the Island of Freedom, is almost impossible in our time. The country survived difficult times, but at the same time he stood, was able to become stronger and independent. Therefore, about the geographical position of Cuba, as well as its influence on the formation of the economy, flora and fauna worth telling in more detail.

Why cube is so called

The status of independent of Spain is Cuba's state in 1989. But the name itself appeared much earlier. Today it is difficult to definitely deal with the etymology of the word. Some experts believe that it was the island of Columbus himself, who opened a new mainland and who called him in honor little village. Cuba, located near the city of Beja in Portugal.

There is also an opinion that the word is from the adverb of the Indians of Tainino, who lived in some islands Caribbean. In their dictionary, the word Cubao means a place with fertile land. Of course, thanks to the geographical location of Cuba on the "Islamic" language (Arabic) would be called "Giannat" - Paradise.

Alas, today it is almost impossible to completely refute any of these versions.

Where Cuba is located

If you are interested in Cuba, geographical position Countries are very important to know. It is located in West Indies. And this is not one or several major cities, as some think. In fact, Cuba consists of 1600 islands and reefs! Their total area is 110 860 square kilometers. Of course, because of small sizes, most of them are unoccupied.

It is no coincidence that in some textbooks you can find a question: "What unites in Geographical Regulations to the UK, Iceland, Cuba and Malta?" The answer is simple: they are all island states.

Most of the whole state takes one island, who gave him the name. Cuba Island Square - 105 thousand square kilometers. The second island is the island - Humentist, who was previously called Pinos - has the area of \u200b\u200bonly 2200 square kilometers.

Pros and cons of location

Of course, such an unusual geographical position of Cuba brings considerable benefits, but also causes many difficulties.

The relief on the island is very complex. There are spray beaches here, extensive valleys, impassable jungle, dangerous swamps, and pretty high mountainsFor example, Peak Turkino has a height of more than 2 kilometers.

The climate is very warm here, tropical. Yes, in the summer, to survive the hot afternoon, the task is not from simple - the temperature reaches + 35 ... + 38 degrees Celsius, which in sum with high humidity can even fall even familiar to the heat of man. But in winter it does not happen in winter - even at night the temperature does not fall below + 12 ... + 15 degrees.

Such climate allows you to do without massive buildings, heating and other very serious costs. Fertile land allows you to grow anything, removing 2-3 crops per year.

In addition, the location in the midst of the Caribbean makes Cuba comfortable port - here ships heading from Europe to Northern or South America often come here, and vice versa.

The minus is a large number of hurricanes, frequent storms. Often residents of the coast have to leave their homes to go deep into the depths of the island, fleeing the hurricanes with rains.

For a long time, the constant heat and tropical humidity were caused by the occurrence of dangerous epidemics. However, today the situation is taken under control. The fact is that health care in Cuba is simply great. If we compare with other countries of America (both southern and northern), it turns out that local medicine is inferior only by Canada, confidently by the United States and the more Bole Mexico and Brazil. And this is despite the fact that health care is completely free here, while in the US, even for minor procedures have to pay considerable money.

Local Flora and Fauna

If we talk about the pros and cons of the geographical position of Cuba, it is worth noting a unique animal and vegetable world.

As it should be a tropical island, a considerable part is covered with real jungle. In total, about 3000 different plants grow here - both evergreens and deciduous. Moreover, half of them are endemics, that is, they do not grow anymore at any point in the world. The government program aimed at landscaping the island led to the fact that today 30% sushi is covered with forests - against 14% a few decades ago.

But mammals are not very much. You can meet here rodents of Hututions, Cuban Socials, deer (were brought from other countries), as well as 23 types of volatile mice.

Birds, on the contrary, a lot. Almost complete absence of predatory animals led to the fact that the island turned into a bird paradise. It lives here 360 \u200b\u200bvarieties of feathered, 20 of them are endemics. Flamingo, Hummingbirds, Drozda, Nightingale, Parrots, Vultures and many other birds chose this place as a native home.

The climate is perfect for reptiles and amphibians. It is difficult to pass through the forest or coast, without encountering various frogs, snakes (mostly not poisonous), turtles, crocodiles and many others.

State economy

Cuba government diligently develops various industries, exporting a variety of products - starting with elite cigars and nickel, which is produced here in large quantities, ending with sugar and tropical fruits (a considerable part of the country is occupied by plantations).

There is also oil, albeit not in a large number, and also flourishes tourism. The ports also contribute a considerable contribution to the country's economy.

In general, Cuba could be the key to the prosperity of the entire people. Alas, the American sanctions introduced back in 1960 shall cause a huge damage to the country - for different information, the Cuba loses from 1.5 to 16 billion dollars.

Nevertheless, GDP per capita is, according to 2010, 9900 dollars. For comparison - in our country, this indicator is 8900 dollars.

Army Cuba

As already mentioned, Cuba is also called the island of freedom. But freedom is never given in vain. AND local residents Ready to beat it to the last. The government supports them and constantly increasing the army. For a relatively small population (11.2 million people), the army is quite large. The total number of servicemen is 49 thousand people. It is worth adding 39 thousand reservists who have passed the appropriate training. Civil defense forces reach 50 thousand people. Also should also be taken into account the presence of various militarized formations, which include almost 40 thousand people. In addition, if necessary, the state will be able to mobilize up to 3.8 million soldiers for the matter of months.

Tanks are represented by Soviet developments - from T-34-85 to PT-76. Their total number is 900 cars. For comparison: the Bundeswehr, the most powerful army in Europe (after Russian), can boast about 1050 tanks, and not all of them are modern.

Conclusion

On this we finish the article. Now you have learned more about the geographical position of Cuba, its influence on the climate and the economy of the country. And at the same time a little read about the history and even the armed forces of the island of freedom.

Cuba (Cuba), official name - Republic of Cuba (Span. República de Cuba), unofficial since 1959 - Island of Freedom) - island state In the northern part of the Caribbean. The country occupies the territory of the island of Cuba as part of large Antille Islands, HuvanTud Islands and many smaller islands. From North America Cuba is separated by Florida Strait in the North and Yucatan Strait in the West.

The capital and the largest city is Havana.

Geographical position

Cuba is located at the junction of northern, central and South America, on the island of Cuba (the largest in West Indies), the island of HuenTud, as well as on the adjacent about 1600 small islands and coral reefs belonging to the group of large Antille Islands. For the coast, deep bays and many comfortable bays are characterized. The island is framed by reefs and other coral formations.

The territory of Cuba is 111 thousand km². The island stretching from the west to the east is 1250 km, often compared with a lizard, the body of which is drawn to the Atlantic, and the tail is at the entrance to the Mexican Bay. In the south of Cuba is washed by the waters of the Caribbean, in the north-west by the Mexican bay, and in the northeast of the Atlantic Ocean. The distance from Cuba to the United States in the very narrow place of the Floridian Strait is 180 km away, to the island of Haiti through a brutal strait - 77 km away, to the island of Jamaica through the Spirit of Color - 140 km, to Mexico through Yucatan shed - 210 km.

Relief

Cuba relief is predominantly plain. Hills and mountains occupy about a third of the territory. The highest mountain range of Sierra Maesstra stretches along the southeastern coast of 250 km. His highest point - Peak Turkino (1972 m). Located in the west of the island picturesque low mountains, bizarrely dissected and weakly populated.

Cabin is widely developed in Cuba, in connection with this, many caves are known, including large ones. So, in the West, Santo Thomas cave has an extensive network of underground galleries with a total length of 25 km. Often there are so-called "mogotes" - the forms of tropical karst, which are hills with almost vertical slopes and flat vertices. Approximately 2/3 of the entire Kuba area are slightly saved plains. They are most populated and mastered. The shores are usually low, sometimes wetlands, in many cases crouched by mangroves. Often there are sandy beaches, which stretch for many kilometers (for example, on the Ikakos Peninsula, where famous resort Varadero).

Minerals

Cuba occupies one of the leading places in the world for nickel extraction (2nd place in the world in stocks and 3rd production), has significant chromium reserves, manganese, iron and copper ores, asbestos, stone salt, phosphorites. In the west of the country, oil and gas deposits are open.

Climate

Cuba climate - tropical, trade house. The average annual temperature is 25.5 ° C. average temperature The coldest month (January) is equal to 22.5 ° C and the hottest (August) - 27.8 ° C. The temperature of surface waters off the coast in winter is 22-24 °, in summer - 28-30 ° C. The average annual precipitation dropping usually in the form of a shower is 1400 mm, however, there are often arid years.

Two climatic seasons are clearly expressed in Cuba: Rainy (May-October) and Dry (November-April). The rainy season accounts for 3/4 of the entire annual amount of precipitation.

The feature of Cuba climate is typical high humidity throughout the year. The combination of high humidity and high temperature has a generally adverse effect on the lives of people. However, on the coast, the wind dies from the sea to the heat, brings freshness, and in the evenings and coolness. In any place, the winds are distinguished by a well-known constancy, so the trees often can be seen, the trunks of which have the corresponding slope.

Cuba is subject to tropical cyclones that are born in the summer-autumn period (June - mid-November) to the east of the small Antilles and in the West of the Caribbean Sea, moving towards Florida. Typhoon is accompanied by abundant rains and strongest winds, capable of causing great damage to the auction and population of the island. Rivers in Cuba are short, few. Forests covering about 10% of the territory are preserved only in mountainous and wetlands. The animal world of sushi is relatively poor. At the same time, in the surrounding Cuba waters there are valuable fishing fish, mollusks, lobs, shrimps, and sponges.

Administrative division

Cuba is a unitary state. The National Territory in political and administrative purposes is divided into 14 provinces and a special municipality of HuvanTud Island.

• Huvantud Island (Isla De La Juventud)
• Pinar del Rio (Pinar Del Rio)
• Havana (Ip. La Habana)
• City of Havana (Span. Ciudad de la Habana)
• Matanzas (Span. Matanzas) Cienfuegos (Cienfuegos)
• Villa Clara (Villa Clara)
• Sancti Spiritus (Spiritus Sancti)
• Siego de Avila (Ciego de Avila)
• Camagway (Camagüey) Las Tunas (Span. Las Tunas)
• GRANMA (AP. Granma)
• Olgin (Holguin)
• Santiago de Cuba (Span. Santiago de Cuba)
• Guantanamo (Guantanamo)

Transport

On the island of Cuba there is a railway (Cuban Railway isp. Ferrocarriles de Cuba), Network road roads. With other countries, maritime communication has been established and air traffic. The leading airline Cuba Cubana de Aviación has representative offices in 32 countries of the world.

Communication

After joining the Castro, the development of telecommunications on the island turned out to be extremely difficult. Cuba, however, has largely helped Soviet Unionproviding some resources, such as communication channels.

In 2003, 2 Internet providers worked on the island. National domain.cu.

Today, Cuba has the only mobile operator - ETECSA under the Cubacel brand name. Interesting is the fact that until 2008, the use of mobile services for ordinary residents of the country was prohibited. Mobile services were allowed to use only foreign citizens and higher country officials. After Raul Castro has abolished the rules for using mobile phones in the country, the National Communication Operator is ETECSA - from April 14, 2008 began to provide communication services for ordinary citizens. The Cuba currently operates the GSM 900 standard, and in some areas of Havana and Resort Varadero - GSM 850.

Population

Cubans are the people of mixed origin. By the time the appearance of the Spaniards, Cuba inhabited the Sibonaev tribes, the Aravak Group, Guanakhanabyev and Indians who moved from Haiti. But as a result of Spanish colonization, the Indians in most were exterminated.

Since the Spanish colonists needed a lot of working hands, first of all to work on plantations, they began importing slaves from Central Africa (mainly Yoruba, Ashanti, Eva, Congo). For 350 years, more than 1 million African slaves were imported by the Spaniards, their descendants make up 40% of the population. For the same reason, for the period from 1853 to 1874, more than 125,000 Chinese were imported from Asia. Until now, Chin-Town has been preserved in Havana. In addition, the Slaves-Indians were imported, but in small quantities, from Yucatan, Central and South America. In the same period, 8,500,000 immigrants arrived from Spain, mainly Galicians, Castillas, Navars, Catalans, True, it should be noted that not all of them remained to live in Cuba. They all together are called Galira (Galicians). From the end of the XVIII century. A large stream of the French with Haiti and Louisiana arrived here. A rather intensive flow of immigrants was also from Germany, Italy and Britain. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were many Americans in Cuba, creating their colonies on about. Pinos (Nasty Island HupenTud). Very strong waves of immigrations in Cuba were during the first and second world wars, first of all, Jews were moved here.

Data on the racial composition of Cuba is contradictory. According to official data, the population of Cuba consists of white - 65.1%, mulattes - 24.8%, blacks - 10.1% (according to the 2002 census). According to the Institute of Cuban Studies at the University of Miami, 68% of Cuban - Negros and Milati. The international minority protection team argues that 51% of the population is Mulatto.

In 1953, the proportion of the white population was 84%, but then decreased, mainly as a result of emigration after the revolution.

History

The first of the Europeans, founded here, was Columbus, landed in the east of the archipelago in October 1492 in 1511 Diego Velasquez de Cueangas subordinated to the indigenous population of the islands, built Fort Barako and became the first Spanish governor of Cuba. By 1514, seven settlements were founded. In 1515, Cuellar suffered headquarters in Santiago de Cuba, who became the first capital of Cuba. Colonization took place in the conditions of the struggle against the indigenous population of the island - Indians of Taino, which made up 75% of the population.
In 1823, the first uprising for finding independence was suppressed.
In 1868, a ten-year war for the independence of Cuba began; The rebels were supported by the United States. Military actions reached higher Point In 1872-1873, but then the rebels conducted military actions only in Eastern provinces, Camaguei and Oriente. In 1878, a peace agreement was signed, eliminating the most unpleasant for residents of the island legislative acts.
In 1895, a detachment of Cuban patriots under the leadership of José Marty landed in Cuba. This event has become the starting point of the new war with the Spaniards, during which the Cubans have achieved control over the entire territory of the island, excluding big cities (See the war for the independence of Cuba).
In 1898, the United States began a war with Spain, which won. Cuba becomes dependent on the United States. The Constitution was agreed by the US right to introduce troops into the country's territory. This item was canceled in 1934.
In 1933, as a result of a coup, organized by revolutionary, headed by Sergeant Fulhensio Batista, the Dictator of Gerardo Machado and Morales was overthrown and a democratic mode was established.
On March 10, 1952, Fulchensio Batista carried out a coup and installed a personal dictatorship.
On July 26, 1953, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro tried to capture Moncada barracks. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the participants of the assault were in prisons, but this event was the starting point of the Cuban revolution. In 1955, revolutionaries were amnestied. On December 2, 1956, a new group of revolutionaries landed with the "Granma" yacht in the east of the island and began military actions against the government Batista.
On January 1, 1959, Batista's dictator ran away from Cuba. At that moment, the rebel forces took the city of Santa Clara in the center of the island and controlled large areas of terrain in the East, although the capital did not threaten the capital, and the batter remained significant military forces. In the context of the flight, the batter of the Vacuum of the authorities of the authorities, the rebel column joined Havana, which was greeted by popular flashes.

As a result of the victory of the revolution, the government in Cuba received the Government of the "left" orientation led by Fidel Castro, which was then bent on the path of construction of socialism and is in power at the moment. The ruling and only permitted parties of the country is the Communist Party of Cuba. The Fidel Castro's government conducted an agrarian reform, the nationalization of industrial assets, launched wide social transformations than many groups of the population pushed, the outcome of the process was the mass emigration of dissatisfied, mainly in the United States, where a large diaspora of the opponents of Castro and his politics was created.
In April 1961, Cuban immigrants in the active support of the United States landed the armed landing on the southern coast of the island with a view to organize a massive performance against the policy of the new government, but the intervention was quickly stopped, and the expected social explosion did not happen. Subsequently, emigrant organizations have repeatedly organized terrorist attacks and small-scale landings to Cuba, but without special results.

From the beginning of the 1960s at the beginning of the 1990s, the Cuba was an ally of the USSR, which provided significant financial, economic and political support, was actively supported by Marxist rebels and Marxist regimes of Latin America (Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Bolivia, Peru , Brazil, Argentina, Chile), Africa (Ethiopia, Angola) and Asia, and also conducted a policy of helping the humanitarian profile to various countries of the world. In the late 1980s, more than 70 thousand Cubans were located abroad within the framework of military and humanitarian missions.

Immediately with the revolution of 1959, political repression began (see repression during the Board of Castro), primarily aimed against the workers of the overthrown regime of the Dictator Batista and CIA agents.

Castro has negatively taken to the restructuring policy in the USSR and even forbade distribution to a number of Soviet publications in Cuba ("Moscow News", "New Time", etc.), and at the same time supported the main opponent of Gorbachev - Yeltsin. According to the memories of Yeltsin, Castro expressed him sympathy and during the years of opals, and later, after it came to power, despite the explicit antisocialistic nature of reforms in Russia.

With the collapse of the USSR Cuba suffered huge economic losses (up to half of the volume of GDP), and analysts predicted the emergence of the government of Castro, however, by 1994, the situation was mainly stabilized, and the country's economic state is currently being estimated as well as quite satisfactory.

On February 19, 2008, the Granma newspaper Fidel Castro announced his resignation from the post of Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief of Cuban troops. "My expensive fellow citizens who had an immeasurable honor to elect me to choose a member of the parliament, which will adopt the most important for the fate of the Revolution of the decision, I inform you that I do not intend and not give my consent to take the post of Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief," says in circulation.

Certain concerns for the political stability of Cuba in observers cause the process of transition of power from Fidel Castro to his heirs.

State device

Public Administration - Republic. Legislative power is a unicameral parliament (National Assembly).

The executive authority belongs to the Chairman of the State Council (head of the state) and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (head of the government).

Economy

Advantages: the tourist industry attracts foreign investors. Exports of sugar and nickel. Elite cigars. The banking sector is enhanced.

Weaknesses: due to US embargo lack of access to important markets and investments. Acute currency deficit. Fluctuations in world prices for sugar and nickel. Complete trade restrictions and the lack of legislative regulations impede investment. Bad infrastructure. Fuel deficiency, fertilizers and spare parts. Damage from hurricane in 2001

There are different points of view regarding the level of development of Cuba before the revolution. According to a number of sources, in terms of GNP per capita, Cuba was ahead of Spain and Japan of the time. Robin Blackburn also wrote that Cuba was one of the richest countries in the category of underdeveloped. Professor Maurice Galperin, who worked in Cuba immediately after the revolution, objected to the use of the term "weakly", causing the prostolizing Cuba, the false associations with really backward countries, and offered to call it a "average development". On the other hand, Groningen Growth and Development Center, holding its own retrospective calculations on a special methodology, received data that claimed that Cuba in 1958 was inferior to these countries and a row of Latin American.

According to statistics, in 1951 there were 122 thousand cars on Cuba for 5.5 million people, that is, 1 car for 41 people. At the same time, according to the authors of Area Handbook for Cuba, "This is all, as a fact, it doesn't matter, because there was a de facto two Cubes, in one elite there lived perfectly and comfortable, and in the other the most necessary things for life it was not to get "

In 1960, a massive nationalization of the private sector was carried out. Currently, Cuba has one of the most populated economies in the world. In the second half of the 1960s. The government tried to abandon centralized planning in favor of sectoral planning and proceeds to experiments comprising moral incentives and widespread use of free forced labor. The drop in the production level and evasion of compulsory labor was forced to return to centralized planning on the Soviet model. In the 1970s - 80s. With the help of the countries of the socialist unit, the base of industry is created in Cuba.

After the collapse of the USSR, there was a reduction in the purchase of Cuban sugar and the cessation of economic assistance. For 1989-1993 GDP Cuba decreased by a third. The economic collapse was avoided, the opening of the country for foreign capital into the industries and tourism.

Venezuela (Hugo Chavez - Personal friend Fidel Castro) provides Cuba cheap oil; Cuba provides Venezuela medical care.

According to official data, in 2006, GDP growth amounted to 12.5%. According to the CIA directory, in 2007, the real growth of GDP amounted to 7%.

The main branch of the Cuban economy is the sugar industry. Cuba sugar factories are able to recycle 670 thousand tons of sugar cane (production of 9-9.5 million tons. Sahara per year). In the past, the industry has developed extensively thanks to the support of SEA.

Cuban government in order to attract foreign investment creates free economic zones (FEZ). In 1996, the law was adopted on the procedure for the creation and functioning of free economic zones. The term of the concession for the right to activities in the FEZ is 50 years. In 1997, three SEZ began to be operated (Mariel, the city of Havana and Vahai).

Exports (3.8 billion dollars in 2008) - sugar, nickel, tobacco, seafood, medical products, citrus, coffee. The main export partners are China (28%), Canada (25%), Spain (6%), the Netherlands (5%), Iran (4%).

In November 2004, during a visit to Cuba, the Chairman of the People's Republic of China, Hu Jintao, an agreement was reached that China will invest $ 500 million in the nickel industry of Cuba. In January 2008, the President of Brazil Lula da Silva and the head of the Petrobras State Oil Company, Jose Sergio Gabrielley, announced the intention to invest $ 500 million in the exploration of Cuban hydrocarbon fields in the Gulf of Mexico and the construction of a plant for the production of technical oils.

Cuba imports ($ 14.5 billion in 2008) - petroleum products, food, industrial equipment, chemical products. Basic import partners - Venezuela (31.5%), China (11.8%), Spain (10.6%), Canada (6.7%), USA (6.6%).

The banking system of Cuba consists of a central bank, 8 commercial banks, 13 non-bank financial institutions, 13 representative offices of foreign banks and 4 representative offices of foreign financial organizations. There are 2 types of currency on Cuba. Citizens Cuba receive black and white Cuban Pesos, foreigners when exchanging currency get colored (convertible) pesos. Western media reported on the currency frauds of the highest Cuban leadership and family F. Castro.

From 1962, the Cuba operates a card system, products are issued according to the whole countries. According to Cuban specialists, currently due to products distributed by cards, the population receives from 40 to 54 percent of the minimum calorie. Milk freely issued by the state for children to 6 years or purchased by the population in the market. During all post-revolutionary years in Cuba there was a black market. A number of goods, the distribution of which on cards is carried out irregularly or is intended only for beneficiaries, still purchased on the black market.

In 2008, the inhabitants of Cuba were allowed to buy cell phones, computers and DVD players, as well as televisions with a diagonal of 19 and 24 inches, electric pressure cookers and electric bikes, car alarms and microwave ovens (but only for convertible currency). About 100 thousand were registered in the country. passenger cars, Of which 60 thousand are old American cars on the island to the revolution.

According to the BBC television company, there is an increase in prostitution and corruption in Cuba. The average monthly salary in Cuba is 12 dollars, but there are many government benefits. For example, free clothing is issued. There is a system of free medical care and free higher and secondary education.

Foreign policy

Panama

August 23, 2004 - President of Panama Mierey Moskoso announced the revocation of the Panama ambassador with Cuba in response to the Cuba MFA made on August 22 a warning about the willingness to break diplomatic relations with Panama if her authorities are amused criminals who were preparing an attempt on Fidel Castro. At the same time, President Panama noted that the review of the Panaman ambassador from Havana does not mean the breaking of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
August 25, 2004 - Ambassador of Cuba in Panama Carlos Samora at the request of the Panaman authorities left home. Before leaving, he made a statement for the press, in which he noted that "Cuba considers his duty to achieve an approximate punishment of terrorists," who were preparing an attempt on Fidel Castro. In March 2004, the Supreme Court Panama sentenced to the prison conclusion of six conspirators detained in Panama in 2000. The new President of Panama Martin Torrichos, who joins this post on September 1, expressed the hope that Panamo-Cuban conflict would be resolved on the basis of mutual "respect and common sense. "

Russia

From the very beginning of the revolution in Cuba, the attitude of the management of the CPSU to the island of freedom was ambiguous, in a sense look like a position regarding the SFRA. First, neither the Castro brothers nor their associates were not formally Leninists. Their theoretical base was limited to the heritage of Marx and Engels. Secondly, among other things, Cuba was not fundamentally entered into military blocks. Highly redecessing freedom, Cuba starting with the Belgrade Conference (Yugoslavia, September 1-6, 1961) was one of the most active participants in the Non-Aligned Movement. In CEV entered only 1972.

On January 21, 1964 - the USSR and Cuba signed a long-term supply agreement in the USSR sugar.

The relationship between Cuba and Russia has changed after the collapse of the USSR, which, in particular, was caused by the termination of economic assistance to Cuba and the reduction of the Soviet (Russian) military presence on the island. Soviet military bases were posted here in early 1960s. Their existence was based on an agreement between the Soviet and American leadership achieved after the "Caribbean Crisis" in 1962. In 2001, the last military base of Russia in Cuba was closed, all the remaining Russian troops were launched from the island of freedom. Recently, since November 2008, there has been a revival of interest in building relations between Russia and Cuba wearing an economic, political, scientific and social character.

The United States belongs to the Military Base of Guantanamo, located in Cuba. Military base Guantanamo is located on the territory of Southeast Cuba, busy US under the agreement of 1901, from which the Cuban authorities later refused. In January 2002, a prison was created for suspected international terrorism, where the first 20 people accused of participating in hostilities on the side of the Taliban were delivered from Afghanistan.

In conclusion in 1961, the United States introduced the Embargo regime, any connections with Cuba were prohibited, US sanctions against Cuba continue to act as of 2008; This blockade regularly condemns the UN General Assembly.

However, now the US share in Cuba import is 6.6% (in 2008).

In 1962, the US Department of Defense planned the Northwoods operation, the purpose of which was the preparation of American public opinion to the armed invasion of Cuba and the overthrow of the government of Fidel Castro. The operation was part of the US Government on the initiative of President John Kennedy, the operation of a mangosteen against Cuba, and assumed the implementation of terrorist shares with imaginary and / or real victims in the United States, Cuba and other countries, including hijacking aircraft, imitation of hostile actions under a stranger flag, Acts of terror organized by the state. However, Kennedy rejected the project.

In 2001, in the United States were sentenced to long time Prison conclusion of five Cuban agents ("Cuban Pyatlyka"). According to them, they transferred information about the prepared terrorist attacks against Cuba.

In 2006, under the US State Department, the Committee was created, the tasks of which include the development of the US policy in relation to Cuba in the event of the death of Fidel Castro.

Participation in International Organizations

Cuba is a member of the WTO and the World Customs Organization. Takes part in international agreements - the New York Convention on the International Arbitration, Paris Convention and the Madrid Protocol.

Health

On the eve of the revolution, there were 6 thousand doctors in Cuba, that is, 1 doctor per 1000 people, which was equal to France. However, unlike developed countries, there was no health insurance system in Cuba or cheap or free social medicine. Therefore, for example, the level of child mortality was 100-110 per 1000, which corresponded to the level of the most backward countries Western Europe - Spain and pre-war Italy.

Immediately after the revolution, about 3 thousand doctors left the country. However, this disadvantage was replenished due to the organization of the medical education system.

Currently, the Cuban health care system is considered one of the best in the world and has extensive primary programs. medical Services and scientific development. According to the CIA for 2009, the average life expectancy in Cuba is 77.45 years. Cuba has the lowest infant mortality rate among Latin America. All types of medical care are free.

Budget spending on Healthcare (2004): 5.5% of GDP.

Education

Cuba has a traditionally high educational level of the population. Since the beginning of the 20th century, there has been a system of state free 9-class elementary education for children from 6 to 14 years old (the ninth class was optional, the rest are required). In 1932, elementary schools (state and church) visited 90% of school children. In 1951, illiterates were 22% of the adult population, which was lower than in Spain and pre-war Italy.

In 1961, a massive campaign to eliminate illiteracy began. As a result, in 1980, the number of illiterates was only 2%, and in 1990 the Cuba became a country of continuous literacy. A public medium and high school was created. Within the 60s, the number of students has doubled (from 717 thousand to 1.5 million) with the growth of the population by 1-2% per year. In total, considering all the stages of education, the number of people embraced by them increased three times.

Currently, there are mandatory nine-grade education in Cuba (average is 12-class education). There are 50 higher education centers. Education of all levels is free.

The main educational institution of the country is Havan University, located in different parts of the capital. Until 1999, the Russian language was taught there as the main foreign (Faculty of Pass Brothers). The work of this faculty was supervised by CMS MSU. After 1999, became English. Other Universities Cuba: Havana Agrarian University.

Budget spending on education (2002-05): 9% of GDP.

Culture

Painting

Independent Cuban painting appeared only at the end of the XIX century. In the 1930s, the artists who visited Europe, met there with modern art trends and brought them to Cuba. So, Marcelo Pogototti used cubism to create images on topics related to the poverty of the Cuban people. The most famous Cuban artist, Vifredo Lam, wrote in a surrealistic style. On Mario Carreno, the work of Mexican muralists was greatly influenced. Jorge Arch is known for its portraits, according to style similar to the works of other Latin American artists of the 1930s.

The science

Illiteracy was practically liquidated in Cuba in 1961. Education here is free at all steps - from primary classes to higher educational institutions - and mandatory until the end of nine classes. All graduates of primary, medium, full high school and technical schools are guaranteed the opportunity to continue their studies, and graduates of higher educational institutions are guaranteed by the right to work. Since 1959, the Higher Education in Cuba has become affordable for everyone. Now there are about 700,000 people with higher education in the country. Of each seven Cuban workers, one has a diploma of a higher educational institution.

There are about 9,500 in the country primary schools, about 2,000 secondary and 48 higher educational institutions. The school is considered a basic cultural institution.

Cuba has more than 170 research institutes.

After the victory of the revolution until today, Cuba graduated from the highest educational institutions in various specialties about 630 thousand people, and millions received secondary education. The level of illiteracy (among the population at the age of ten years and older) is 3.8 percent.

In the country, 1,115 kindergartens, who visited 145.1 thousand children. The services of kindergartens use 135 thousand working mothers.

The total number of primary school students - 1,028,900 children of secondary school students - 778 thousand; Students of higher educational institutions - 127 thousand. The system of secondary and higher evening and absentee education is covered by more than 100 thousand people.

Cuba has 9,487 primary schools, 1,943 secondary schools and 48 higher educational institutions. Each thousand inhabitants have a total of 17.8 teachers. 9 percent of GDP is allocated for education. Significant funds for scientific research are allocated in the country, in particular, human health, in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering, production of vaccines and numerous medicines; The results of these studies were generally recognized. All this became possible due to the existence of significant human resources, including highly qualified specialists prepared under the national education system.

Cuba also occupies 4-5 place among Latin American countries (and 51 in the world) according to the UN classification in terms of human development.

Religion

In Cuba, the church is separated from the state, and the Constitution of Cuba guarantees the population freedom of religion. The most common religion is Catholic.

Despite the features of socialism as a socio-political system that dominates in the country for many decades, Cubans are pretty religious. Even members of the Cuban Communist Party are not forbidden to attend churches. Catholic church exist throughout the country. Even after the victory of the revolution, Mass served daily and solemn services are held in days of national or local religious holidays.

With the arrival of black slaves, various beliefs of African origin spread. Over time, three main flows have been formed, existing and popular so far. This is Reglace de-Oil (Spanier Regla de Ocha) or Santione (Span. Santeria), Las Reglas de Palo (Sp. Las Reglas de Palo) and La Sociedad-Abakua (Sp. La Sociedad Secreta Abacua). As a result of the historical process, a mixture of Catholic dogmas and African cults was also formed. For example, the prechile Virgin Mercy from Cobre is considered to be Catholics patroness Cuba. In Suntessia, she carries the name of Agun.

In recent years, Protestant churches began to appear, especially in the provinces.

Sport

Sports in Cuba is available to everyone and this massability allows you to constantly replenish national teams on various types Sports that brought a little caribbean island Important global and Olympic rewards. Cuba is the birthplace of world-famous athletes. Baseball, boxing, light athletics and volleyball are highlighted among sports.

Armed forces

Cuba Army (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias - FAR) is the main armed formation of Cuba, providing its national defense.

The Constitution of Cuba indicates that the President of the country is the Supreme Commander and determines the structure of its army.

The Cuba Army includes the following units:
Ground troops
Navy
Air Force and air defense.

The Cuba Army is under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief Raul Castro.

The daily newspaper of the Island of Liberty Granma, is called the same yacht, at which a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro landed on Cuba to implement the partisan fighting batter. The newspaper is an official conductor and a policie popularizer conducted by the Communist Party of Cuba (PDA). Once a week in English, Granma Internacional is published. Also, Cuba is also represented by such publications devoted to the problems of economics, tourism, finance, culture, politicians, such as Opciones, Bohmia, Juventud Rebelde, Trabajadores.

The Republic of Cuba is the first socialist state in the Western Hemisphere. Cuba is located in West Indies at the junction of North, Central

and South America. According to the configuration of the territory stretching from the west to the east at 1250km, Cuba is not rarely compared with the lizard. In the south of Cuba was washed by the waters of the Caribbean.

Cuba is located on the most important marine and airways Atlantic.

Square of the Republic of Cuba - 111,000 square meters. km, including the island of Cuba - the largest in the West Indies and the name of the whole country. Bulgaria is equal to the Cuba area, and in numbers the population exceeds it.

Cubans with legal pride call their homeland "the first free territory of America", and the friends of Cuba around the world call it the "island of freedom." Socialist Cuba in historically short time passed a complex and nice path.

The highest authority of the state of the Republic of Cuba is elected for five years the National Assembly of the People's Authority, endowed with legislative rights. The National Assembly elects the State Council from among its deputies. The highest executive body is the Council of Ministers. The chairman of the State Council and the Council of Ministers is the head of state. In administratively, Cuba is divided into 14 provinces, which, in turn, are divided into 169 municipality, one of which is HuvanTud - central subordination.

The slogan is popular in Cuba: "The power of the people is really power! ".

The highest governing force of the Cuban society and the state is the Communist Party of Cuba.

On the coat of arms Cuba depicts the blue sea, the key, palm tree and hills. The key symbolizes the position of the island on the most important world naval. Palms are the favorite trees of Cubans, and they grow everywhere, alone or small picturesque groups. And the hills and low mountains located along the edges of the island, revive the view of the plains.

Recreational resources
In 1998, for the first time in the entire tourist history of Spain, 47,743,000 tourists were registered here, which put it on an honorable second place in the world after France. US, for many years has ...

Cuba occupies a territory equal to 110.86 thousand km. The country is divided into 14 provinces, which in turn are divided into municipality, one of which is the island of Huvitud - the central subordination. The highest authority of state power is the National Assembly of the People's Authority, endowed with legislative rights. From among their deputies, she elects the State Council. The highest executive body is the Council of Ministers, whose members are appointed by the State Council. The head of state is the Chairman of the State Council and the Council of Ministers.

Spanish conquistadors colonized the country in 1511. During the conquest, the Spaniard destroyed the indigenous population. With the creation of a sugar cane plantation plant in Cuba, the need for cheap labor has increased sharply, so Spanish conquerors starting from the XVI century began to import black-slaves from. In 1895, a new uprising against colonial domination broke out in Cuba. Having joined in 1898 in the war, they sought to use the liberation struggle of the Cuban people in their own interests, and in the Parisian peace treaty in 1898 the Cuba was formally proclaimed independent, but almost she was occupied by the United States.

As a result of the reaction coup in March 1952, F. Batista came to power - founder of the dictatorial regime in the country. Fidel Castro, being in, developed a plan for an armed struggle against the Batista regime, which ended with the victory of the revolution on January 1, 1959.

The population of Cuba is 11.39 million people (2015). Most of it (2/3) - descendants of immigrants from Spain, more than 1/3 - negros, mulatto, methiuses. Official language - Spanish. Most believers -. Cuba has a rather high level: 65% of the total population lives in cities. More than 1/3 of the entire urban population falls on a big one. Due to the high population in the country, the share of young ages is significant: 40% of all residents are under the age of 14. The capital of the country is Havana.

Natural conditions of Cuba are determined by the fact that this island is predominantly lies in, in the monsoon zone. The abundance of moisture and heat allows round year grow tropical and subtropical cultures. However, the rainy season sometimes harms the country, since at this time it is possible. From November to April, the dry season lasts.

Cuba has significant, which is still not used. From others you can note the reserves of ores, cobalt, iron, manganese. According to the reserves of Nickel Cuba takes 2nd place in the world. In 1984, in the west of the country, a promising gas field and the branch of the economy is an industry of agriculture and industry, processing plant raw materials. In the leading industry - the cultivation of sugar cane. In Cuba before the 1959 revolution, production and exports were actually a monoculture. And now the plantation of this culture is occupied by 1/7 of the country. More than 150 sugar factories produce 7-8 million tons of sugar per year. Growing sugarcane and sugar industry - the industry of international specialization of Cuba. In addition, corn, legumes, vegetables, potatoes, rice are grown in the country. Increasing importance acquires the dairy direction and poultry farming, fishing and crustaceans are carried out.

The country's industry still keeps traces of former backwardness. One industry gives about 50% of industrial production. Recently, other industries are beginning to develop :, on the production of reed assemblies, spare parts and equipment for sugar factories, mining industry. International tourism is successfully developing.

Due to a number of reasons - a weak material and technical base of the economy, its low efficiency, the reduction of trade and economic relations after the collapse of the USSR - in the country there was extremely severe. The situation in agriculture has noticeably worsened. The currency and financial position continues to be complicated. The overall standard of living of the population falls. Reduces the volume of housing construction.

In the conditions of a special period, Cuba makes a bet on the introduction of tough savings of all means and resources. At the same time in order to exit economic crisis Cuban guide has begun to implement a reform package aimed at gradual introduction into the economic complex of the country of elements of a market economy. In 1992, the National Assembly adopted amendments to the Constitution. The updated constitution confirms the purpose of building a communist society and puts forward national liberation ideals, the principle of independence, sovereignty, identity.

Cuba, Republic of Cuba (Republic De Cuba), Island State in West Indies. Includes the islands: Cuba, Hoisteud (former Pios) and OK. 1600 small islands and coral reefs from a group of large Antille Islands. Separated from P-Oov Florida Florida Strait. Area 110.9 thousand km2.

State Stroy Cuba.
Administrative and territorial division of Cuba.

Cuba is the only socialist state in the Western Hemisphere. The highest body of state power is the unicameral National Assembly of the People's Authority. The head of state and the government is the Chairman of the State Council.

Fourteen provinces and special municipality about. Humentist.

Cuba population.

Cuba's population is 11.26 million people (2004). Most of the Cuban (51%) - Mulati and Spanish-Indian methies, 37% - white, 11% - Negros, descendants of African slaves. Official language - Spanish. Most of believers - Catholics, many adhere to syncretic African Christian cults. Population density 101.6 people / km2. Urban population 76%.

Cuba climate. Cuba relief.
Vegetable I. animal world Cuba.

The relief of Cuba is mainly plain, approx. 1/3 of the territory occupy hills and mountains. The highest mountain system - Sierra Maesstra (1972 m, Peak Turkino) is located along the southeast coast of Cuba. SAMI big River - Cauto. Karst forms of relief are developed, there are large groundwater basins.

Climate Tropical trade machine with rainy season from May to October. Frections tropical hurricanes and livne. On the plains, natural vegetation has been preserved only by places. OK. 1/4 of the territory is covered with forest, ch. arr. In the mountains and in the wetlands. Mangra grow along the shores. Sand beaches Often stretch for many kilometers (eg, the world famous resort Varadero).

The animal world of sushi is relatively poor, while coastal waters are replete with life. Variety of natural conditions and gorgeous beaches Attracts in Cuba a lot of tourists. For the protection of the animal world and natural landscapes, reserves were created (El Cabo, Kuvel, etc.) and reserves (Cienaga de Sapata, Cienaga de Lanier).

Economy and industry Cuba.
Minerals Cuba.

Cuba is an agrarian-industrial country, a traditional supplier to the global market of sugar, nickel, tropical fruits, Roma, tobacco and cigars. The state plays a major role in the Cuban economy: he owns a monopoly on foreign trade, most industrial enterprises and the entire banking sphere. The main source of foreign exchange earnings is the sector of services related to servicing foreign tourists (1.4 million people in 1998). GNP per capita - $ 1,550 (1999).

With nach 1990s. In the economy, Cuba began to increase crisis phenomena caused by excessive centralization of management and tile of connections from the USSR. Currently, Cuba partially moved away from the practice of building socialism on the Soviet model and entered the phase of limited market reforms.

Cuba occupies one of the leading places in the world for nickel extraction (2nd place in the world in stocks and 3rd production), has significant reserves of chromium, manganese, iron and copper ores, asbestos, stone salt, phosphorites. On the West Countries are open areas of oil and gas. The main industrial center is Havana. Main S.-H. Culture - sugar cane (63% of the cost of exports in 1996).

Russia remains the largest importer of Cuban Sugar-raw. Citrus, coffee, pineapples, bananas, etc. are also grown. Important traditional culture - tobacco. Home Food Culture - Fig. Important It has sea fishery.

Monetary unit - Cuban Peso.

History of Cuba.

In 1492, the island inhabited by the Indians, H. Columbus was opened. In the 16th century Cuba was colonimized by the Spaniards who destroyed most The indigenous population and brought slaves from Africa to work on sugar cane plantations (slavery remained up to 1886). In 1902, as a result of a long-term armed struggle of the Cuban people (a decade-old war against the Spanish colonial oppression of 1868-1878, an uprising 1895-1898 under the leadership of H. Marty and A. Meso) was proclaimed by the independence of Cuba, but in fact the country was occupied by the United States. After the withdrawal of American troops with Cuba in 1902, the United States has repeatedly resorted to the armed intervention and occupation of Cuba.

In 1934, the pro-American dictatorial regime F. Batisti was established. In January 1959, as a result of the Cuban Revolution, under the leadership of F. Castro Batista was overthrown and fled. Cuba focused on the USSR, which provided it with economic assistance in the position of the Embargo of the Island by the United States. In October 1962, in the conditions of the Cold War, a Caribbean crisis broke out caused by the placement of Soviet missiles with nuclear warheads in Cuba. In 1975, Cuba was proclaimed by the Socialist State under the leadership of the Communist Party headed by F. Castro. The United States still continues to block the Cuba, making tremendous damage to its economy.

National holidays - January 1 (Liberation Day), May 1 (International Day of Workers' Solidarity), July 26 (National Uprising Day), October 10 (the beginning of the struggle for the independence of Cuba from Spain in 1868).