The state of Cuba is located for the most part (up to 95% of the territory) on the island of the same name Cuba and several other small islands located in the Caribbean between South and North America. The capital of the state is the city of Havana with a population of about 2.5 million people, while, in general, about 12 million people live in Cuba. Spaniards mostly live on the territory of the state, the rest of the population is represented by a mixture of Spaniards with local blacks, which is called "mulattos". In Cuba, as in no other country, there is a clear line between believers and non-believers. Thus, the population is approximately equally divided into non-believers and Catholics.
The total area of the country is about 115 thousand square kilometers, and about a quarter of this territory is occupied by mountains and hills, though not high, since the highest point in Cuba has a height of 2000 meters above sea level and is called the city of Pico. In the southern part of the island, the most full-flowing of all the rivers of the state, the Kuyuto River, flows. The remaining rivers flowing through the territory of the island are extremely shallow and are not of interest for industrial use, and are known rather as a source of getting a small subsistence for the local population.
However, it should be mentioned that the island of Cuba has just a unique "shape". Along the perimeter of the island there are a myriad of bays and quiet harbors, where any ship will find a haven. Although on the other hand there is a certain threat to national security.
The island of Cuba was discovered in 1492. The first city built on the island was Santiago de Cuba, and a little later the modern capital, Havana, appeared. Throughout its history, the island has been a stronghold of the state of Spain in Latin America and has served as a powerful tool in the process of colonization of nearby territories during the struggle for US territory. In recent history, starting from the very beginning of the 20th century, the island was recaptured from the patronage of Spain and taken under the patronage of the United States, which lasted half a century, until the declaration of independence by revolutionary forces led by Fidel Castro, who rules the country to this day.
The island is located in the subtropical climate zone. This means that throughout the year the island has an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. The island is also very diverse with a huge variety of plants and animals that grow and live in the local tropical forests, which also contain a huge number of insects and birds, including rare ones such as hummingbirds. Also in the zone of this climate, a large number of reptiles find refuge for themselves - snakes, lizards, etc., which greatly complicates the movement through the jungle of the island.
Regarding the political system of the state of Cuba, it is, oddly enough, communist. The political system is an exact copy of the former USSR system. Moreover, the uniqueness and strangeness lies in the fact that the communist regimes established due to the revolution do not differ in longevity (maximum 70-75 years), which we saw in the example of the USSR, which is the main trade and political partner of Cuba. With the collapse of the USSR, things went badly in Cuba, as the absence of diplomatic relations with the United States (for more than 50 years) had a strong effect.
But, despite the fact that the state has serious problems with the economy and the social situation of citizens, despite the grinding work of the economic system and the extremely low standard of living, the population is in a good mood and the level of happiness that British scientists love to calculate is at its best. This is largely determined by the special mentality of the local population, which is a mixture of the Spanish people and local natives. The state of fun is inherent in Cubans, "not to bathe over trifles" and the sacred word "Siesta". Also, the island is the most valuable exhibit of world history, on its territory there are many ancient buildings temporarily before our era, numerous museums and monuments, etc.
Cuba is an island of beauty, health and fun, which annually receives many foreign tourists, including Russians. Of course, everyone who is going to visit Liberty Island is interested in what language is spoken in Cuba. It is especially important to know this for those who plan to visit the country for the purpose of treatment.
State language of Cuba
Speaking about which language is the state language in Cuba, it should be noted that Spanish is considered as such here. This was the result of the colonization of the island by the Spanish conquerors in the 16th century.
The rooting of the Spanish language in Cuba took place in several stages. Initially, the island was inhabited by Indian tribes of the Tains, Guanahanabeys and Siboney, who spoke their own dialects. But in 1492, the ships of Christopher Columbus arrived here, and between the Spaniards who landed on the island and the indigenous population, a painful search for mutual understanding began, as a result of which the Spanish language underwent significant changes. This explains why the Spanish language, or rather, the Cuban dialect of Spanish, has become widespread in Cuba.
After the extermination of a significant part of the local population, the Spaniards began to bring slaves from Africa to the island to work on the plantations. This contributed to the connection to the process of formation of the Cuban version of Spanish also African dialects, which have their own characteristics. And after the liberation of Cuba from colonial dependence, the formation of Cuban Spanish was significantly influenced by the English language, which was brought by the Americans, who replaced the Spaniards.
Thus, the national language of Cuba is Spanish, but it has significant differences from traditional Spanish. Moreover, sometimes they are so significant that, having heard the local speech, it is impossible to immediately understand what language is spoken here. The Cuban variety of Spanish even got its own name Espanol Cubano.
That is, to the question of what language is official in Cuba, the answer is unequivocal - Spanish. And if you know this language, you will be able to communicate with the local population, despite some differences in pronunciation.
Popular languages on Liberty Island
Answering the question about what language is spoken in Cuba, it should be noted that although the main language of the country of Cuba is Spanish, there are residents here who speak other languages, such as French or English. But there are few of them on Liberty Island. Most often they can be found in popular resorts (Varadero, Cayo Coco, Holguin, etc.), where they work in restaurants, hotels and large entertainment centers. Most of the locals do not consider it necessary to know and understand even the most common phrases in English. Moreover, if one of them knows this language, then he answers it extremely reluctantly. This attitude towards English is explained by not the warmest relations that have historically developed between Cuba and the United States.
Despite this, there is a special category of Cubans on Liberty Island. They are called "friends". They are fluent in English and even specifically study the language in order to earn money from foreign tourists. The "friends" offer help with housing, booze, cigars, and more, and are usually extremely friendly. They impose themselves on tourists and spend whole days with them, counting on a kind of maintenance on their part, for example, treats to food and drinks or monetary rewards.
Language courses in Cuba
When planning a trip to Cuba, you need to understand that without knowing Spanish, communication with the locals will be very problematic, so it would be a good idea to learn the basic phrases in Spanish before the trip. And you can take up the study of Spanish right on the island - fortunately, language schools in Cuba offer both individual and group classes of different levels of intensity for visitors of any age. In addition, it is possible to combine Spanish lessons with music or dance classes. 
The most popular language schools in Havana are Jakera, StudeTeam Cuba and Study & Live in your Teacher's Home (Learn and live in your teacher's house). The latter program provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the culture and traditions of this country through the study of the language. In addition, you will be the only student, which will allow you to quickly learn the language.
It should be noted that studying Spanish on Liberty Island is in no way inferior to studying at the same courses in Spain.
Do they speak Russian in Cuba?
Among the countries of the Caribbean there is not a single state where the Russian language is as widely spoken as in Cuba. This is due to the many years of friendship between the Soviet Union and Cuba. A large number of Cubans were once educated in the USSR, many Cubans married to Russian women live here. People still drive Soviet cars on Liberty Island, use equipment manufactured during the Soviet era, and watch Soviet films and cartoons, only in Spanish.
Historically established warm relations are relevant to this day. The indigenous people of Cuba treat the Russians well, considering them "Soviet" tourists. Therefore, it is not so difficult to find a Cuban here who knows at least a few words in Russian.
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| Cuba |
Country Description
If you want to soak up paradise while alive, then you will not find a better place than Cuba. Beautiful white sand beaches, clear sea water, coral reefs and shallows for fishing, rich exotic flora and fauna - this is not paradise. Temperamental as the rhythms of "cha-cha-cha", bright as the plumage of a hummingbird, elegant as an orchid flower, Cuba has always attracted thousands of tourists. But Cuba is not only magnificent nature, it is, first of all, friendly and hospitable Cubans and a deep history. Many cities still keep the traces and spirit of the Spanish conquerors, the memory of the corsair raids. The world famous resort of Varadero is located 140 km from Havana on the Atlantic coast. The surroundings of Varadero are very picturesque, and many kilometers of white sandy beaches and azure ocean waters attract thousands of tourists here.
Cuba! A magical island separating the Atlantic from the Caribbean Sea, the bottom of which is literally covered with treasures... A neighbor of Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico, it attracts not only tropical exoticism, but also the special flavor of the island's life, warmth, openness and hospitality of the locals. Every day is a carnival here. There is no heat here, the caressing breeze from the ocean pleasantly cools. There are even no animals dangerous to humans. Here the crocodiles are only in the form of a roast. And countless fish, birds, shellfish become not only a delicacy for gourmets, but also the subject of an exciting hunt. The resulting prey can always be "washed" - with the world's best fiery cane drink - rum ... Kilometers of the finest white sand and azure blue ocean waters seem to be specially created for a world-class resort. People did the rest: in tourism there is a large share of Spanish capital and therefore the service meets the highest requirements. It all starts already at the airport: from it you will be delivered to the chosen hotel in luxurious vintage cars.
Geography
Area - 110992 sq. km.
The highest point is Turquino Peak 1974 m.
The longest river is Cauto 370 km.
Cuba is located in the West Indies, at the junction of North, Central and South America. According to its configuration, the territory of Cuba, stretching from west to east for 1250 km, is often compared with a lizard, the body of which is facing the Atlantic, and the tail is located at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. In the south, Cuba is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The distance from Cuba to the United States at the narrowest point of the Florida Strait is 180 km, to the island of Haiti through the Windward Strait - 77 km, to the island of Jamaica through the Strait of Colon - 140 km, to Mexico through the Yucatan Strait - 210 km.
The island is 1200 km long and 210 km wide at its widest point. The Cuban archipelago covers an area of 110,992 square kilometers and has more than 300 natural beaches covered with white sand and surrounded by crystal clear waters. The most famous beach in Cuba is Varadero. The landscapes of Cuba are very diverse. There are valleys, mountains and hills here. The main mountain ranges of the country are the Cordillera de Guaniguanico in the west, the Escambray in the center and the Sierra Maestra in the east. In the mountains of the Sierra Maestra, there is also the highest mountain in the country, Turquino Peak (1974 m above sea level). The rest of the island is a fertile plain. On the island you can admire the many caves. Most of the rivers in Cuba are small but very fast flowing. Rivers flow down from the mountains, forming beautiful waterfalls. Of particular interest are the Agabama and Salto del Carbuni waterfalls. The longest river in Cuba is Cauto (about 370 km), which flows in the eastern part of the island. There are many reservoirs and lakes in Cuba. Amateurs come here - ornithologists, because Cuba is a place of migration of resettled birds.
Time
Behind Moscow for 8 hours.
Climate
The climate of Cuba is tropical trade wind. Warm currents, observed in the waters washing the country, and constant northeast winds make the climate mild. The coldest month is January, when the daytime air temperature reaches +25..+27 degrees, and at night there is about 16..18 degrees of heat. The hottest month is August. During it, in the daytime, the air warms up to +30..+32 degrees, and at night it is quite warm - +20..+22 degrees. Relative humidity is high (70-75%) throughout the year, so the heat is especially hard to bear in summer.
The average annual rainfall in Cuba varies from 860 mm in the southeast of the island to 1700 mm in its western part. From May to November, the rainy season is established in Cuba. At this time, especially from August to November, strong tropical hurricanes arise in the Caribbean region, which then go to Florida. The rainiest months are June and October, when 180 to 200 mm of precipitation falls per month. On the coast, the water temperature in winter is about +24 degrees, in summer it warms up to +28 degrees.
Language
The official language is Spanish. However, hotel staff will answer you in English, German, Italian.
Religion
The majority of believers are Catholics (47%), Protestants (4%) and adherents of the so-called Santeria, a syncretic cult based on African pagan beliefs mixed with the cult of some Christian saints. The church is separated from the state, freedom of religion is constitutionally guaranteed.
Population
The population is about 11.4 million people. The majority of the population (about 2/3) are descendants of immigrants from Spain, the rest are blacks, mulattos, mestizos, there is also a fairly large Chinese colony on the island. The indigenous population of Cuba was completely destroyed during the years of the development of the island by the Spaniards. The Spanish colonists needed a lot of labor to work on the plantations and they began to import slaves from central Africa. Over 1 million African slaves were imported by the Spaniards in 350 years. For the same reason, between 1853 and 1874, more than 125,000 Chinese were brought into Cuba from Asia. Until now, in Havana, "China Town" has been preserved. In addition, Indian slaves were imported, but in small quantities, from the Yucatan, Central and South America. An intensive flow of emigrants was from Spain, Germany, France and Britain.
Cuba received a huge number of emigrants from neighboring islands: 250,000 arrived from the Antilles - Haiti and Jamaica. 850 thousand immigrants arrived from Spain, but not all of them remained to live in Cuba. At the beginning of the 20th century, many Americans settled in Cuba, who created their colonies on about. Pinos. There were very strong waves of emigration to Cuba during and after the First and Second World Wars. First of all, Jews moved here. The Cuban nation thus absorbed the features of the peoples of the whole world. Today, the population of Cuba is 11 million people. According to official sources, the composition of the population of Cuba is as follows: 65% - whites, 12% - blacks, 22% - mulattoes.
Electricity
Mains voltage: 220V
Emergency Phones
National Police: 82-0116
Fire brigade: 81-1115
Ambulance: 24-2811
Connection
For telephone conversations within the city, pay phones are used, working both on coins and on cards (much less often). To call from a "coin" machine, coins of 5 and 20 centavos are required. Calling other cities or provinces is difficult. International telephone calls are carried out exclusively from Telecorreos telephone exchanges, which are available in almost all major hotels. To call, you need a special card of 10 or 25 USD (sold by the hotel administrator). Connection statistics and its cost are displayed on the phone display. One minute of an international telephone call costs about 6.5 USD. Cellular communications and Internet telephony are poorly developed.
To call Cuba, dial 8 - 10 - 53 -<код города> - <номер абонента>. Codes of some cities and provinces: Varadero - 5, Villa Clara - 42, Havana - 7, Granma - 23, Guantanamo - 21, Camagüey - 32, Las Tunas - 31, Matanzas - 52, Holguin - 24, Pinar del Rio - 82, Playa Larga - 59, Sancti Spiritus - 41, Santiago de Cuba - 226, Ciego de Avila - 33, Cienfuegos - 432, Topes de Collantes - 2, Trinidad - 419, Isla Juventud - 61.
Currency exchange
In Cuba, for foreign tourists (one might say) only dollars go. No one pays attention to the dilapidation of banknotes. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that when you change, you may be given a so-called convertible peso. This type of peso is equal to the dollar 1:1. This is a new Cuban banknote that has nothing to do with the "wooden" Cuban pesos. In order not to get into a mess, the convertible peso should have “convertible” written on it. As a rule, they are given in small denominations: 1.5, 10. The exchange rate of the old Cuban peso to the US dollar is approximately 1:25. The Cuban convertible coin also circulates on par with the American cent. Often you will be hit back by both. Credit cards are also in use: VISA, EUROCARD, etc. Due to the political situation, AMERICAN EXPRESS cards are prohibited. You can exchange currency in Cuba at banks and many hotels. When exchanging dollars, a commission fee of 10% of the exchanged amount is charged.
Visa
Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to visit Cuba for the purpose of tourism for a period not exceeding 30 days. When entering the country, a foreign passport is required, the validity of which must be at least 6 months after the end date of the trip, a return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, an immigration card in 2 copies. When leaving the country, an airport tax is charged, usually equal to 15-20 Cuban pesos. $1=0.93 CUC.
Customs regulations
In accordance with the customs legislation of Cuba, duty-free import of 200 pieces is allowed into the country. cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, 1 liter of spirits, 250ml of eau de toilette or 50ml of perfume. The import of narcotic and psychotropic substances, weapons and ammunition, pornographic products, auto parts is prohibited. The export of animals and birds, sea shells, valuable wood, items of historical and cultural value is prohibited. To export cigars, you must have a receipt from the store and the original packaging. Import and export of foreign currency is not limited. Amounts over 5 thousand dollars are subject to mandatory declaration. The export of national currency is allowed within 100 pesos. When leaving the country, an airport tax is charged.
Holidays and non-working days
National holidays:
January 1 - New Year and Liberation Day
May 1 - Labor Day
July 26 - Day of the start of the National Uprising
October 10 - Anniversary of the start of the Cuban War of Independence
December 25 - Christmas
Carnivals, festivals, holidays:
Carnivals in Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba - February
International Jazz Festival in Havana - February
Cuban Cigar Festival in Havana - February
Varadero Electroacoustic Music Festival - April
Fair in Holguin - May
Havana International Guitar Festival - May
Feast of Saint Juan in Trinidad - June
Chariot Carnival in Havana - June-August
Celebration of Hispanic American Culture in Holguin - October
Havana Latin American Film Festival - December
Transport
Municipal transport in the country is quite dilapidated, there are few buses and they often break down, so tourists are not recommended to use public transport. The main city transport is the bus ("va-va"). There are 2 types of buses - "sitting", where the number of passengers is clearly limited by the number of seats, and ordinary cars, which are often packed to capacity. There are no timetables at all, traffic routes are often not marked either. The fare is 1-2 CUP.
For transportation, it is recommended to use the so-called "tourist taxis", which are fairly modern cars with a radiotelephone and air conditioning. Payment is made only in dollars (approximately 2 USD for 1.5-2 km.). A tourist taxi can be ordered from any hotel or by phone, while the movement of the car is constantly monitored by operators, which ensures safety. Ordinary taxis, which pay in pesos, use quite old cars and there are not many of them. Many private traders make money by "carrying", especially in Varadero and other resort areas. Their prices are somewhat lower than those of state-owned companies, but there is no guarantee either.
The resort of Varadero is served by "shuttles", whose drivers are quite reliable, as well as tourist buses with a ticket for 4 CUC or EUR for the whole day. On this bus, having bought a ticket once, you can ride all day, getting off at any stop and getting on at any stop an unlimited number of times.
Tips
In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 10% of the amount indicated on the bill.
The shops
As souvenirs and gifts, of course, it is better to purchase coral products and jewelry in combination with silver. Also good are the guayabera (tropical shirt), folk percussion instruments, artistic fabrics, embroidery and lace, as well as tortoiseshell products, especially bracelets and hairpins (beware of fakes!). Be sure to buy Cuban rum and real Cuban cigars, among which the most highly valued brands are Bolivar, Coiba, Montecristo, Partagas, Punch, Ramon Allones, Sancho Panza, J. Upmann, Romeo and Juliet and Trinidad. Shops are open from 9.00 to 18.00 (some until 20.00) on weekdays, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 15.00 (some until 18.00). Supermarkets and shops in resort areas are usually open from 10.00 to 20.00. Most small shops have a separate opening hours. Almost all shops close for "siesta" around noon.
National cuisine
The basis of the Cuban diet is rice and black beans, pork and chicken. Cubans are not very fond of vegetables, but they love fruits, there are a lot of them and they are always fresh. Very tasty mango and banana. Baked bananas in Cuban cuisine come from African slaves. "Fufu" is bananas mixed with other ingredients. Chatinos - a light appetizer for an aperitif, also prepared on the basis of platanos. Cuban cuisine originated from the combined influence of Spanish and African traditions. The national dish is "el ajiaco" - soup-stew with root vegetables and various vegetables, usually cooked with pork. The taste depends on the type of root vegetables and the spices used. Other typical dishes are skewers of pork, fried banana chips ("tachinos", "chatinos" or "tostones"), black beans, oriental congri (rice with red beans), moros and christianos (rice with black beans), chopped havanese steak, tamales, bakanes or ayacas (made from tender corn). If you order fruit juices, make sure they are freshly made. If your funds are limited, in the snack bars you will be offered a set lunch at a fixed price, you will choose the dishes yourself. Ice cream is very popular. There are many small restaurants right at the home of the Cubans, where you can eat for about $4. Speaking of cuisine, one cannot ignore Cuban coffee, which Cubans drink in large quantities throughout the day. Cuban coffee is very strong and sweet. There are many cafes in the cities where you can taste various infusions, decoctions and other drinks. Cubans put a lot of sugar in all drinks. The most popular alcoholic drink is rum. The most famous brand of rum is Havana Club. There are three varieties: Carta Oro (gold), Carta Blanca (white) and Anejo (old), which differ in aging. Cubans' favorite rum is Anejo (about $8 a bottle).
Attractions
Havana- administrative, political, cultural, scientific, as well as the main tourist center of the country, a cosmopolitan province. Havana is visited annually by more than half of all foreign tourists coming to the country. Its main charm is the city itself with its variety of architecture, wide avenues and famous boulevards, and in particular its historic center, declared in 1982 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The starting point of the tour can be El Templete- a small neoclassical chapel built in 1828 on the site where the city is supposed to have been founded; Armory Square(Plaza de Armas), Cathedral Square(Plaza de la Catedral) and Old Square(Plaza Vieja), around which magnificent old buildings and structures are grouped, which at one time were part of the walled city. Memorial to Jose Marti was opened in 1996, it houses various relics, original objects, documents and engravings related to the life and work of the apostle of the Cuban revolution. At the top of the obelisk - a concrete, marble-lined tower 138.5 meters above sea level - is the highest observation deck in the capital. More than 47 thousand exhibits are stored in the funds Palace of Fine Arts, which, after careful work on expansion, reorganization and restoration, is now considered one of the most significant among such institutions in the world. National Botanical Garden covers an area of 600 hectares. It is divided into 18 zones, and about a fifth of it is devoted to local plants. One of the main attractions - Japanese garden, donated by the government of this country in 1989 and created by the master of garden art Yoshikuni Arake. 
Provinces Santiago de Cuba has two features that make it unique: it is its hospitable, cheerful and carefree people and rich cultural and historical heritage. The main city of the province, founded in 1514, is of great originality, and its most important feature is a magnificent bay surrounded by high mountains, over which reigns fortress of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro, in 1997 proclaimed by UNESCO - Heritage of Humanity. A similar status has recently been given to the system of agro-industrial facilities and the remains of more than a hundred coffee plantations in the area of Mount Gran Piedra, which were created by the French who fled Haiti. Cespedes Square is the busiest place in the city. The square is surrounded by buildings of great architectural and historical value: House Museum of Diego Velasquez, City Cathedral, former ayuntamiento- the city council, where the provincial government is now located, and the Casa Granda Hotel. The only stepped street in Cuba Padre Pico street, is a natural viewing platform. Here is the boundary between the upper and lower parts of the city. The street descends to the Tivoli area, where the famous Santiago carnival is held. The castle of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro is a Roman-style military building with two blind ditches and two symmetrical three-tiered bastions where cannons were installed. Its construction began in the 16th century and was completed two centuries later. Now here is Museum of Piracy.
Trinidad de Cuba- a city-museum of colonial architecture, declared by UNESCO as a heritage of mankind and a cultural monument of world importance. The city was founded in 1514 by Diego Velasquez. The main cities of the province Sancti Spiritus and Santisima Trinidad de Cuba are two of the first seven cities founded by the Spanish conquistadors on the island. Times have changed, but Trinidad itself is still the same as it was 2 centuries ago with its baroque churches, red-tiled roofs, paving stones and wrought iron railings. It is especially recommended to pay attention to Romantic Museum, Museum of Architecture, Archaeological Museum, Museum of Fighting Bandits, Museum of Natural Sciences "Alexander Humboldt" and Archaeological Museum "Guamuaya". 
Matanzas - the main city of the province - called the Cuban Athens, as it is the land of poets, or the Cuban Venice - due to the fact that the city is crossed by two rivers - Yumuri and San Juan, through which five bridges are thrown over for the convenience of pedestrians and transport - and guests will be interested to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of this calm city, which grew up on the shores of a huge bay. In the southern part of the province is Zapata Peninsula- a real paradise for lovers of ecological tourism, but in addition, they will undoubtedly be delighted by the fabulously beautiful Yumuri Valley and the banks of the Kanimar River, which can be admired from bridge bacunayagua- pearls of Cuban engineering, this bridge, with a height of 110 m, is the highest in the country. Vigia Square is the place where the city was founded, from where it began its growth. The area is surrounded by architecturally interesting buildings - Theater "Sauto", Palace-Museum Junko, fire station building and others. Freedom Square(Plaza de la Libertad) - the city's second Armory Square, which overlooks the White Concert Hall, named after the famous black violinist Jose White, the Triolet Pharmaceutical Museum and Government House. On the western shore of Matanzas Bay rises Castle of San Severino. Due to its size, it is considered one of the most important Spanish fortresses in the Americas. In the vicinity of the city of Matanzas are the caves of Bellamar. About 30 rooms have been studied, where large rock paintings, fossils and traces of the habitation of people who lived here 1,600 years ago were found.
Resorts
Varadero- the main area of the Cuban archipelago, attracting those who prefer holidays by the sea, enjoys well-deserved international fame. This resort on the Hicacos peninsula has more than 20 km of beaches covered with fine white sand and washed by a sea that shimmers in a variety of shades of blue; one fifth of its territory is part of the ecological reserves. In addition, there are many caves, picturesque slopes and lagoons on the peninsula; along the coast stretches a series of virgin and easily accessible islets. The features of Varadero are complemented by its cultural, historical and natural attractions, closely connected with the neighboring cities of Matanzas and Cardenas and the Ciénaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve, as well as a number of modern comfortable hotels and a wide infrastructure of service industries.
province in the northeast of the country Holguin famous for being the region where the discovery of Cuba took place. Admiral Christopher Columbus first set foot on the land of the island in a place called Cayo Bariai, where a memorial complex now exists. It was October 27, 1492. The province's capital city of the same name is also called the City of Squares; here you can feel a strong Spanish influence, its straight streets indicate that it was built according to a strict plan. The city has an active cultural life, especially in May, when the May Fair takes place, and in October, when the Festival of Iberoamerican Culture is celebrated. With more than 40 kilometers of coastline, there are 41 beaches, among which foreign tourists give particular preference to the beaches of Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and Playa Pesquero, with exceptionally beautiful seabed. This province also contains Banes, which is considered the archaeological capital of Cuba, since more traces of aboriginal habitation have been found here than anywhere else in the archipelago. Among the 22 bays available in the province of Holguin is one of the largest in the world and in Cuba - Nipe Bay. But also on the territory of the province there are forests and hills with steep slopes and massive peaks.
Cayo Largo- a small group of islands located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, 177 km from Havana and 170 km from Varadero. It serves as a refuge for hundreds of tropical birds: flamingos, hummingbirds, gray herons and many others. Both Havana and Varadero have a direct air connection. From other tourist spots in Cuba, you can also book a special tour here. You can move around the island on foot, by bike or by car. The waters of the Caribbean Sea are warmer than the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the northern coast of Cuba, which leads to a richer marine life off the coast of the island. The tourist infrastructure has everything you need to enjoy your stay on this paradise island. Here you can visit a turtle farm and just a beach where sea turtles lay their eggs.
Cayo Coco- the fourth largest island of Cuba, the main tourist island of the archipelago Jardines del Rey (Royal Gardens). It is connected to the main island by a 17-kilometer dam road passing through the Bay of Dogs. Before the advent of tourism infrastructure, Cayo Coco was known mainly for the beautiful pineapples that grow here. To the north, magnificent beaches stretch not even with white sand, but with snow-white. In addition to the beaches of coral origin, considered perhaps the best in the entire Caribbean, there are amazing conditions for diving, fishing and water sports. The small island is a permanent home for flamingos, white ibises, pelicans, herons, wryneck cormorants and vultures. Near the island of Cayo Coco, a little to the west is Cayo Guillermo island. This island is also connected to the "mainland" through a bulk dam.
Island Cayo Santa Maria is located in the Atlantic Ocean, near the islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo and is located opposite the northern coast of the province of Villa Clara. The island is connected to the mainland by a 48.6 km long causeway. The distance to the international airport of Santa Clara is about 110 km and 386 km to Havana. The location of Santa Maria is unique. You can combine relaxing beach time with active culture and entertainment. Near the island of Cayo Santa Maria are small islands Las Brujas and Ensenchos. All three islands have beautiful beaches with soft white sand and very clear water. Their attractive surroundings are great places for fishing, diving, water sports and boat trips along the channels that separate the islets. On the island of Las Brujas there is an airport where planes of local airlines from Havana arrive. On the island of Cayo Santa Maria there is a hotel of the Spanish group SOL MELIA: SOL CAYO SANTA MARIA 4 *, ALL INCLUSIVE.
Coast Playa Esmeralda is located in the east of the island of Cuba, in the province of Holguin. The highest mountain peak of Cuba is located here and it is here that the most diverse nature is located: more than a hundred beaches, many caves, rivers, mountains, waterfalls and natural springs. It was on this coast that the historic meeting of the sailors of Columbus with the Tainos Indians took place. The province of Holguin produces the best Cuban beer, the best fishing, the best diving, the most beautiful places. On the beaches of Playa Esmeralda you can practice almost all kinds of water sports. Among them are windsurfing, sailing, water biking, snorkelling. Diving is especially popular - in the Playa Esmeralda area there are about 20 dive sites.
2.The political structure of Cuba.
1. Form of government.
Cuba is a republic. This is a form of government in which the supreme power is exercised by an elected for a certain period of time by a group of persons elected by the people. In Cuba, the supreme organ of government is the People's Assembly of People's Power, which represents and expresses the sovereign will of the entire people. The NA is elected for a term of five years. In the Republic of Cuba, all power belongs to the working people, who exercise it through the Assemblies of People's Power and other state organs formed by them, or directly. Cuba is a presidential republic. The head of state is the president, who is elected by popular vote and combines the powers of the head of state and the head of the executive in one person.
2. The form of the political regime.
Cuba has an authoritarian regime, which is characterized by a continued monopoly on power, but does not claim total control over society, with some elements of democracy. The Communist Party is the supreme leading force of the state and society. But the people are not alienated from power - they exercise their will through the Assemblies of People's Power and other state bodies formed by them, or directly. In the system of separation of powers, there is a centralization of legislative and executive power in the hands of one person, namely the head of state (Chapter 8, Art. 72 and Art. 94). But at the same time, state bodies are developing their activities on the basis of the principles of socialist democracy, unity of power and democratic centralism.
3. The shape of the device.
Cuba is a federation. For political and administrative purposes, the national territory is divided into 14 provinces and the special municipality of Isle of Youth. The assemblies of delegates to the people's power, formed in the political-administrative units into which the national territory is divided in accordance with the law, are the highest organs of state power in the localities. The local Assemblies of People's Power are vested with the highest authority for the exercise of state functions in their respective units.
4. Forms of integrations.
The Republic of Cuba is a member of the world socialist community, which is one of the main prerequisites for its independence and all-round development. Cuba bases its relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other socialist countries on the principles of socialist internationalism, on the common goals of building a new society, on fraternal friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance. Cuba maintains friendly relations with countries that, having a different political, social and economic system, respect its sovereignty, observe the norms of coexistence between states, adhere to the principles of mutual benefit and build their relations with our country on the basis of reciprocity. Cuba seeks to unite with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, freed from foreign domination and internal oppression, into a great commonwealth of peoples, related by historical traditions and a common struggle against colonialism. Cuba is developing relations of brotherhood and cooperation with countries that are anti-imperialist and progressive. Currently, Cuba maintains diplomatic and economic relations with such superpowers as Russia, the USA, China, Canada, and a number of leading European countries. In total, relations are maintained with 165 countries (mainly in the field of medicine, sports, education).
3. The structure of the authorities.
1. Legislative power.
The supreme state power belongs to the National Assembly. It represents and expresses the sovereign will of the entire working people. The National Assembly of People's Power is the only organ with founding and legislative power in the Republic. It is composed of deputies elected by the municipal Assemblies of People's Power for a term of five years in the manner and in the proportion determined by law. This period may be extended only by decision of the Assembly itself in the event of war or other exceptional circumstances preventing the normal conduct of the elections, and for as long as such circumstances exist. Thirty days after the election of all deputies to the National Assembly of People's Power, it meets in its own right under the chairmanship of the oldest deputy, assisted as secretaries by the two youngest deputies. At this meeting, the validity of the elections of deputies is checked; they take an oath and elect the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary of the National Assembly of People's Power, who immediately take up their duties. The National Assembly of People's Power elects from among its deputies a Council of State, which consists of a Chairman, First Vice-Chairman, five Vice-Chairmen, a Secretary and twenty-three other members. The Chairman of the State Council is the Head of State and Head of Government. The Council of State is the organ of the National Assembly of People's Power, which represents it between sessions, executes its decisions, and performs other functions conferred on it by the Constitution. It has a collegiate character and carries out the supreme representation of the Cuban state inside and outside the country.
2. Executive branch
The Council of Ministers is the highest executive and administrative body and forms the Government of the Republic. The number, names and functions of the ministries and central departments that make up the Council of Ministers are determined by law. The Council of Ministers consists of the Head of State and Government, who is its Chairman, First Deputy Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, Chairman of the Central Planning Council, Ministers, Secretary and other members determined by law. The Chairman, First Deputy Chairman and Vice-Chairmen of the Council of Ministers form its Executive Committee. Members of the Executive Committee supervise and coordinate the work of ministries and central departments across sectors. When the urgency of the matter requires it. The Executive Committee may resolve issues within the jurisdiction of the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers is responsible and periodically reports in all its activities to the National Assembly of People's Power.
3.Judicial power.
The function of administering justice comes from the people and is exercised on their behalf by the People's Supreme Court and other courts established by law. The People's Supreme Court exercises the highest judicial power, in which case its decisions are final. The courts form a system of state organs built on the basis of functional independence from any other body and subordinate only to the National Assembly of People's Power and the Council of State. All courts act collectively. Professional judges and assessors participate in the administration of justice with equal duties and rights.
Until that significant moment, when the sailors of Columbus landed in Baracoa Bay, Indian tribes lived peacefully on Liberty Island. Colonization brought the complete extermination of the indigenous population and Spanish became the official language of Cuba. Its Cuban variety is called Espanol Cubano. The formation of the language of modern Cubans was influenced by the dialects and dialects of slaves from Africa, imported to work on sugar cane plantations, immigrants from Mexico, from Haiti and from the state of Louisiana.
Some statistics and facts
- The population of Liberty Island is 11.5 million people.
- The Cuban language, despite its many features, is quite understandable for a person who knows Spanish. There are nuances in the number of second person pronouns and in some phonetic features of pronunciation.
- A huge number of people who speak Russian live in Cuba. This is the generation that studied in higher educational institutions during the Soviet era. They still remember the Russian language and willingly help tourists if necessary.
- English is still not held in high esteem on Liberty Island and is spoken mainly by the staff of large hotels in the resort areas of Varadero, Trinidad and Holguin.
Experienced travelers are advised to take a trip to Cuba, especially when it comes to an independent tour, a Russian-Spanish phrasebook.
The language of great discoveries
Spanish is widely spoken in the world by far more than other Romance languages and is second only to Chinese speakers in terms of the number of speakers. More than 548 million inhabitants of our planet speak Spanish.
It is Spanish that is called the language of great discoveries, because it was spoken by the majority of navigators who discovered new continents and islands in the 16th-17th centuries.
The spoken and even written state language of Cuba contains a large number of words that are characteristic only of the local dialect. They are called "cubans". The inhabitants of the island prefer to say "you" even to unfamiliar and older people, but this is not considered disrespectful.
Difficulties in translation
Keeping in mind that English is not very popular, it is worth studying the names of dishes in the official language of Cuba in order to know what to choose on the restaurant menu. It is good if the tourist remembers how the numbers are pronounced in Spanish. This way you will be able to avoid misunderstandings in dealing with taxi drivers and sellers in the market.