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Cuba
Relevant information about Cuba.
Cuba is so much more than just an island. It is in fact the largest island in the Antilles, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. At the same time, it has some of the more picturesque cities: the Havana. All the treasures of the island- its favorable climate, beaches, colonial architecture and distinct cultural history- boost the local tourism, which is the main source of revenues for Cuba.
The population of Cuba amounts 11,177,743, according to the last census performed in 2002. Among these figures, rhe racial mix was 7,271,926 whites, 1,126,894 blacks and 2,778,923 mulattoes or “mestizos”. The 1% of the population corresponds to Asian people. They are mainly of Chinese descent, followed by Japanese, Filipino, Koreans and Vietnamese people. Regarding Afro-Cubans, these are descended primarily from people of the Congo. In Cuba there can also be found several thousand North African refugees. Immigration and emigration have played a relevant part in the demographic profile of the country during the 20th century. Large amounts of Canarian, Catalan, Andalusian, Galician and other Spanish people immigrated to Cuba during the 18th, 19th and 20th century. Cuban culture is primarily a mix of cultures from Spain and Africa. And music plays the main role in the cultural local scene. It’s just that music can even be breathe when being around the island. There are many famous musical styles like salsa, rumba, mambo and the cha-cha-cha. Rumba music originated in early Afro-Cuban culture, and as well as the rest of the Cuban music styles, it is very well-known around the world. And for people who just can’t visit a place without having tasted the local cuisine, Cuban has a lot to offer in that field. The Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish and Caribbean cuisines. It is known for including spicy recipes, and as a curious aspect, the traditional Cuban meal is not served in courses, but all food items at the same time. The most typical meal could consist of black beans, bananas, rice, pork; and a common dish is the one called “ropa vieja”. The spices that Cuban people use the most are garlic, cumin, oregano and bay leaves. Another key of the local culture is sport, which can be describe as one of the national passions. Due to its proximity to the United States, the most popular sport locally is baseball is by far the most popular; followed by basketball, volleyball, cricket, and athletics.
The Cuban state follows the socialist principles, so its economic organization is extremely controlled. In fact, most of the production facilities belong to the government. Years ago, measures such as the legalization of the use of the US dollar in business, and the encouragement of tourism have helped boosting Cuba economy. However, in 2004 Cuban officialy addopted the Euro currency as the “global currency”, the US dollar was eliminated the from circulation. Currently, tourism in Cuba is the primary source of revenues, amounting millions of Euros per year. This was drived by relevant investment in tourism infrastructure and other services to provide the best services to visitors. According to the latest figures, 1.9 million tourists visited Cuba in 2003 generating incomes of $2.1 billion. And an increasing type of tourism in Cuba, over the last years, is the medical tourism that attracts thousands of European, Latin American, Canadian and American patients every year. Figures taken in 2005, show that Cuba had exports of $2.4 billion during that same year, ranking 114 of 226 countries in the world, and imports of $6.9 billion, ranking 87 of 226 countries. The Cuban items with major exportations are sugar, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, and coffee.
The Havana is not only the capital of Cuba, but also the most important city in the country. A part of the city called “Old Havana”, was declared "Cultural Patrimony of the Humanity" by the UNESCO. The city still conserves the architecture of the colonial times, and has many historical valuable buildings and monuments. Plaza de Armas is the oldest spot of the city, including two famous museums: the Municipal Museum and the Colonial Art Museum, in Plaza de la Catedral. The locality of Vedado has historically been protected by a security perimeter in case of an attack, and it is now the place where the rich Havanans have their houses. There can also be found great hotels and wide avenues. In Vedado is located the Havana university, where people from around the world go study. Another attractive site is Santiago de Cuba. Here there are two places that tourists should no miss: the Baconao park, declared as Natural Reserve of the Biosphere, and the sanctuary of the Cuban patron saint, the Virgin of the Cooper Charity. From there people can enjoy the beautiful and spectacular landscape of Sierra Maestra, with its great coffee plantations. Of course, beaches cannot be avoided when visiting Cuba. Varadero is one of the most beautiful, attracting the rich and famous. Around the beach there is a wide range of hotels and resorts to enjoy a perfect trip. To the Southwest of Varadero, on the province's Caribbean coast, is the Zapata Peninsula, famous for its ecotourism, specially designed for those who love nature. Another interesting beach is Cayo Largo, composed by two amazing islands, with white sand beaches and turquoise warm water. Nearby, is located the Isle of Youth, where grapefruit fields, pine trees, parrots and marshes are characteristic of the site. Swimming with dolphins in these places is one of the most appreciate activities.
Without a doubt, Cuba is famous all around the world because of its high quality medicine. Currently, tourist who visit the country looking for a surgery or treatment, generate revenues of around $40 million a year. According to the latest figures, in 2005 more than 19,600 foreign patients traveled to Cuba to be provided with the medical services. A great part of the patients are from the Latin American region, although medical treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, a weird disease often known as night blindness, has attracted many patients from Europe and North America. Many other foreigners go to Cuba to receive high level care in neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, and for orthopaedic treatment, while cosmetic surgery and drug and alcohol rehabilitation are becoming increasingly popular in the island. And for it seems, top medical tourism in Cuba is not a trend, but a fact since more than 20 years ago. It is also important to underline that this is the country with more doctors per capita than any other country in the world.
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