Cuba

Cuba

Cuba is the largest island in the Carribean region. The geographic location of Cuba is the Carribean. Cuba has two main islands and about 1,600 islets in the Carribean Sea. The population of Cuba is about 11,061,886. It is about 42,803 square miles in area, and about 110,860 square kilometers in area. The capital of this country is Havana. Most Cubans live in urban areas. Spanish is the official language spoken in Cuba. The type of government they have is communist state. It is also the only communist nation in the western hemishere. About 150 million years ago, Cuba was part of a submerged North American mountain range. Today, Cuba is a beautiful island with many tourist attractions.

Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba on October 28, 1492.

Common foods found in Cuba include pork, chicken, beans, and rice. Another very common dish is ropa vieja. This dish is made with shredded, seasoned flank steak in a tomato sauce. It is served with beans, rice, and fried plantains. Popular drinks include coffee, rum, and beer.

Popular sports found in Cuba include baseball, basketball, boxing, swimming, track-and-field, soccer, and volleyball. Baseball is the most common, but it is called pelota in Cuba.

In the countryside, some cubans live in bohios, which are palm wood huts with roofs made of palm leaves.

DID YOU KNOW?The time zone in Cuba is the same as Washington D.C during standard time. Cuba comes from a Taino word meaning the center or central place. In Cuba, it is not unusual for 3 generations in a family to live together in 1 apartment. Ballet is very popular there. December 10 is Cuba's independence day. Some Cubans celebrate their daughter's 15 birthday with a big party. Traditionally, this meant they were ready for marriage. Cuba has a dry season and a rainy season each year. The dry season lasts from November through April, and the rainy season lasts from May through October. Cubavision snd Tele Rebelde are the two national television stations

The Royal Palm is the symbol of Cuba

Lightweight slacks and casual dress is common during the day. Formal wear is common in the evenings. Shorts are very popular at the beach, but no shorts are allowed in public places at night. It is common for Cubans to bring a bottle of wine or a small gift for the person you are visiting.

Natural resources found in Cuba include cobalt, nickel, iron ore, copper, salt, timber, silica, arable land, petroleum, and chromium

Birthday celebrations include pinatas, food, music, and many people.

The Cuban national anthem is called La Bayamesa.

85% of the people in Cuba are Roman Catholic. 15% of the people in Cuba practice a different religion other than Roman Catholic.

Marion Donald