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 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CUBA |
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About Cuba |
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| Geographic Location |
| Flora and Fauna |
| Climate |
| Cuban population |
| Education |
| Economy |
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Geographic Location
Located in the Caribbean Sea, at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico, the Cuban archipelago is know as the Key of the Gulf, due both to its strategic position in the area and to the fact that its is found between the Northern and Southern parts of the American continent.
The nearest territories are: to the East; Hiatí –we´re only 77 km away from its Westernmost point. To the Southeast, Jamaica, 140 km away. To the West, 210 km of Mexican territory separate us and to the North is the North-American state of Florida, 144 km way.
The Cuban archipelago occupies a total surface area of 110 982 sq.km. The length of the island of Cuba is 1 250 km. Its name comes from the aborigine word ¨ciba¨, transcribed as ¨Coiba¨ in his Logbook by admiral Cristóbal Colón, based on the way the inhabitants he met pronounced the word.
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Flora and Fauna
There are almost 7000 species of plants in Cuba , more than half of which are endemic. Amongst such varied plants and flowers are orchids. With more than 300 species featuring by colors and perfect shapes orchids compose one of the most outstanding floral patrimonies of the island.
The National flower is the white mariposa or butterfly jasmine.
Royal palm, the national tree , is quite abundant all along the country. Also cork palm (regarded as a living fossil) and cactuses can be found at the Cuban landscapes.
Some groups of animals like mollusks and amphibians are more than 90% endemic and thus unique to Cuba . In reptiles, more than 80% are unique to the island. Some of the island's species are famous around the world, like the Polymita, a land snail from the Eastern provinces.
Among more than 300 bird species is the tocororo or National bird; its white, blue and red feathers reproduce the colors of the Cuban flag.
The jutías , bats and almiquí represent land mammals. The zunzun or fly-bird, Microtytus scorpion, Cuban tiny frog and the sijucito are among the smallest animal species in the world. Some species risking extinction are: the Ivory-billet woodpecker, almiquí, Cuban crocodile, Conga jutía and manatee. The Island 's coral reefs are the best preserved in the Caribbean area.
All these treasures are scattered in different ecosystems, of which 75% are plains, 18% are mountains and 4% are swamps. Bio-diversity can be seen also in the different landscapes; from semi-desert, dry woods to humid tropical forests. There are 8 665.8 sq. km of national preservation areas. Cuba has neither dangerous animals nor plants.
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Climate
The climate of Cuba is moderate subtropical. The archipelago usually has a relatively humid climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream and the Northeast winds. The annual rainfall averages about 1320 mm (about 52 inches). More than 60 percent of the rain falls during the wet season, which extends from May to October. The air's relative humidity reaches its highest point during the first hours of the morning and late afternoon. Average temperature ranges between 26 and 28 ºC, except on the plains where the average is higher. On the mountain the average temperature is bellow 26 ºC (Sierra Maestra mountain dips to below 20 ºC).
During the summer months the heat is rather intense. Winters are short and pleasant. Spring is almost everlasting throughout the archipelago. The Eastern region enjoys a warmer climate than the West. During winter, cold air masses coming from the North sweep over the island, these fronts usually last a short time. The hurricane season lasts from June through November. Often these tropical systems bring strong showers and sea floods. But, with the exception of a few winter days, the Island 's climate is generally marvelous.
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Cuban population
The Cuban population is made up mainly of three groups. Approximately 66 percent of the population is white and mainly of Spanish descent, 22 percent is of mixed racial heritage, and 12 percent is black. Almost all of the people are native born.
With more than 11 million inhabitants, the Republic of Cuba consists of 14 provinces and the special municipality of the Isle of Youth. The capital is Havana , with a resident population of approx. 2 176 000 inhabitants. Other major cities are Santiago de Cuba with 404 100, Camaguey 294 000, Holguin 242 100, Guantanamo 208 000, Santa Clara 205 900, Bayamo 137 660, Cienfuegos 132 200, Pinar del Rio 128 800, Las Tunas 126, 900 and Matanzas 123 890. By the year 2001, the population is expected to grow to 12,1 000 inhabitants. The population in the cities is around 72,8%. The Capital city holds 20% of the countries population. Male population is 50,3%. Life expectancy at birth is 72 years for men and 76 years for women. Infant mortality rate is 5,6 per one thousand live births.
Recent researches prove that an undefined number of people show characteristics of native ancestors. There is no racial discrimination in Cuba . Cuban people are extremely friendly.
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Education
Education is free at all education levels, as well as the study materials. There are no illiterates in the country, having 300 000 teachers, 47 centers of superior education, 21 200 professors and 276 000 students. There are over 3 millions of students registered in the whole national system of education.
There are universities or university faculties in all the provinces, second education, specialized, polytechnic institutes, and others.
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Economy
The tourism is the main line. Other important industries are the sugar cane, tobacco, nickel, rum, coffee, and since a few years ago, the pharmaceutics and biotechnological lines.
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