Location
Topography/Environment
Size
Population
Seasons & Climate
Language
Political & Administrative
Airports
Currency
Immigration Regulations
Customs Regulations
Electricity
Location
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. Cuba neighbors the Yucantan Peninsula of Mexico to the west, Florida to the north, the Bahamas and Haiti to the east and Jamaica to the south.
Back to top
Topography/Environment
Cuba features more than 300 beaches and three large mountain ranges (the Sierra de los Organos in the west, Sierra del Escambray in central Cuba, and Sierra Maestra in the east), The highest point in the country is Pico Turquino, 1974 m above sea level. Its longest river is El Cauto, over 250 km long. 25% of Cuba's territory is forested with such trees as cedar, mahogany, teak, ebony, oak, palms and mangrove forests on the shoreline. There are wetlands of international importance, making Cuba an attractive destination for birdwatchers. For those more interested in watersports, Cuba sits on the world's second largest coral reef, largely virgin territory.
Back to top
Size
Cuba consists of the island of Cuba, the Isle of Youth and over 4000 cays and inlets. The island is 1200 km long and covers 111,922 square kilometers.
Back to top
Population
At last census (2006), Cuba's population was over 11 million. Its inhabitants are descendants of Spaniards, Africans and Chinese.
Back to top
Language
Spanish is the official language.
Back to top
Seasons and Climate
Cuba's rainy summer season is from May to October. The dry winter season is from November to April. The peak months of the Caribbean hurricane season typically include the period from August to October.
| Avg Temp |
 |
Jan |
|
Feb |
|
Mar |
|
Apr |
|
May |
|
Jun |
|
Jul |
|
Aug |
|
Sep |
|
Oct |
|
Nov |
|
Dec |
|
Air (ºC) |
23.1 |
22.9 |
24.1 |
25.1 |
27.1 |
27.6 |
28.4 |
28.1 |
27.6 |
27.7 |
24.6 |
23.5 |
Water (ºC) |
24.6 |
24.3 |
24.6 |
25.3 |
26.2 |
27.3 |
28.0 |
28.5 |
28.3 |
27.5 |
26.3 |
25.2 |
Rainy days |
3 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
8 |
11 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
5 |
3 |
Back to top
Political/Administrative
For political and administrative purposes, Cuba is divided into 14 provinces and a special municipality. From west to east, the provinces are Pinar del Rio, Havana Province, Havana City, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo. The special municipality of the Isle of Youth lies to the south of Havana Province. Cuba's capital city is Havana.
Back to top
Airports
Cuba has 24 airports, 11 of which service international flights.
Back to top
Currency
The currency most used by visitors to Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso. For detailed currency information, please visit our Currency page.
Back to top
Immigration Regulations
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival to Cuba, and evidence of return passage is required upon entry. A tourist card (visa) is required for all visitors to Cuba with the exceptions of those born in Cuba, or those bearing passports from countries holding visa-waiving agreements with Cuba. Tourist visas are generally provided with flights. The alternative is to purchase your visa in advance from the Cuban Embassy, Consulate or Interests Section nearest you. These offices also provide business, educational, journalist or other visas specific to your planned activities in Cuba. We urge all travelers to consult with the nearest Cuban Embassy, Consulate, or Interests Section for clarification regarding immigration issues.
Back to top
Customs Regulations
For complete information on what you may bring to/export from Cuba, please visit Customs of the Republic of Cuba.
Back to top
Electricity
The electric current in general use is 110 volts, 60Hz, Some hotel facilities also have 220 volts. We recommend inquiring about the specific properties you'll be visiting prior to departure.
Back to top
|
