There are so many interesting cultural aspects and facts about Cuba. Are you willing to learn more about Cuban culture and history? Great, I prepared something for you!
Cuba seems to be a third world country. As a result of nearly five-decade-long blockade and embargo imposed by United States, it is a country stuck in time. And even, I did some research before backpacking Cuba, it surprised me every single day.
On the way, I collected some important information that can help you understand better this unpredictable country. Here is a list of 25 interesting facts about Cuba.
1. The official name of Cuba is the Republic of Cuba.
2. Cuba has over 200 bays and 250 beaches, so you can’t get enough of sun and sand.
3. Cubans called their island el Cocodrilo, which in Spanish means crocodile. From the air, the island’s shape resembles a crocodile.
4. Cubans don’t serve food in courses. Traditional Cuban food is serve at the table at the same time.
5. The game of dominoes is the national game of Cuba.
6. Cuba is well-known for the rich cultural heritage. It is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site with nine sites, seven of them are cultural and two are natural.
7. Education is mandatory for children from the ages of 6 to 16.
8. Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, 99 of every 100 Cubans are able to read and write.
9. Cuba has one of the best health care systems in the world.
10. Cuba’s health care system is something to be proud of. The Latin America Medical School located in Havana is the largest medical school in the world.
11. There are two currencies in Cuba: CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos) and CUP (Cuban National Pesos). The CUC is used mostly by tourists, and the CUP is common among locals. For exchange purpose the $1USD = 1 CUC.
12. Cuban food is influenced by Spanish, Aboriginal, African and Caribbean cuisine. It is based on rice, beans and tostones (smashed and fried pieces of green plantain). The typical dishes are moros y cristianos (black beans and rice), creole ajiaco (soup based on smoked meat and native vegetables), ropa vieja (shredded beef).
13. Americans still need a government permission to visit Cuba.
14. The world’s smallest bird known as the bee hummingbird and one of the oldest fish called manjuari, also known as the Cuban gar are spices that can be found only in Cuba.
15. Cuba is one of two countries (second is North Korea) where Coca-Cola is forbidden to sell.
16. Until 2008 Cubans couldn’t buy their own computers.
17. The average Cuban salary is about $29,60 per month. After the calculation, the hourly wage is 18,5 cents per hour.
18. Internet access in Cuba is still restricted and controlled by the government. Only doctors, academics, engineers or government workers have Internet connection at work. It is not possible to have Internet access at your home.
19. The reality is that most of Cubans don’t own cars. Usually, they use horse-carriages or bicycle taxis to move around the town and buses to get to another city.
20. Almost half of the food that Cubans consume come from a bodega. It is a government store where Cubans get the food almost for free. Every Cuban family can use a libreta or rationbook in exchange for food every morning.
21. Every tobacco plantation is committed to sell 90% of the harvest leaves to the government for prearranged rate. The rest 10%, can be sold for their own price.
22. Since 1997 , Cuban are allowed to rent rooms in their houses for tourists to earn extra money. They are called Casas Particulares and this is the most common accommodation in Cuba.
23. Education and medical care are provided for free by the government in Cuba.
24. Properties, goods and service taxes are equal zero.
25. Cuban monthly bills for electricity, gas or phone are mostly subsidized by government. The total amount per month is about $2.
Do you want to share more interesting facts about Cuba? Please, leave a comment below!
I spent two weeks in Cuba early last year and there was a lot you mention that I didn’t know about (like dominos being the national game – that’s really neat)! Was lucky enough to see a bee hummingbird whilst I was there and am a bird enthusiast, so it was a pretty special moment.
July 29, 2017 @ 3:56 am
I spent two weeks in Cuba early last year and there was a lot you mention that I didn’t know about (like dominos being the national game – that’s really neat)! Was lucky enough to see a bee hummingbird whilst I was there and am a bird enthusiast, so it was a pretty special moment.
December 22, 2018 @ 7:45 am
Wow, that’s great! I had a pleasure to see a bee hummingbird and it so cool. Happy that you like this article. Best wishes 😉