Latin America - Cuba - Country Information

Christopher Columbus, who landed on Cuba in October 1492, considered the island “a paradise”, with its rich and fertile soil and its scenic tropical landscape, its coasts washed by the blue waters of the Caribbean. Since then Cuba has come under the sway of the Spanish, the English, the French and the Americans in its eventful and often troubled history, and their varied influences have produced the colourful cocktail that is modern Cuba.

Key Facts
Full Country Name	Republic of Cuba
Area	110,860 sq km
Population	11 million
Capital	Havana
Time Difference	5 Hours Behind GMT
Visa	A tourist card is required
Currency	Peso
People	60% Spanish descent, 22% mixed-race, 11% African descent, 1% Chinese
Language	Spanish
Dialling Code	00 53
Electricity	110/220V 60 Hz

Visas:

A tourist card is required.

Health risks:

Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio, TB, Tetanus, Typhoid

When to Go:

Cuba has two seasons; the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April.  The summer months should be avoided due to soaring temperatures.  February and March are usually the driest months.  November is the low season which is a good time to visit as tourist sites are often less crowded. Throughout the year, temperatures cool off in the evenings, so a light jacket or sweater should be packed.