Cuba: 40+ Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Largest Caribbean Island: Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, stretching over 750 miles from east to west. National Geographic+1The Fact File+1
Crocodile Shape: When viewed from above, the island’s shape resembles a crocodile, earning it the nickname “El Cocodrilo.” The Fact File
Zapata Swamp: Home to over 900 plant species and numerous endemic animals, it’s the largest wetland in the Caribbean. Wikipedia
Bee Hummingbird: The world’s smallest bird, measuring about 2 inches, is native to Cuba. The Fact File
Monte Iberia Eleuth: This tiny frog, about 10 mm long, is one of the smallest in the world and is found only in eastern Cuba. Wikipedia

Christopher Columbus: He described Cuba as “the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen” upon his arrival in 1492.
Single-Party System: Cuba has been governed by the Communist Party since 1965, the only legal political party. The Fact File+1National Geographic+1
Guantanamo Bay: The U.S. pays Cuba approximately $4,085 annually to lease this naval base, but Cuba hasn’t cashed the checks since 1959. The Fact File
Chernobyl Victims: Cuban hospitals treated many victims of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, showcasing its medical solidarity. hometohavana.com
CIA Plots: Fidel Castro reportedly survived over 600 assassination attempts, many orchestrated by the CIA. Rustic Pathways

High Literacy Rate: Cuba boasts a literacy rate of 99.8%, among the highest globally. The Fact File
Mandatory Voting: Citizens are legally required to vote in elections.
Uniform Colors: Schoolchildren wear uniforms whose colors indicate their grade levels. The Fact File
Recipe Traditions: Cuban recipes are often passed down orally, with few written records. The Fact File
New Year’s Eve: It’s customary to burn dolls to symbolize leaving behind the past year’s troubles. The Fact File

Dual Currency: Until 2021, Cuba operated with two currencies: the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Convertible Peso (CUC).
Coca-Cola Ban: Cuba is one of the few countries where Coca-Cola isn’t officially sold due to trade embargoes. The Fact File
Cell Phones: Cubans were prohibited from owning cell phones until 2008. The Fact File
Internet Access: Internet is limited and often accessed via public Wi-Fi hotspots, with usage being relatively expensive.
Dominoes: A popular pastime, dominoes is considered the national game of Cuba. The Fact File

Musical Influence: Genres like son, salsa, and mambo originated in Cuba, influencing global music scenes. The Fact File
Ernest Hemingway: The famed author wrote “The Old Man and the Sea” while living in Cuba. The Fact File
Santería: A syncretic religion combining Yoruba beliefs with Catholicism, Santería is widely practiced.
Religious Diversity: Despite its atheist past, Cuba now hosts various religions, including Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism. AP News
Carnivals: Cuban carnivals are vibrant events featuring music, dance, and colorful costumes.

Medical Diplomacy: Cuba sends doctors worldwide for humanitarian missions, showcasing its medical prowess. The Fact File
Doctor-to-Patient Ratio: Cuba has one of the highest ratios globally, emphasizing its focus on healthcare. The Fact File
Free Healthcare: All Cuban citizens have access to free medical services.
Medical Education: Cuba offers free medical education, attracting students from around the world.
Pharmaceuticals: The country has developed unique medicines, including treatments for diabetic foot ulcers.

Vintage Cars: Due to import restrictions, many 1950s American cars are still in use, maintained meticulously by locals.
Horse-Drawn Transport: In rural areas, horse-drawn carriages remain a common mode of transportation. Wikipedia
Limited Internet: Internet access is restricted, with many relying on public Wi-Fi spots.
State-Owned Media: Most media outlets are government-controlled, with limited independent journalism.
Ration Books: Citizens receive monthly ration books for subsidized food and goods.

Baseball: The most popular sport, with Cuba producing many Major League Baseball players. Wikipedia
Boxing: Cuba has a strong boxing tradition, winning numerous Olympic medals. The Fact File
Chess: José Raúl Capablanca, a Cuban, was World Chess Champion from 1921 to 1927. Wikipedia
Volleyball: Cuba has competitive men’s and women’s national volleyball teams.
Athletics: Cuban athletes have excelled in track and field events on the international stage.