DESTINATION REPORT:
CUBA
Despite the best efforts of the power to its north, the sun
still shines on Cuba. It's the Caribbean's largest and least
commercialized island and one of the world's last bastions
of communism. The island's relative political isolation has
prevented it from being overrun by tourists, and locals are
sincerely friendly to those who do venture in - even blockade
runners from the US get a warm welcome! The Helms-Burton Act
has allowed Cuba to find its place in the post-Soviet world
gradually, without the sudden destabilizing shock of mass
consumer tourism from the United States. It's only a matter
of time before American-imposed travel and trade barriers
fall. No doubt millions will come when flights from Miami
resume. Clearly, the time to go is now.
Although you can't quite hear the colonial architecture peeling
in the streets, even Cuba's larger towns are pretty relaxed.
The most frenetic it gets is in the middle of an enthusiastic
chachachá, and the loudest it gets is behind one of
the huge finned American cars chugging the streets. If you
want it even quieter, Cuba's backcountry and beaches are perfect
chillout destinations for hikers, swimmers, cyclers, spelunkers
or those who just want to smoke a fine cigar under a palm
tree.
Cuba has undergone a transformation since it first opened
its doors to global tourism after almost three decades of
isolation. Most noteworthy has been the rapid growth in private
accommodation, the extensive network of casas particulares
allowing the independent traveller the opportunity, not only
to experience life more as it is lived by the average Cubano,
but also to explore corners of the country that had previously
been inaccessible or off-limits. Good news for the tourist
is the growing choice of resorts and the number of new or
refurbished hotels that are opening in towns across the country.
While eco-tourism is still in its infancy and much of the
islands extraordinary natural beauty remains to be discovered,
the government is already making strides in the right direction
Cuba really can offer something for all types of travellers
and holiday makers. Whether you are looking for a picture
perfect paradise with palm trees shading the pure white sand
beaches and blue lagoons, or for an interesting baptism into
a culture moulded by its unique history and political climate,
next time you draft up your short list of vacations... make
sure Cuba is on it.
VITAL STATISTICS:
Full country name: Republic
of Cuba
Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea
and the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Florida
Geographic coordinates: 21 30 N, 80 00 W
Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
Area: total: 110,860 sq km
Land: 110,860 sq km
Land boundaries: 29 km
Water: 0 sq km
Population: 11 million
Capital city: Havana (pop 2,200,000)
People: 60% Spanish descent, 22% mixed-race, 11% African
descent, 1% Chinese
Language: Spanish
Religion: 47% Catholic, 4% Protestant, 2% Santería
(many Catholics also practice Santería
Government: Communist republic
Head of State: Fidel Castro
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