Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, located at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico south of Florida. It is the largest island in the Caribbean and is known for its vibrant music, vintage cars, and rich revolutionary history. The country's lush landscape includes mountains, forests, and some of the region's most beautiful beaches.
- Capital
- Havana
- Continent
- Americas
- Region
- Caribbean
- Area
- 109,884 km²
- Coordinates
- 22° N, 80° W
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- CUC $, CUP $
- Domain
- .cu
- Calling code
- +53
On the world map
Bordering countries
No land borders — this is an island nation.
Country facts
- Cuba is home to the tocororo, a bird whose red, white, and blue plumage mirrors the colors of the Cuban flag.
- The country has one of the highest literacy rates in Latin America, the result of a major national literacy campaign launched in 1961.
- Cuba produces some of the world's most celebrated cigars, particularly from the Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río.
- The mambo and cha-cha-chá, two iconic dance styles enjoyed worldwide, both originated in Cuba.
- Cuba's national sport is baseball, introduced to the island in the 19th century and now deeply woven into everyday culture.
Capital facts
- Havana was founded by Spanish colonizers in 1519 and served as a key port in Spain's colonial trade network.
- Old Havana, known as Habana Vieja, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 for its well-preserved colonial architecture.
- The Malecón, a sweeping seaside boulevard stretching about eight kilometers, is one of Havana's most beloved public gathering spots.
- El Capitolio, Havana's grand neoclassical government building, was completed in 1929 and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
- Havana is widely regarded as a major center of Latin jazz, giving rise to influential musicians and a thriving live music scene.