Cuba, Fauna, Climate, Cuba National Anthem, Cuba Religion, Travel to Cuba tips.

Article Index Cuba, Fauna, Climate, Cuba National Anthem, Cuba Religion, Travel to Cuba tips. Cuba Geography Cuba Data Tips for tourists, travel to Cuba All Pages About Cuba What does Cuba means? The word Cuba might mean land, in accordance with the indigenous origin of the term originally from the Arawakan language of the Taíno culture. It could also mean cupola, according to new information provided by more recent studies, yet to be confirmed, in which a Hispanic-Arabic origin is attributed to the name of Cuba. Cuba is a long narrow island that looks like a crocodile and reaches 1,200 km in length. Its widest section covers 210 kilometers, and narrowest 32 kilometers. Cuba is part of an archipelago which comprises a surface area of 110, 992 km² and is situated in the westernmost part of the insular Caribbean, at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico, 77 km from Haiti, 87 from the Bahamas, 146 km from Jamaica, 180 km from Florida and 210 km from Cancun. More than 4000 keys and islets form part of the Cuban island, including the special municipality Isle of Youth (Isla de la Juventud), with a surface area of 2200 km². Also known as the key to the Gulf, Cuba is the largest of the West Indies and one of the largest in the world. Cuba has more than 300 natural beaches of fine white sand and crystal clear waters. The most famous of these is Varadero; however, there are others to the east of the capital city in Holguín and Cayo Largo del Sur, as well as in the northern keys of Ciego de Ávila and Villa Clara. Three mountain ranges, two long regions of savanna and numerous valleys known worldwide like Viñales, Yumurí and Los Ingenios. Cuba provinces are; at the Western; Pinar del Río, Ciudad de La Habana, La Habana, Matanzas and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud, Central zone; Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Cienfuegos, Camagüey and Ciego de Avila, Eastern provinces are; Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Granma, Las Tunas and Guantánamo. Cuba Fauna Cuba fauna is very attractive and diverse, It still preserves rarest species like the zunzuncito -the tiniest bird in the world-, the tiniest frog, a very small bat called Mariposa and a scorpion not longer than 14 millimeters. Endemic species are also seen when it comes to amphibians and reptiles. The crocodile, commonly found in crocodile breeding centers in the country, is very characteristic of Cuba. Cuba Flora Rich and diverse. There are more than 300 protected areas that cover approximately 22 % of the national territory. Cuba treasures six areas declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO: Guanahacabibes Peninsula, Sierra del Rosario and Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, in the western; el Caguanes National Park in the center; and Baconao Park and Cuchillas del Toa in the eastern part of Cuba. More than 50 % of insular flora is endemic and its variety becomes evident if you take into account that in our country is represented 4 % of the total flora in the planet. Cuba Landscape Cuba has a wide variety of landscapes, either plains or hilly and mountainous areas. The three most important mountain ranges in Cuba are Cordillera de Guaniguanico, in the western part of Cuba, Escambray in the center, and Sierra Maestra, in the east, with Turquino peak, the highest point in the country, with 1,974 meters above sea level. The rest of the territory is plain and fertile. There are plenty of caves, some of outstanding beauty like Bellamar in Matanzas province. Cuba Climate Moderate subtropical with two well-defined seasons: rainy (from May through October) and dry (from November through April). The average annual temperature is 25°C (77 F). January is the coldest month, and August, the hottest one. Official Name: República de Cuba Capital: La Habana Official Language: Spanish National Anthem: Composed by Pedro (Perucho) Figueredo in the city of Bayamo in 1867 Cuban Flag: Created in 1849. It was hoisted for the first time in 1850, in the city of Cardenas, province of Matanzas. Each element of the national emblem has a special meaning. The equilateral triangle is a clear reference to the yearning for liberty, equality and fraternity. The color red portends the spilling of blood that would be required to win independence. The single star located in the middle of the triangle is a symbol of absolute freedom. The three blue stripes represent the eastern, central and western provinces into which the island was formerly divided. The two white strips signify the purity and virtue of the Cuban people. Cuban Shield: It symbolizes Cuba's geographic position, a golden key at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico, its hopes for a luminous future, its sovereign condition and the industrious, indomitable nature of its people National tree of Cuba: La Palma Real, Royal Palm. National flower of Cuba: La Mariposa, Butterfly Lily National Bird of Cuba: El Tocororo, The Trogan Bird Religion: Cuba is a lay country with freedom of religion. the Catholic and Afro-Cuban religions are the most popular. Population: More than 11 millions of inhabitants Population's Density: 100 inhabitants per km² Ethnic Composition: White (around 60%), Mulattos (around 28%) Black (around 12%) Asian (0,2%) Average Age: 35,5 years Structure of the Population: Urban 73.8%, Rural 26.2% Cuban traditional dish: Pork meat, plain rice, black beans, fried bananas and tapioca with "mojo" Traditional Cuban Cocktails: Mojito (white cuban rum, soda water, lemon, hierba buena and sugar), Cuba libre (cuban rum, cola softdrink, lemon), Daiquirí (lemon, sugar, crushed ice and sugar) How should I dress? Clothing should be light, mainly during summer (almost eight months) so it would be best to wear shorts, cotton and flannel outfits and sandals. As for winter, a light jacket or a fine wool sweater and closed comfortable shoes.  You should also bring sunglasses, and a bathing-suit and so that you can take a refreshing swim, and don't forget your sunscreen. Health Advises Though tap water is drinkable, we advise you to drink bottled water to avoid tropical illnesses Currency and way of payment: US dollars no longer circulate in Cuba and will have to be changed into Convertible Cuban Pesos. US dollars can be used at Airports at duty free shops.  You can change hard currency into convertible Cuban pesos in airports, banks and hotels and into Cuban pesos or convertible Cuban pesos in the CADECA money-exchange offices in the main cities. Most hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, etc., take Visa and Mastercard credit cards, as long as they are not issued by American banks. However, you should have some cash on you just in case the machines are not working. Electricity: 110 volts, 60 Hertz. Use plugs with flat prongs. Some hotels and other instalations also have 220-volt outlet. Car rental You must show your passport and driver's license in order to rent a car. The driver must be at least 21 years old; the license could be international or from your country but at least a year old. It is not advisable to drive at night. You must also watch out for animals on the road and cyclists in urban areas when you are driving. Park the car in a safe well-lit place and do not leave anything valuable in it. You are liable for traffic fines, failure to pay would mean incurring a debt with the State. We recommend you buy a "Road Guide of Cuba" which is very helpful for finding your way around on the roads. The main agencies for Car Rentals are; http://wwww.transtur.cu and http://www.transturvaradero.com