Cuba

Cuba in the Caribbean is an island with several archipelagos. It was first colonised by Christopher Columbus in 1492 who claimed it for Spain. The largest city and capital is Havana.

After the Revolution all businesses were placed under state control and even though there has been a relaxation of the rules for some of the smaller businesses this is very much a socialized economic system with very little capitalist enterprise.

Due to restrictions on imports and various embargos Cuba has had to fend for itself. The roads are full of old American cars and many buildings that have seen better days. However, the population is one of the most educated in the world with a literacy rate of 99.8%. No one seems to starve or complain here in Cuba and the people are friendly and hospitable to visitors.

Havana must be one of the most fascinating cities in the world. With a population of just over 2 million this 16th century Spanish city is distinctly divided into Old Havana, Vedado and the new buildings in the outlying districts. Over a million tourists visit Havana every year.

We also visited Trinidad, a city that was founded in 1514. The buildings and streets in Trinidad have a true Spanish Colonial stamp and feel to them. It is only in recent times that tourist have started to visit the city. The city was founded on income from the sugar trade.

For more photos of Cuba click here.