It is known that when Columbus first saw the lands of Cuba, he said that he had never seen anything more beautiful in his life. It’s true, what could be more beautiful than the blue sea, endless beaches and blue sky? People are the most important part of all this! Cuba is a unique world that cannot be found anywhere else. Even though the country is known for its frequent political problems, a huge number of tourists happily go to these magnificent lands. Cuba is now the most visited country in the Caribbean.
Geography of Cuba
According to Simplyyellowpages, the country is located on two large islands (Cuba and Youventud), as well as many small islands that lie in the Caribbean. Most of the country is on the plains, but about 30% of the territory is small mountains and uplands. The highest point of the country is Turquino Peak, located at an altitude of 2000 meters and located in the Sierra Maestra mountain range. A distinctive feature of the shores is that they are very indented and have many bays and bays, as well, most often the shores are low, which means they are swampy and overgrown with mangroves.
Capital
Havana
Area
The area of Cuba is 109.886 km2. sq., occupies the 105th place in the world by area.
Population
11,239,363 people.
Currency
The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Cuban Converted Peso (CUC).
Language
The official language is Spanish.
Visa to Cuba
If you are visiting Cuba as a tourist destination for less than 30 days, you will not need a visa. When crossing the border, you must present a passport, two copies of the migration card, as well as return tickets. In some cases, you will need to provide evidence that the funds are enough for accommodation ($ 50 per day for one person).
Weather in Cuba
Cuba has a tropical climate. The average annual temperature is +26 C, in winter +19 +21, and in summer the average temperature is +30 +35 C. Some people who first arrived in Cuba may need to acclimatize, as there is high humidity, which, together with high temperatures, can cause discomfort. However, being on the coast will be easier, as here the heat is softened by a constant light wind. Precipitation falls almost evenly in each season, and for the year, their amount is about 1500 mm. Usually, the rainy season falls on the period from May to August-October, and the dry season begins in September-November, and ends in April, but it often happens that in the dry season there is a tropical downpour, and in the rainy season there is dry hot weather. The average annual water temperature is +24 C.
Currency exchange in Cuba
There are two internal currencies in Cuba: the non-convertible Cuban peso (CUP) used for domestic circulation (the exchange rate for August 2011 is 1 USD = 26.5 CUP) and the convertible Cuban peso (CUC) (pegged to the dollar as 1 to 1), which is used to calculate with tourists. Most banks in the country are open on weekdays from 08.30 to 15.00, and on Saturday until lunch. Also, currency exchange is carried out in hotels. In many establishments (hotels, shops, restaurants) credit cards of well-known payment systems (except North American) are accepted for payment. Any card issued by a US bank is not accepted here, but traveler’s checks in dollars are accepted in any amount. When exchanging US dollars, you will be charged a commission of 10% of the amount exchanged, but there is no commission when exchanging other currencies.
Electricity
110-220V/60Hz (US and European style sockets)
Religion
Cuba cannot be called a believing country, since the number of religious people here is not too large. About 47% of believers identify themselves as Catholics, and 4% as Protestants. There are also the so-called Santerii, whose religion is based on the fusion of African paganism and the cult of Christian saints.
Security
Cuba can be called one of the safest places in all of Latin America, but you still need to remain vigilant and careful, especially in old Havana. Detachments of police officers are on duty around the city at any time of the day, both in uniform and without it. There is a big problem with the so-called “molesters”, which are simply a huge number on the streets of Cuba. They come up to tourists and begin to tell them some news, call them with them, while they can name your hotel, and sometimes even the name that they recognize at the reception. In such cases, you should not stop and strike up a conversation, as it will be much more difficult to lag behind such a person. Pickpocketing often happens to drunk tourists who are far from tourist spots. Therefore, you do not need to carry tickets and big money with you.
Health
It is not necessary to have health insurance to visit Cuba, but it is still recommended to have it with you, because treatment on the island is very expensive. First aid and one visit to the doctor will be free. Medicine is quite developed, and the quality of dental services is one of the first places in the Western Hemisphere. Possible infection with hepatitis and malaria, as well as getting sunburn. It is always better to take medicines for first aid with you.
