Cuba+-+Zhidong+Liu

Cuba

toc =Basic Information =

Official name of country
Official name of Cuba is **República de Cuba**.

Capital and location
La capital de cuba : **la Habana**. La Habana está en el norte de Cuba.

Country size and population
Country size in terms of area: **110,860** km2

Country population: **11,075,244** (July 2012)

Capital population
Capital population: **2,201,610**

=Flag =

[[image:25284_flags_cuba_flag.jpg width="1056" height="660"]]


The Cuban flag was created by Narciso López in June 25, 1848, and put together by Emilia Teurbe Tolón. The flag's origins date from 1848, when various movements to liberate Cuba from Spanishrule emerged, mainly among Cuban exiles in the United States. Anti-Spanish Cuban exiles under the leadership of Narciso López adopted a flag suggested by the poet Miguel Teurbe Tolón. His design incorporates three blue stripes, representing the three parts that the country was divided during the independence wars, central, occidental, and oriental areas of the country, and two white stripes symbolizing the purity of the patriotic cause. The red triangle stands for the blood shed to free the nation, which is placed where the star is, symbolizing the sky turned red from the blood shed in battle. The white star in the triangle stands for independence. López carried this flag in battle at Cárdenas (1850) and Playitas (1851). Although López was not victorious, this was the first instance of the flag being raised in Cuba.

At the first independence war, the Ten Years' War, there was another flag in use, the "flag of Yara" also called "flag of La Demajagua"; while the flag with the triangle and the stripes became the official Cuban flag, the Yara flag is hoisted "wherever the legislators of the Cuban people meet"; in particular it is displayed, along with the national flag, in the National Assembly.

National anthem
Cuba National Anthem Lyrics

Al combate corred bayameses
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">español

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">que la patria os comtempla orgullosa

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">no temais una muerte gloriosa

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">que morir por la patria es vivir

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">En cadenas vivir es morir

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">en afrenta y oprobio sumidos

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">del clarin escuchad el sonido

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%; line-height: 1.5;">a las armas valientes corred. ||  ||   ||   || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">English: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Hasten to battle, men of Bayamo,

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">For the homeland looks proudly to you.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%; line-height: 1.5;">You do not fear a glorious death,

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Because to die for the country is to live

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">To live in chains

<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"> Is to live in dishonor and ignominy.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Hear the clarion call,

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Hasten, brave ones, to battle! ||

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=<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 200%;">Geography =

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Location
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Cuba is an island nation in the **Caribbean Sea**. It lies west of the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Gulf of Mexico, south of the Straits of Florida, northwest of the Windward Passage and northeast of the Yucatan Channel. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Cuba's climate is tropical and moderated by **trade winds**. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Cuba is an **archipelago** of islands located in the Caribbean Sea, with the geographic coordinates 21°3N, 80°00W. Cuba is the principal island, which is surrounded by four main groups of islands.

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 36px; line-height: 1.5;">**Economy**
<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Natural Resources

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Cuba's natural resources: cobalt, nickel, iron ore, chromium, copper, salt, timber, silica, petroleum, arable land

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">The most important Cuban mineral economic resource is **nickel**. Cuba has the second largest nickel reserves in the world after Russia. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;"> Another leading mineral resource is **cobalt**, a byproduct of nickel mining operations. Cuba ranks as the fifth largest producer of refined cobalt in the world.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Gross National Product
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Currency :Cuban Peso (CUP) = 100 CentavosRate of exchange (Sept.2004) : <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%; line-height: 1.5;">1 Euro = 31.5 Pesos (CUP)

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Cuba was worth 60.81 billion US dollars in 2008. The GDP value of Cuba represents 0.10 percent of the world economy. GDP in Cuba is reported by the World Bank. Historically, from 1970 until 2008, Cuba GDP averaged 25.7 USD Billion reaching an all time high of 60.8 USD Billion in December of 2008 and a record low of 5.7 USD Billion in December of 1970. The gross domestic product (GDP) measures of national income and output for a given country's economy. The gross domestic product (GDP) is equal to the total expenditures for all final goods and services produced within the country in a stipulated period of time. This page includes a chart with historical data for GDP in Cuba.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Major Exports
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Cuba's major exports are sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, and coffee; imports include food, fuel, clothing, and machinery.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Major Imports
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Cuba's major imports are food, petroleum,chemicals, equipment & machinery.

=<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 36px;">Education =

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Literacy Rate
<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">he Literacy rate; adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) in Cuba was 99.83 in 2009, according to a World Bank report, published in 2010. Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can, with understanding, read and write a short, simple statement on their everyday life.This page includes a historical data chart, news and forecasts for Literacy rate; adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) in Cuba.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Years of Education Required

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Classes from: September to July
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Structure of the Cuban School System **

Uniform: white top, blue bottom, blue scarf Children are taught their country, learn the national anthem, discpline, as well as regular kindergarten 'stuff'.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Kindergarten ** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Age level: 4-6 years old

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Type of school providing this education: Escuela primaria Length of program in years: 6 Age level: 6-11 years old Uniform: White top, red bottom, red scarf
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Primary **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Type of school providing this education: Secundaria Básica Length of program in years: 3 Age level: 12-15 years old Certificate/diploma awarded: Secondary School Completion Diploma Uniform: White top, yellow bottom Uniform: White top, navy blue bottom (Plantation Schools)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Basic Secondary **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Type of school providing this education: Escuela Tecnológica Length of program in years: 3 Age level: 15-18 old
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Technical Secondary **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Type of school providing this education: Ciclo medio superior or preuniversitario (Higher Intermediate Cycle) Length of program in years: 3 Age level: 15-18 old Certificate/diploma awarded: Bachillerato (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) Uniform: For medical school: white top purple bottom
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Upper Secondary **

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">University
<span style="color: #0e0f11; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">There're 14 universities in Havana at all.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">



<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 200%; line-height: 1.5;">**History**

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Date of Colonization
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Colonization of Cuba started from **1511**.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">When the Spanish soldier Diego Velázquez established the town of Baracoa. Velázquez subsequently founded several other settlements, including Santiago de Cuba in **1514** and Havana in **1515**.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Indigenous People
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Clergyman Bartolomé de Las Casas observed a number of massacres initiated by the invaders as the Spanish swept over the island, notably the massacre near Camagüey of the inhabitants of Caonao. According to his account, some three thousand villagers had traveled to Manzanillo to greet the Spanish with loaves, fishes and other foodstuffs, and were "without provocation, butchered". The surviving indigenous groups fled to the mountains or the small surrounding islands before being captured and forced into reservations. One such reservation was Guanabacoa, which is today a suburb of Havana.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">In 1513, Ferdinand II of Aragon issued a decree establishing the encomienda land settlement system that was to be incorporated throughout the Spanish Americas. Velázquez, who had become Governor of Cuba relocating from Baracoa to Santiago de Cuba, was given the task of apportioning both the land and the indigenous peoples to groups throughout the new colony. The scheme was not a success, however, as the natives either succumbed to diseases brought from Spain such as measles and smallpox, or simply refused to work, preferring to slip away into the mountains.Desperate for labor to toil the new agricultural settlements, the Conquistadors sought slaves from surrounding islands and the continental mainland. However, these new arrivals followed the indigenous peoples by also dispersing into the wilderness or dying of disease.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Despite the difficult relations between the natives and the new Europeans, some cooperation was in evidence. The Spanish were shown by the natives how to nurture tobacco and consume it in the form of cigars. There were also many unions between the largely male Spanish colonists and indigenous women. Their children were called mestizos, but the natives called them Guajiro, which translates as "one of us". Modern-day studies have revealed traces of Taíno DNA in individuals throughout Cuba. although the population was largely destroyed as a culture and civilization after 1550. With the Spanish New Laws of 1552 Cuban Indians were freed from encomienda, and some seven Indian towns were set up. There are descendant Cuban Indian (Taíno) families in several places, mostly in eastern Cuba. The Indian community at Caridad de los Indios, Guantánamo, is one such nuclei. An association of Indian families in Jiguani, near Santiago, is also active. The local Indian population left their mark also on the language with some 400 Taíno terms and place-names of the island. Various cults and religions, such as Danza del Cordon and Afro-Cuban religion, incorporate Taíno spiritual practices. The name of Cuba itself, Havana, Camagüey, and many others were derived from the neo-Taíno language, and Indian words such as tobacco, hurricane and canoe were transferred to English and are used today.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Cuba's Hero

 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Che Guevara **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Synopsis

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Born in Rosario, Argentina, on June 14, 1928, Ernesto R. Guevara de la Serna studied medicine before traveling around South America, observing conditions that spurred his Marxist beliefs. He aided Fidel Castro in overturning the Cuban government and then worked in a political post. Guevara later engaged in guerrilla action in Bolivia, where he was killed. He's revered by many as a cultural hero.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Meeting Fidel Castro <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Revolutionary leader Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, better known as Che Guevara, was born on June 14, 1928, in Rosario, Argentina. After completing his medical studies at the University of Buenos Aires, Guevara first became politically active in his native Argentina and then in neighboring Bolivia and Guatemala. In 1954, he met Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castroand his brother Raul while in Mexico. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Guevara became part of Fidel Castro's efforts to overthrow the Batista government in Cuba. He served as a military advisor to Castro and led guerrilla troops in battles against Batista forces. When Castro took power in 1959, Guevara became in charge of La Cabaña Fortress prison. It is estimated that between 156 and 550 people were executed on Guevara's extra-judicial orders during this time.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Rise to Power and Death <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Later, he became president of the Cuban national bank and helped to shift the country's trade relations from the United States to the Soviet Union. Three years later, he was appointed minister of industry. Guevara left this post in 1965 to export the ideas of Cuba's revolution to other parts of the world. In 1966, he began to try to incite the people of Bolivia to rebel against their government, but had little success. With only a small guerrilla force to support his efforts, Guevara was captured and killed in La Higuera by the Bolivian army on October 9, 1967.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Legacy <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Since his death, Guevara has become a legendary political figure. His name is often equated with rebellion, revolution and socialism. Others, however, still remember that he could be ruthless and ordered prisoners executed without trial in Cuba. Guevara's life continues to be a subject of great public interest and been explored and portrayed in numerous books and films, including The Motorcycle Diaries (2004).

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=<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 200%;">Politics =

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Type of Government
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Cuba's type of government is **communist country**.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Head of State
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Cuba's head of state: **Raúl Castro**, in full Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz (born June 3, 1931, Holguín province, Cuba), head of state of Cuba (since February 2008)

=<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 36px;">Political Pattern (Special Topic) =

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Cuba is constitutionally defined as a "socialist state guided by the principles of José Martí, and the political ideas of Marx, the father of communist states, Engels and Lenin." The present Constitution also ascribes the role of the Communist Party of Cuba to be the "leading force of society and of the state" and as such has the capability of setting national policy.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Executive
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Executive power is exercised by the Cuban Government, which is represented by the Council of State and the Council of Ministers. Legislative power is exercised through the unicameral National Assembly of People's Power, which is constituted as the maximum authority of the state. Currently Raúl Castro—brother of former President Fidel Castro—is President of the Council of State, President of the Council of Ministers (sometimes referred to as the Prime Minister), First Secretary of the Communist Party, and Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Forces. Ricardo Alarcón is President of the National Assembly.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Legislature
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Cuba has an elected national legislature, the National Assembly of People's Power (Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular), which has 612 members, elected every 5 years and holds brief sessions to ratify decisions by executive branch. The National Assembly convenes twice a year in ordinary periods of sessions. It has, though, permanent commissions to look after issues of legislative interest. Among its permanent or temporary commissions are those in charge of issues concerning the economy, the sugar industry, industries, transportation and communications, constructions, foreign affairs, public health, defense and interior order. The National Assembly also has permanent departments that oversee the work of the Commissions, Local Assemblies of the People's Power, International Relations, Judicial Affairs and the Administration.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Article #88(h) of the Constitution of Cuba, adopted in 1976, provides for citizen <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">proposals of law, prerequisite that the proposal be made by at least 10 000 citizens who are eligible to vote. In 2002 supporters of a movement known as the Varela Project submitted a citizen proposal of law with 11,000 signatures calling for a national referendum on political and economic reforms. The Government response was to collect 8.1 million signatures to request that Cuba's National Assembly make the Socialist Constitution untouchable.[citation needed]

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Judiciary
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">The People's Supreme Court is the highest judicial body. The constitution states that all legally recognized civil liberties can be denied to anyone who opposes the decision of the Cuban people to build socialism. They rule on constitutional matters, and review final appeals from lower courts including all criminal, civil, administrative, labor law, and economic cases. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Superior Courts are at the next level. Every province has its own superior court. They decide which cases are able to pass to the Supreme Court. The Courts of First Instance is the court on all major criminal matters, civil cases, juvenile cases, administrative law, and labor law. Appeals are sent to the Superior Courts. The Courts of Peace rule on small claims and minor criminal offenses such as petty theft. They are not allowed to appeal to any higher court.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Political parties and elections
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Suffrage is non-compulsory and is afforded to Cuban citizens resident for two years on the island who are aged over sixteen years and who have not been found guilty of a criminal offense and not mentally handicapped. Cubans living abroad are denied the right to vote. The national elections for the 612 members of the National Assembly of People's Power are held according to this system, and the precepts of the 1976 Constitution. From 1959 to 1976 there was no legislative branch. In 1992 the Constitution was reformed to allow direct vote to elect the members to the National Assembly. There was only one candidate for each seat in the January 19th, 2003 election. The system works as a stepping ladder: neighbors meet to propose the candidates to the Municipal Assemblies. The candidates do not present any political platform, but only their resumes. Then the municipal candidates elected in each neighborhood elect the Municipal Assembly members. The Municipal Assembly members in turn elect the Provincial Assembly members, who in turn elect the national Assembly members. Then direct vote is cast so the people can ratify or not the decanted members that appear in the final step. From 1959 to 1992, when the New Electoral Law as a part of the new Constitutional amendments was enacted, the Cuban people were not afforded the right to vote for the members of the legislative power. The executive power is elected by the National Assembly. There is no popular vote for the President or the Prime Minister. Political parties besides the Communist Party of Cuba exist within the country legally since 1992. Nevertheless, the Constitutional reform of 1992 that granted their right to exist, at the same time denied their right to gather or publicize their existence (a restriction the Communist Party also faces), The most important of these are the Christian Democratic Party of Cuba, the Cuban Socialist Democratic Current, the Democratic Social-Revolutionary Party of Cuba, the Democratic Solidarity Party, the Liberal Party of Cuba and the Social Democratic Co-ordination of Cuba.

=<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 36px;">Traveling Around Cuba =

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Holidays
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Public holidays in Cuba


 * ~ <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">English Name ||~ <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Local Name ||~ <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Notes ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">January 1 || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Triumph of the Revolution || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Triunfo de la Revolución || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">The day of the victory of the Revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1959 – after Fulgencio Batista fled the night before – which established the present government in Cuba. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">January 2 || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Victory of Armed Forces Day ||  || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Where at 12:00 every one shoots a bullet in the air ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">date varies || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Good Friday || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Viernes Santo || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Since 2012 at the request of Pope Benedict XVI made during his visit to Cuba in that year ||  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">May 1 || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Labour Day || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Día de los trabajadores || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">International Labour Day ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">July 25 || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Day before the Commemoration of theAssault of the Moncada garrison || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Day Before the Asalto al cuartel Moncada.[citation needed] || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Day Before the Asalto al cuartel Moncada. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">July 26 || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Commemoration of the Assault of the Moncada garrison (Official name means "Day of the National Rebellion") || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Asalto al cuartel Moncada (Official name - "Día de la Rebeldía Nacional") || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">The date after which the revolutionary movement (M 26-7) was named. In the morning of July 26, 1953, some 160 men under the command of Fidel Castro attacked the Moncada army garrison in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba's second-largest city. Although this action crushingly failed, it is seen as the beginning of the Castro-led insurrection that expelled Fulgencio Batista. There are normally two or three days public holiday together. ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">July 27 || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Day after the Commemoration of theAssault of the Moncada garrison || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Day after the Asalto al cuartel Moncada[citation needed] || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Day after the Asalto al cuartel Moncada ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">October 10 || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Independence Day || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Día de la Independencia || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">This day in 1868, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, "Father of the Homeland", gave freedom to his slaves and started the independence war against the Spanish colonial power, which led to the Ten Years' War ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">December 25 || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Christmas || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Navidad || <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">For decades Christmas was a normal working day in revolutionary Cuba. The Christmas celebration (and the corresponding holiday) was reinstalled in 1998 after Pope John Paul II visited Cuba. ||

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">7 Days in Cuba

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<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px;">Places of Interest References


<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">1. **Bayamo** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">The capital city of the Granma Province of Cuba, Bayamo forms one of the biggest cities in the county of Oriente. This city was founded by Diego Velazquez de Cuellar in the year 1513. Bayamo makes for a unique tourist place in Cuba. Earlier, Bayamo was one of the most important commercial hubs in Cuba. In early the 17th century, Bayamo in Cuba turned out to be the leading town in the nation.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">2. **Ciego de Avila** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Ciego de Avila stands as one of the region in Cuba. The capital city of Ciego de Avila is set on the Carretera Central. Moron is an additional notable city in this region which is placed to the northern part. Ciego de Avila is frequented by a good number of tourists every year. The major cities in this province of Ciego de Avila include Bolivia, Chambas, Baragua, Ciro Redondo, Majagua, Venezuela, Florencia and Primero de Enero.

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<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%; line-height: 1.5;">3. **Havana** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">The capital city of Cuba, Havana makes for a famous tourist place in Cuba. It is a prominent commercial hub and a major port in the country. This city is considered to be the oldest city founded by the Europeans. It extends towards the south from the bay area, which includes three main harbors – Marimelena, Atares and Guanabacoa. Havana is visited by a considerable of tourists throughout the year.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">4. **Matanzas** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">This city is famous for its Afro-Cuban tradition. Located on the northern coast of the island of Cuba on the Bay of Matanzas, this city is placed at a distance of about 90 kilometers from Havana in Cuba and 32 kilometers from the town of Varadero. Matanzas is broadly visited by various tourists. The total area of Matanzas is 317 square kilometers and it features a population thickness of about 453.3 per square kilometers.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">5. **Santa Clara** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Santa Clara forms the capital city of the region of Villa Clara in Cuba. Located in the central region of the nation, this city was founded by 175 people. With few yet interesting places of interest, Santa Clara makes for a fascinating tourist places. The reputed images which are identified with Santa Clara are Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Marta Abreu de Estevez. The former was a revolutionist, while the latter was considered to be the “Benefactress of the city”.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">6. **Camaguey** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%; line-height: 1.5;">Camaguey is the biggest region in the country of Cuba. The is mainly low-leveled. There are no such mountain ranges or small hills in the province. Camaguey makes for a unique tourist place and is visited by numerous tourists every year. The northern coastal region of Camaguey features the Jardines Del Rey constituted by the Sabana-Camaguey Archipelago.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">7. **Cienfuegos** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">One of the reputed Cuba tourist place is Cienfuegos. This city is located on the southern coastal area of Cuba. It is the capital city of the Cuban province of Cienfuegos. Every year a considerable amount of tourists visit Cienfuegos. Cienfuegos is set at a distance of about 250 kilometers from Havana in Cuba.



<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">8. **Holguin** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Holguin stands as the capital city of the province of Holguin in Cuba. It was established by Garcia de Holguin after whom the region got its name. Holguin is thus one of the notable Cuba tourist place. Tourists can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city from the hill of Loma de la Cruz. The city also features a baseball stadium. There are six waterfalls and six dams in Holguin. The largest waterfall in Cuba, Guayabo is situated in Holguin.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%; line-height: 1.5;">9. **Sancti Spiritus** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Sancti Spiritus is one of the important regions in Cuba. The capital city bears the same name as Sancti Spiritus. Trinidad is the other well-known city in this region. Sancti Spiritus is well-visited by tourists from various parts of the nation as well as overseas. The southern coastal part of the province of Sancti Spiritus in Cuba features a plain land. The western part of the province features hilly areas. The coastal part to the north of this province comprises secured areas and wetlands – Caguanes National Parka and Bay of Buena Vista.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">10. **Santiago de Cuba** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%;">Santiago de Cuba forms the capital of the Santiago de Cuba Province. Located in the south-eastern part of Cuba, this city is another major destination in the nation. It is thronged by a good number of visitors from across the globe. Santiago de Cuba was constituted by Diego Velazquez de Cuellar. Santiago de Cuba played an important function in the Cuban Revolution. The famous revolutionist Frank Pais belonged to this city.

<span style="color: #0056ff; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 26px; line-height: 1.5;">References

 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">http://www.ezilon.com/maps/north-america/cuba-maps.html (cuba political map)
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">http://unimaps.com/cuba/index.html (cuba geographical map)
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Cuba (Cuba location)
 * 4) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html (cuba flag)
 * 5) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">http://www.lyricsondemand.com/miscellaneouslyrics/nationalanthemslyrics/cubanationalanthemlyrics.html (cuba anthem lyric)
 * 6) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">http://mp3skull.com/mp3/cuba_anthem.html( cuba anthem download)
 * 7) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html
 * 8) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">http://www.tradingeconomics.com/cuba/literacy-rate-adult-total-percent-of-people-ages-15-and-above-wb-data.html
 * 9) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">http://www.cuba-junky.com/cuba/cuba-education.htm
 * 10) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> http://www.4icu.org/cu/
 * 11) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/pageinfo_pays.php3?Pays=CUB&Opt=economy
 * 12) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 1.5;">http://www.indexmundi.com/cuba/natural_resources.html
 * 13) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 1.5;">http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_major_imports_and_exports_of_Cuba
 * 14) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 1.5;">http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/cuba/Christmas-Traditions-Cuba/1050
 * 15) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 1.5;">http://www.reindeerland.org/christmas-traditions/christmas-traditions-in-cuba.htm
 * 16) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 1.5;">http://www.captivatingcuba.com/cuba/carnivals_and_festivals/index.html
 * 17) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 1.5;">http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=59291(El dia de los tres reyes,**<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">//Elio Delgado//, //January 7 2012// **)
 * 18) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 1.5;">http://www.audleytravel.com/Destinations/Central-America/Cuba/Places-to-Go/Havana.aspx
 * 19) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 1.5;">http://www.audleytravel.com/Destinations/Central-America/Cuba/Places-to-Go/Guardalavaca.aspx