Fact 1: Birthplace of the Mojito and Daiquiri
Did you know that Cuba is famously known as the birthplace of the Mojito and Daiquiri? Yes, you heard right. These popular rum-based cocktails were initially created in the Cuban capital, Havana. The Mojito and Daiquiri are not only loved by locals but also by visitors who cannot resist the flavorsome mix.
Fact 2: Cuba has a Literacy Rate of 99.8%
Cuba prides itself on having an extremely high literacy rate, 99.8% to be exact. The Fidel Castro-led government initiated the Cuban Literacy Campaign in 1961, which focused on promoting literacy throughout the nation, making it mandatory for every citizen to attend school from ages 6 to 15.
Fact 3: Christmas was once banned in Cuba
Can you imagine a country without a Christmas celebration? Well, that was the case in Cuba. In 1969, Christmas was declared a non-working day as it was affecting the sugar harvest. It was only declared a public holiday again in 1997 in anticipation of a visit by Pope John Paul II.
Fact 4: Cuban Cigars are World Famous
Sublime, punchy, and expertly rolled, Cuban cigars are known worldwide for their superior quality. Interestingly, they are entirely handmade, utilizing a tradition that dates back over 200 years. With brand names such as Cohiba, Partagas, and Romeo y Julieta, Cuban cigars are often associated with luxury and sophistication.
Fact 5: Desi Arnaz was Cuban
Many people don't realize that Desi Arnaz, best known as Ricky Ricardo from the 1950s sitcom "I Love Lucy," was in fact Cuban. Arnaz was born in Santiago de Cuba and later moved to the United States, where he brought the rhythm of his homeland to the American television audience.
Fact 6: The Most Populous City in the Caribbean
Havana, the capital city of Cuba, holds the record as the most populous city in the entire Caribbean. It is home to over two million people, showing the world a unique blend of old world charm with dynamic modernity.
Fact 7: Ballet is Popular in Cuba
Cuba might be popular for its Salsa and Rumba, but did you know ballet is also quite popular? The Cuban National Ballet School is one of the largest ballet schools in the world, with approximately 3,000 students. Cubans have a high respect for the discipline, elegance, and passion ballet offers.
Fact 8: Cuba had the First Railway System in the Spanish-speaking World
In 1837, Cuba became the first country in the Spanish-speaking world to establish a railway system, a mere 18 years after Great Britain. The railway proved crucial in the transport of sugar, which was a major Cuban export.
Fact 9: Cuba has a Double Currency System
Quite surprising but true: Cuba operates a dual-currency system. The country uses both the Cuban peso (CUP) and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC). While visitors usually use CUC, locals primarily use CUP. The dual-currency system makes for an interesting dynamic in the Cuban economy.
Fact 10: Hemingway’s Love for Cuba
Famous writer Ernest Hemingway fell so much in love with Cuba that he lived there for approximately 20 years. His novel, The Old Man and the Sea, which was set in Cuba, earned him the Pulitzer Prize and contributed to his Nobel Prize for Literature.
Fact 11: Unique Wildlife in Cuba
Cuba is home to a plethora of unique flora and fauna, including the bee hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world. It also houses the endangered Cuban crocodile, which can only be found in Cuba.
Fact 12: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Cuba is rich with history and boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of these sites include Old Havana, the Desembarco del Granma National Park, and Trinidad and the Valley de Los Ingenios.
Fact 13: Cuba had the First Feminist Magazine in the Caribbean
In the late 19th century, Cuba published the first feminist magazine in the Caribbean named 'The Dawn'. It started the conversation about women's rights in the country, playing an integral part in Cuban history.
Fact 14: Afro-Cuban Influence on Music and Dance
Afro-Cuban rhythms have significantly influenced both Cuban music and dance styles. Genres such as rumba, timba, and mambo have their roots in African music, introduced in Cuba by deportees from Africa.
Fact 15: 'Guajiro', the Cuban Cowboy
Did you know that Cuba has cowboys too? They're named "Guajiros" and can often be found in the rural areas of the country, especially in the province of Pinar del Rio taking care of their livestock and tobacco fields.
Fact 16: Highest Doctor-to-Patient Ratio in the World
Cuba has the highest doctor-to-patient ratio in the world with 67 doctors per 10,000 people. Surprisingly, it exports more medical personnel abroad than all of the G-7 countries combined.
Fact 17: Cuba has One of the Longest Coral Reefs
The Jardines de la Reina archipelago in Cuba has one of the longest and best-preserved coral reefs globally. It's a beautiful underwater haven, hosting various marine species and is a popular scuba diving destination.
Fact 18: Internet is a Recent Phenomenon
It was not until 2008 that Cubans were allowed to have their private cell phones, and only in 2019, did Cubans gain full access to the internet on their mobile phones.
Fact 19: Bacardi has Cuban Roots
The widely known rum brand, Bacardi, has its roots in Cuba. Established in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba by Don Facundo Bacardà Massó, it was Cuba’s first branded rum. However, after the Cuban revolution, Bacardi’s assets were seized, and the company had to leave the country.
Fact 20: Cuba is Known for its Classic Cars
Many associate Cuba with the image of brightly colored classic cars from the 1950s. The reason you see so many classic American cars in Cuba is due to the 1959 embargo that restricted the import of foreign products, including cars. Thus, Cubans have preserved and maintained these vehicles over the years, keeping the vintage vibes alive.