Country Profile: Cuba

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The nation has a population of approximately 10.97 million people, with a diverse ethnic makeup and predominantly urban lifestyle. Its economy is state-controlled but is witnessing gradual privatization, largely centered around agriculture, tourism, and healthcare, often bolstered by foreign investment. Governance is characterized by a communist regime, with Miguel Díaz-Canel serving as president since 2018.

Geography

Cuba is situated in the Caribbean, roughly 150 km south of Key West, Florida, and is the largest island in the Greater Antilles. The nation encompasses 110,860 sq km, featuring mostly flat to rolling plains with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast. The climate is tropical, moderated by trade winds, with distinct dry and rainy seasons.

3,735 km of coastline
28.5 km land boundary with the US (Guantanamo Bay)
61.7% of land used for agriculture (2023)
12 nm territorial sea
34.9% forest cover (2023)

People and Society

As of 2024, Cuba's population is estimated at 10,966,038, with a nearly equal male-to-female ratio. The population is primarily ethnically White (64.1%) and Mulatto or mixed (26.6%). Spanish is the official language, and the majority of the population identifies as Christian.

77.5% urban population (2023)
80.1 years life expectancy at birth (2024)
94.7% of the total population has access to improved drinking water (2022)
1.71 children born per woman (2024)
97.7% literacy rate (2019)

Economy

Cuba's economy remains largely state-run but is gradually shifting toward privatization, with extensive foreign investment in various sectors. The economy faced significant challenges, including high inflation and a shrinking GDP, while Cuba is known for its tobacco exports and unique oil-for-doctors arrangement with Venezuela.

GDP (PPP) of $81.165 billion (2024)
1.6% unemployment rate (2024)
-1.9% GDP growth rate (2023)
73.3% of GDP from household consumption (2023)
Exports valued at $8.768 billion (2020)

Government

Cuba operates as a communist state with a centralized government structure. The capital, Havana, is the political, cultural, and economic center. The government is characterized by a civil law system influenced by Spanish traditions, with the President also serving as the head of the Communist Party.

President: Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez (since 2018)
Legislature: National Assembly of the People's Power with 470 members
Universal suffrage at age 16
Latest constitution approved on February 24, 2019
National holiday celebrated on January 1 (Triumph of the Revolution)

Military and Security

Cuba's military is structured to protect the state and maintain the revolution, with an estimated 50,000 active personnel. The armed forces play a significant role in the governance and economy of Cuba, reflecting the political ideology of its leaders.

Military expenditure at 4.2% of GDP (2020)
Compulsory military service for ages 17-28
Military inventory largely consists of Russian and Soviet-era equipment
The Revolutionary Armed Forces include Ground Troops, Navy, and Air Defense Forces
The military oversees various sectors, including agriculture and tourism.

Energy

Cuba's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly oil, which plays a critical role in electricity generation. The country aims to diversify its energy sources but currently faces challenges in terms of consumption and infrastructure development.

Total electricity generation capacity of 7.264 million kW (2023)
Electricity consumption at 11.951 billion kWh (2023)
95.2% of energy comes from fossil fuels (2023)
100% electrification of the population (2022)
Proven natural gas reserves estimated at 70.792 billion cubic meters (2021)

Environment

Cuba confronts various environmental issues, including soil degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. The government is a party to multiple international environmental agreements, which guide its policies and actions in mitigating climate change and preserving natural resources.

61.7% of land is agricultural (2023)
Approximately 25.7% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022)
38.12 billion cubic meters of renewable water resources (2022)
Represented in several international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement
Total carbon dioxide emissions at 19.716 million metric tonnes (2023)

Transportation

Cuba has a diverse transportation network that includes considerable rail and air traffic. The government controls most transport infrastructure, and efforts are underway to improve efficiency and connectivity.

Total of 120 airports (2025)
8,367 km of railways (2017)
34 ports, including 6 large ports (2024)
The merchant marine comprises 65 vessels (2023)
4 heliports (2025)

Communications

Cuba's communication system is heavily state-controlled, with limited access to technology for the general population. Internet access has improved but often remains restricted due to government regulations.

71% of the population are internet users (2023)
7.67 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
1.589 million fixed telephone lines (2023)
Government owns all broadcast media, including 8 national TV channels
327,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,966,038 (2024 est.)
Area	110,860 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$81.165 billion (2024)
Electricity access	100%	(2022 est.)
Birth rate	9.9 births/1,000	(2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	1.6%	(2024 est.)
Life expectancy	80.1 years	(2024 est.)
Literacy	97.7%	(2019 est.)
Urban population	77.5%	(2023)
Military personnel	50,000 active	(2025 est.)