Country Profile: Cuba

Cuba is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, south of the Florida Keys. With a population of approximately 10.97 million, it features a predominantly urban populace centered in major cities like Havana. The economy is mainly state-run, characterized by significant government control and a growing private sector, while the country grapples with challenges posed by a long-standing US embargo, spurring protests and migration issues. Governed as a communist state since its revolution in 1959, Cuba continues to navigate complex international relations and domestic socio-economic dynamics.

Geography

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 150 km south of Florida. The country has a diverse terrain, ranging from flat plains to rugged hills and mountains. It enjoys a tropical climate, with a distinct rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.

Area: 110,860 sq km, slightly smaller than Pennsylvania.
Coastline: 3,735 km.
Highest Point: Pico Turquino at 1,974 m.
Natural Resources: Includes cobalt, nickel, iron ore, and petroleum.
Population Distribution: Significant clusters in urban areas, particularly Havana.

People and Society

Cuba's population is approximately 10.97 million as of 2024, with a majority residing in urban areas. The ethnic composition is predominantly White (64.1%), followed by mixed (26.6%) and Black (9.3%). Spanish is the official language, and Christianity is the most prevalent religion. The country has faced a declining birth rate and a high life expectancy of 80.1 years.

Urban Population: 77.5% as of 2023.
Literacy Rate: 97.7% (2019 estimate).
Median Age: 42.6 years (2024 estimate).
Infant Mortality Rate: 4 deaths per 1,000 live births (2024 estimate).
Life Expectancy: 80.1 years (2024 estimate).
Population Growth Rate: -0.17% (2024 estimate).

Economy

Cuba has a state-run planned economy with an increasing trend towards privatization. The nation has faced economic hardships exacerbated by the US embargo, leading to widespread protests for basic necessities. However, foreign investments have surged in recent years. The economy is characterized by a reliance on agriculture and the export of tobacco.

GDP (PPP): Estimated at $137 billion (2017).
Unemployment Rate: 1.6% (2024 estimate).
Real GDP Growth Rate: -1.9% (2023 estimate).
Exports: $8.768 billion (2020 estimate).
Primary Exports: Tobacco, nickel, and liquor.
Labor Force: Approximately 4.859 million (2024 estimate).

Government

Cuba is a communist state governed by the Cuban Communist Party. Its capital is Havana, with a legal system based on civil law derived from the Spanish code. The government holds regular elections for the National Assembly, although the political landscape is tightly controlled.

Current President: Miguel Díaz-Canel, in office since 2018.
Legislative Structure: Unicameral National Assembly with 470 directly elected members.
Citizenship: By birth and descent, but dual citizenship is not recognized.
Suffrage: Universal at age 16.
National Holiday: Triumph of the Revolution on January 1.

Military and Security

Cuba's military is primarily focused on territorial integrity and state security, perceived as having the US as its main threat. The Revolutionary Armed Forces include ground troops, a navy, and air defense forces, with significant involvement in the country's politics and economy.

Active Military Personnel: Approximately 50,000 (2025 estimate).
Military Expenditures: 4.2% of GDP (2020).
Compulsory Service: For men aged 17-28, mandatory service lasts 18-24 months.
Military Equipment: Predominantly from Russian and Soviet-era stock.

Energy

Cuba's energy sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with electricity access reaching 100% of the population. The country aims to diversify its energy sources, although fossil fuels remain the dominant source of electricity generation.

Electricity Consumption: 11.951 billion kWh (2023 estimate).
Installed Generation Capacity: 7.264 million kW (2023 estimate).
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 19.716 million metric tonnes (2023 estimate).
Natural Gas Production: 850.133 million cubic meters (2023 estimate).

Environment

Cuba faces numerous environmental challenges including soil degradation, deforestation, and air pollution. The government participates in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at tackling these issues.

Urbanization Rate: 0.19% annual increase (2020-2025 estimate).
Biodiversity: Home to numerous endemic species, though facing threat from habitat loss.
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources estimated at 38.12 billion cubic meters (2020).

Transportation

Cuba's transportation infrastructure includes a mixture of roads, railways, and ports, with improvements ongoing to enhance connectivity. The country relies significantly on its rail network for freight transport.

Railway Length: 8,367 km (2017 estimate).
Airports: 120 as of 2025.
Merchant Marine: 65 vessels (2023 estimate).
Total Ports: 34 (2024 estimate).

Communications

Cuba has a growing telecommunications sector, though internet access is controlled by the government. Fixed and mobile telephone subscriptions have increased in recent years.

Internet Users: 71% of the population (2023 estimate).
Fixed Telephone Subscriptions: 1.589 million (2023 estimate).
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 7.67 million (2023 estimate).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,966,038 (2024 est.)
Area	110,860 sq km
GDP	$107.352 billion (2020 est.)	GDP at official exchange rate
Energy Consumption	11.951 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	9.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	1.6% (2024 est.)