15 Facts About Cuba Most People Get Wrong
Cuba is home to 11.1M people across 109,884 km², making it a country whose population is spread fairly evenly across its territory. It ranks 1st in the world for Cigars.
Below are 15 facts about Cuba, covering history, geography, economy and culture, including several that regularly surprise people who think they already know the country.
15 Facts About Cuba
A complete overview of Cuba's history, geography, economy and culture, covering everything from population and borders to language, climate and travel.
Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world at 99.7%.
Cuba has more doctors per capita than almost any other country.
Cuba's vintage American cars from the 1950s are a direct result of the US trade embargo.
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean.
Cuba is located in Caribbean, North America, with its capital city in Havana.
The population of Cuba is approximately 11.1M, spread across 109,884 km² of territory.
Cuba has a population density of 101/km²: a moderate density for its region.
Cuba has a coastline of 3,735 km, giving it access to maritime trade, fishing and coastal tourism.
Cuba is an island nation with no land borders, surrounded entirely by water.
The official language of Cuba is Spanish.
Cuba uses the Peso (CUP) as its official currency.
Cuba gained independence in 1898, establishing itself as a sovereign nation in Caribbean.
The total GDP of Cuba is $107B, with a GDP per capita of $9,630, classifying it as a lower-middle-income economy.
Cuba has a tropical, dry season november–april climate, with the best time to visit being November–April.
Cuba is considered a Budget–Mid destination for travellers, with meals averaging $5–15.
Cuba has the highest number of doctors per capita of any country in the world and exports medical professionals globally. It is also remarkable for its preservation of 1950s American cars, which still cruise the streets of Havana daily.
🏆 Cuba World Rankings
Cuba holds several notable world rankings; here is how it compares globally:
Famous Places in Cuba
Cuba is home to several remarkable landmarks and destinations that draw visitors from around the world:
🚗 Old Havana
A UNESCO baroque colonial cityscape with pastel buildings and iconic classic American cars
🌿 Viñales Valley
A UNESCO valley of dramatic limestone mogotes rising above tobacco and coffee fields
🏘️ Trinidad Historic Centre
A UNESCO colonial sugar town frozen in the 19th century with cobblestone streets
🏖️ Varadero Beach
A 20km strip of powdery white sand widely considered the Caribbean's finest beach
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba
What is Cuba famous for?
Cuba has the highest number of doctors per capita of any country in the world and exports medical professionals globally. It is also remarkable for its preservation of 1950s American cars, which still cruise the streets of Havana daily.
What is the capital of Cuba?
The capital of Cuba is Havana.
What is the population of Cuba?
Cuba has a population of approximately 11.1M as of 2026.
What language do they speak in Cuba?
The official language of Cuba is Spanish.
When did Cuba become an independent country?
Cuba gained independence in 1898.
What currency does Cuba use?
Cuba uses the Peso (CUP).
What is the GDP of Cuba?
Cuba has a GDP of $107B, with a GDP per capita of $9,630.
Where is Cuba located?
Cuba is located in Caribbean, North America.
Is Cuba safe to visit?
Safety conditions in Cuba vary by region. Always check your government's official travel advisory before visiting.
What are some fun facts about Cuba?
Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world at 99.7%. Cuba has more doctors per capita than almost any other country. Cuba's vintage American cars from the 1950s are a direct result of the US trade embargo.
What are some interesting facts about Cuba?
Cuba has more doctors per capita than almost any other country. Cuba's vintage American cars from the 1950s are a direct result of the US trade embargo. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean.
Cuba facts: what should I know?
Cuba is a country in Caribbean with a population of 11.1M. Its capital is Havana and its official language is Spanish. Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world at 99.7%.
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