The Republic
of Cuba, with a population of 11 million, is the largest
of the Antilles, separating the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf
of Mexico in the north, from the Caribbean Sea to the
south. It is 1250 km (775 miles) from east to west and
40 km to 160 km (24 to 96 miles) from north to south.
The country consists of more than 4000 islands and keys,
nearly 6000 kilometres (3600 miles) of palm and mangrove-lined
coastline, almost 300 natural beaches, three major mountain
ranges with numerous connecting ranges, rain forests,
and broad, rich and verdant, fertile plains and valleys
dotted with tall, stately palms. The climate is moderately
sub-tropical with an average temperature of 24.6 C (76.3
F), in summer 25 C (77 F) and in winter 22 C (71.6 F).
The island is completely surrounded by thousands of
kilometres of coral reefs containing the most diverse
variety of corals, fish and other marine life to be
found anywhere, with steep walls dropping from reefs
to the abyss. More than 150 species of Atlantic, Gulf
and Caribbean fish abound in Cuban waters, from the
majestic marlin, swordfish and sailfish, to bonefish,
tarpon, shook and permit on flats and in estuaries,
to snapper and grouper on the reefs. Tuna, cobia, mackeral,
seatrout, jack and barracuda also abound. For the freshwater
angler we offer large-mouth bass fishing "as good
as it gets" anywhere in the world, along with other
species, at more than a dozen lakes and artificial reservoirs.
More than 20 systems of caves and caverns can be explored
throughout the island, some with rivers or underwater
caves connecting with the sea, many with ancient pictographs,
and all with their unique living species. For the hunter
Cuba offers more than a dozen sites for hunting duck,
quail, dove, pigeon, pheasant, guinea fowl, wild boar,
deer, wild bull and antelope, all according to season.
One of the world´s most conservation and ecology-oriented
countries, Cuba offers a dozen national parks, on land
and sea, covering tens of thousands of hectares, plus
numerous biosphere reserves, natural parks and protected
natural landscapes. Cuban flora includes more than 6,300
varieties, 51% of which are endemic, and as for fauna:
54 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, 106 reptiles,
42 amphibians, 1,400 mollusks, 15,000 insects and 1,440
arachnids.
Public transportation in Cuba, especially
city buses, can be difficult. However taxis, inter-city
buses, trains, boats and domestic airlines are accessible.
CubaLinda.com can make reservations for you through
our site or after your arrival. See Transportation in
Cuba. (Note: link)
Regarding Health Conditions, Cuba
has without argument the best national healthcare system
in Latin America, and one of the best in the world.
Cubans make no payments for treatment or drugs. X %
of the population is in the Family Doctor program wherein
they have an easily accessible personal physician in
normal conditions. Travel to Cuba requires no particular
immunizations, and usually the worse one can expect
is a rare brief diarrhea from change of environment,
food and water. However, expert care is available for
any contingency. See Health Conditions and Hospitals,
Clinics and Medicinal Baths.
In sum, Cuba offers the visitor one
of the world’s most interesting and varied nature
preserves in its latitudes, year-round, and with comfortable
accommodations to fit every budget. Cuba, by the way,
is largely free of illicit drugs, practically crime-free,
and the streets and hotels are as safe as you will find
anywhere. Visitors find no fear walking the streets
at any time of day or night. And something more: you
will never find a more highly educated, polite, hospitable,
and affectionate people, more delicious and fresh food,
or a more relaxed environment.
THE FLAG
OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA
In 1850 what was to become the definitive national symbol
was hoisted for the first time. Encapturing simplicity
and perfect harmony, it combines three colors, red,
white and blue, to form the Cuban flag: three blue stripes
- the states in which the island was divided at that
time - two white stripes - the force of the idealistic
independence fighter - , a red triangle - representing
equality, fraternity and liberty, and at the same time,
the blood which had to be spillt during the battles
for independence - and a white star, alone - as a symbol
of the absolute liberty between other nations - these
are what characterize its beautiful design.
THE
SHIELD OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA
The National shield represents our island. It is shaped
like a pointed leather shield, and divided into three
sections.
In its horizontal upper part, there is a golden key
between two mountains, and a sun rising over the sea
- which symbolizes the position of Cuba in the Gulf,
between the two Americas, amidst the emergence of a
new state.
The blue and white strips, down the left hand side,
represent the situation of the island, in terms of its
division into states, in the colonial period. Down the
right hand side, a Cuban country scene is dominated
by a royal palm tree - the symbol of the unbreakable
character of the Cuban people.
NATIONAL ANTHEM
The National Anthem was created in Bayamo, out of the
fracas of the battle for independence. Pedro Figueredo,
having composed the melody in 1867, wrote the words
to this battle hymn, with the sentiments of an independence
fighter, when the insurgent troops took the city in
1868.
Al combate corred, bayameses
Que la Patria os
contempla orgullosa
No temáis una muerte
gloriosa
Que morir por la Patria,
es vivir.
En cadenas vivir es vivir
En afrenta y oprobio sumidos,
Del clarín escuchad
el sonido
A las armas, valientes,
corred".
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