20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from 1898 to 1902); not acknowledged by the Cuban Government as a day of independence
Religions
Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%
nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power; Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also represented
Languages
French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque
Spanish
Exports
sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, coffee
External Debt
$21,520,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
Cuban pesos (CUP) per US dollar - 0.9259 (2008 est.), 0.9259 (2007), 0.9231 (2006) note: Cuba has two currencies in circulation: the Cuban peso (CUP) and the convertible peso (CUC); in April 2005 the official exchange rate changed from $1 per CUC to $1.08 per CUC (0.93 CUC per $1), both for individuals and enterprises; individuals can buy 24 Cuban pesos (CUP) for each CUC sold, or sell 25 Cuban pesos for each CUC bought; enterprises, however, must exchange CUP and CUC at a 1:1 ratio.
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
3.800%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
0
24
Location
Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida
Area
2 km sq
110,860 km sq
Coastline
4 km
3,735 km
Climate
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers
tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October)
