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USEFUL INFORMATION, CUBA.
Language: Spanish
Moderate subtropical with two well-defined seasons: rainy (from May through October) and dry (from November through April). The average annual temperature is 25 grados centígrados (77 F). January is the coldest month, and July, the hottest one.
Fauna
Cuba fauna is very attractive and diverse, It still preserves rarest species like the zunzuncito -the tiniest bird in the world-, the tiniest frog, a very small bat called Mariposa and a scorpion not longer than 14 millimeters.
Endemic species are also seen when it comes to amphibians and reptiles. The crocodile, commonly found in crocodile breeding centers in the country, is very characteristic of Cuba.
Flora
Rich and diverse. There are more than 300 protected areas that cover approximately 22 % of the national territory. Cuba treasures six areas declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO: Guanahacabibes Peninsula, Sierra del Rosario and Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, in the western; el Caguanes National Park in the center; and Baconao Park and Cuchillas del Toa in the eastern part of Cuba. More than 50 % of insular flora is endemic and its variety becomes evident if you take into account that in our country is represented 4 % of the total flora in the planet.
The Flag
Created in 1849. It was hoisted for the first time in 1850, in the city of Cardenas, province of Matanzas.
Each element of the national emblem has a special meaning. The equilateral triangle is a clear reference to the yearning for liberty, equality and fraternity. The color red portends the spilling of blood that would be required to win independence. The single star located in the middle of the triangle is a symbol of absolute freedom. The three blue stripes represent the eastern, central and western provinces into which the island was formerly divided. The two white strips signify the purity and virtue of the Cuban people.
Shield
It symbolizes Cuba's geographic position, a golden key at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico, its hopes for a luminous future, its sovereign condition and the industrious, indomitable nature of its people.
Religion
Cuba is a lay country with freedom of religion. the Catholic and Afro-Cuban religions are the most popular.
Population
The population of Cuba is over 11 120 000 inhabitants and 75.2 % live in urban areas. The most densely populated provinces are the City of Havana (2,198 000), Santiago de Cuba (1 023 000) and Holguín (1 021 000).
Currency Cuban peso. Convertible Cuban Peso (CUC) is equivalent to American dollar (USD).
Political administrative division of Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is composed of 14 provinces, 169 municipalities and the Special Municipality of the Isle of Youth. From the west to the east, the provinces are: Pinar del Río, Havana, City of Havana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, Las Tunas, Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo
Transportation
Cars, buses and motorcycles. The country features 17 airports: ten for international operations. There is an extensive network of highways and roads with some 50,000 km, of which 14,000 are highways and asphalt roads that link the main cities. Domestic charters and air taxi services within Cuba are available from companies in the country.
Sports
Cuba is a major figure within the world of sports. It holds leading positions in events such as boxing, baseball and volleyball and its role has been enhanced by figures of international fame in athletics, fencing, judo, Greek wrestling, chess and weight-lifting. Every year the country hosts international sporting events.
Education
Education in Cuba is free and compulsory.
There are around 13 343 teaching polytechnic and specialized institutes as well as Universities and High Level Institutes in all the country.
Health
Cuba's system of primary health care covers the entire country and is considered to be unique in Latin America. Health services are free for all Cubans. There is an extensive network of centers (442 health clinics and 281 hospitals), in addition to other specialized institutions. The infant mortality rate is 7.1 per thousand live births and life expectancy at birth is 75.2 years. Cuba is among the six nations of the world that produces interferon (INF).
Its type B and C meningitis vaccinations and hepatitis B are unique in the world. These achievements have been made possible thanks to the existence of 211 research-production scientific centers and institutes
Money and Forms of Payments
US dollars no longer circulate in Cuba and will have to be changed into Convertible Cuban Pesos. US dollars can be used at Airports at duty free shops. You can pay directly with euros at Varadero; on Cayo Largo del Sur; Jardines del Rey Archipelago; at Santa Lucía Beach in Camagüey; at Covarrubia Beach in Las Tunas and at Guardalavaca, Don Lino, Esmeralda and Pesquero Beaches in Holguin. You can change hard currency into convertible Cuban pesos in airports, banks and hotels and into Cuban pesos or convertible Cuban pesos in the CADECA money-exchange offices in the main cities.
Electricity
110 volts, 60 Hertz. Use plugs with flat prongs. Some hotels and other instalations also have 220-volt outlet.
Grupo de Turismo Gaviota S.A.
Edificio La Marina, 3er. Piso, Ave. del Puerto, No. 102, Habana Vieja, Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba.
Phone: (53 7) 8695588
Fax: (53 7) 866 2780 y 866 1879
Email:
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Web: www.gaviota-grupo.com
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