Cuba

Cuba, the largest of the Antilles, is a Caribbean archipelago with a rich history and culture. Known for its vibrant music, classic cars and tobacco plantations, Cuba has been a meeting point for diverse influences over the centuries.

Cuba's history is marked by its Spanish colonial past, which stretched from the 15th century to the late 19th century. Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, the island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and quickly became an important enclave for the Spanish Empire. Cuba's economy was based on sugar and tobacco production, cultivated by African slave labour, which left a profound mark on the island's ethnic and social composition.

The first references to Cuban nationalist sentiment emerged in the 19th century, driven by growing dissatisfaction with Spanish rule. Figures such as José Martí led independence movements that culminated in the Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898). Following US intervention in the war, Cuba gained its independence, albeit under strong US influence, which lasted until the Cuban Revolution.

The economic situation is still marked by sanctions and the embargo, with a gradual opening to tourism and the private sector.