About Cuba

The republic of Cuba consists of the island of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud and several adjacent small islands. Cuba is the most populous insular nation in the Caribbean. Its people, culture and customs draw from several sources including the aboriginal Taíno and Ciboney peoples, the period of Spanish colonialism, the introduction of African slaves, and its proximity to the United States.

Weather
The local climate is tropical, though moderated by trade winds. In general (with local variations), there is a drier season from November to April, and a rainier season from May to October. The island is known for very low temperature reaching freezing cold from December till March, especially during the evening combined with a humid heat during daytime. Temperature has reached 6  °C in January and 27 °C and higher in July.

Economy
The Cuban Government adheres to socialist principles in organizing its largely state-controlled planned economy. Most of these means of production are owned and run by the government and most of the labor force is employed by the state. Recent years have seen a trend towards more private sector employment.

Culture
Cuban culture is much influenced by the fact that it is a melting pot of cultures, primarily those of Spain and Africa. It has produced more than its fair share of literature, including the output of non-Cubans. Sport is Cuba's national passion and their high level medical professionals are presented as one of the biggest achievements of the country. Cuba has an illiteracy of 1%.

Language
Spanish is the official language of Cuba and is spoken throughout the Island. Most Cubans working in the tourist areas such as Varadero, and in the more prestigious hotels in Havana and other large cities, can communicate in mostly English, German, French or Italian. However, once away from the tourist areas it is hard to function without some knowledge of Spanish.
Many Cuban business people understand and speak English, but in most cases foreigners make a greater impact and find more acceptability if they address themselves in Spanish to their Cuban interlocutors.

Doing business in/with Cuba
It is still quite difficult to enter the Cuban market freely. The new president Raul Castro has opened up the country, however with certain restrictions. International companies however are doing more and more business with Cuba and most already have an office in the country’s capital Havana.

More info: http://www.radionuevitas.co.cu/