The Republic of Cuba is an archipelago of islands in the northern Caribbean, where the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico converge. Though its location makes for an extremely pleasant tropical climate year round, it also subjects the nation to frequent hurricanes in the summer months. The most populous Caribbean nation, Cuba has a diverse culture, derived from its indigenous Taino and Ciboney tribes, Spanish and African peoples, and its US influence. Rolling plains dominate the main island, with steep mountains on the south eastern border. The 17th largest island in the world, Winston Churchill called Cuba a "large, rich, beautiful island..."

There are no continental borders, as Cuba is an island nation. Its closest neighbors are the United States and the Bahamas to the north west, Mexico to the west, Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands to the east, and the Cayman Islands and Jamaica to the south.

Cuba's mainland consists of beautiful coastal beaches, flat rolling plains, and majestic mountain ranges. The Sierra Maestra mountains run along the south eastern edge of Cuba, with it's highest peak, Pico Real del Turquino, rising 1,975 meters above sea level. Cuba's total land area is 110,860 square kilometers - 105,006 square kilometers of which is Cuba's mainland island.

Cuba is surrounded by 4 clusters of islands which it lays claim to. The 4 groups are the Canarreos, the Colorados, the Jardines de la Reina and the Sabana-Camaguey.

The Canarreos is an archipelago off the southern coast of Cuba's mainland. Located in the Caribbean Sea, the Canarreos are bordered by the Gulf of Batabano to the north, Gulf of Cazones to the east and the Los Indios Channel to the west. The Canarreos largest island is Isla de la Juventud, followed by Cayo Largo del Sur.

The Colorados archipelago is a string of isles and keys on the north west coast of Cuba, developed upon a reef barrier. Cuba's Colorados receive much attention in the way of tourism due to their splendid weather and amazing coastal scenery. The white sand beaches of the keys attract vacationers, snorkelers and divers year round. The waters that surround these islands are especially kind to fisherman.

South of Cuba's mainland lies the archipelago of Jardines de la Reina, named by Columbus in honor of the Queen of Spain. The waters surrounding this beautiful cluster of islands are beloved by divers and fisherman alike. The terrain upon the islands has been established as a national park, making it one of Cuba's largest conservation areas with 2,170 square kilometers of total land area.

The fourth archipelago, off the northern, central coast of Cuba, is that of Sabana-Camaguey. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the archipelago stretches 475 kilometers in a basic north-west to south-east direction, from the Hicacos Peninsula and Varadero to the Bay of Nuevitas. The entire clusters spans in excess of 75,000 square kilometers, containing more than 2,500 isles and keys. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the extensive marine ecosystem, with currently 35 protected sites in the area.

The climate in Cuba is greatly affected by its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Though a predominantly tropical climate, temperatures are moderated by trade winds. November to April is the Dry Season, where very little precipitation normally occurs. May to October sees the most rainfall, termed the Wet Season. Temperatures average 69.8°F (21°C) in January, the coldest month, and 80.6°F (27°C) in July, the warmest.

Cuba's diverse heritage has been termed by some a 'melting pot' of cultures, dominated by both the Spanish and African community. Taino and Ciboney tribes existed on the island for an unknown period of time before the Spanish took over in the late 15th century, where it remained under Spanish rule for centuries. Cuba became a haven for African slaves seeking freedom from their American owners. The combination of Caribbean and Spanish cuisine is especially enjoyed by both the locals and tourists to the islands of Cuba.

The national passion of Cuba's people lies in sports. Cuba has associated with the United States throughout history, deriving popular sports found in the US rather than those commonly found in other Latin American nations. The favorite sport in Cuba is baseball, hands down. Other popular sporting events, in which Cuba has receive a multitude of gold medals in international competitions, include amateur boxing, athletics, basketball, cricket and volleyball.

Cuba's economy is heavily concentrated in the south and south eastern regions of the country, with poorer regions in the north. This is rapidly changing, though, as Cuba is concentrating more on the tourism industry in this area.

Cuba's substantial tourism industry attracts more than 2 million visitors each year, resulting in Cuba's largest economical venue, surpassing the exportation of sugar in the 1990's. Vacationers to Cuba are drawn not only by the spectacular white sand beaches and favorable climate, but also by the rich culture and historical architecture. Since the Cuban Revolution 1959, US citizens have been prohibited from visiting the island nation of Cuba. Most of its vacationers now come from Canada and Europe.

Vacationing In Cuba

A Cuba vacation has much to offer. From the splendid coastal waters of the nation's mainland, islands and keys to the Sierra Maestra mountain ranges of southern Cuba, there is much to do in this tropical country. The fishing is excellent in the surrounding bays and gulfs, as is snorkeling and diving. A hike through the steep mountains offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and natural wonders. Those who appreciate Cuba's diverse culture will certainly enjoy the many museums and architectural beauty.

For those interested in planning a Cuba vacation, you will find Cuba.Rica24 is the perfect starting point. We provide in-depth resources regarding every aspect of a Cuba vacation. From travel agencies, accommodations, dining and tourist attractions to public and private transportation - anything you may need to know before and during your stay in the phenomenally diverse regions of Cuba can be found right here.

Moving to Cuba

Moving to Cuba, whether it be a second home or a retirement plan, can be a wonderful adventure. There is an abundance of properties available not only within the rolling plains of inland Cuba's mainland, but along the coast as well. More than 2 million visitors come from many regions of the world every year, especially Europe and Canada, making Cuba's tourism industry, especially vacation rentals, a perfect investment for opportunistic buyers.

Cuba.Rica24 provides Cuba Real Estate listings, along with a complete Guide to Purchasing Real Estate in Cuba, which includes in-depth descriptions of property rights and type, purchasing procedures and methods, taxes and fees and most importantly, how to protect your investment. You'll also find detailed materials describing how to buy a car, how to obtain a driver's license, a temporary or permanent residency visa, educational and employment opportunities - virtually everything you could possibly need to know before moving to Cuba.

At Cuba.Rica24, our number-one goal is to shepherd you towards, and assist in the completion, of a spectacular vacation or successful real estate acquisition in Cuba. With a little help and expertise from Rica24, you can make your dreams a reality, whether they be investing your way to a wealthy future, or retiring in the magnificent beauty of Cuba.