Republic of Cuba

Local Name: Repùblica de Cuba
Surface : 110,860 sq km (42,803 sq miles) - Cuba, the biggest island in the Caribbean, is located at the entrance to the Gulf of México.
Population : 11.018.000 inhabitants
Electricity: The electric appliances endowed with round spikes should be brought with an adapter of plane spikes that are the type used for the plugs existent in the country. Electric current of general use is 110 V 60 Hz, although in the recently constructed Cubanacán hotels it is 220 V; at Gaviota's facilities in Varadero and the Gaviota El Bosque Hotel, it is also 220 V.
Climate: Moderate subtropical. The Cuban territory grazes the Tropic of Cancer, and due to its long and narrow configuration, on an east-west axis, it receives the refreshing action of the trade winds and the sea breezes. During the short winter, it is cooled by masses of cold air from the North; those cold fronts do not last long. The day and night temperatures differ less in the coastal regions than inland. The eastern part of the country has a warmer climate than the western part.
PASSPORTS: Passports valid for at least two months beyond the date of entry required by all nationals without diplomatic representation in Cuba. VISAS: Required by all except: those nationals whose countries have signed visa exemption agreements with Cuba (contact the Consulate for further information); holders of a Tourist Visa Card. Certain tour operators, travel agencies and airlines can issue a Tourist Visa Card valid for one single trip of 30 days, although the stay can be extended in Cuba. Stipulations are that the traveller pre-books and pre-pays hotel accommodation in Cuba through an officially recognised tour operator. The card must be bought in the country where the trip has been arranged. All passengers must hold tickets and other documentation required for their onward or return journey unless holding special annotation issued by a Cuban Consulate; transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 72 hours, provided they hold confirmed onward tickets and US$50 per day.
Capital :  Havana  (La Habana) 3 million inhabitants
System : Socialist Republic - The National Assembly of the People's Power (Parliament) is the supreme organ of the power of the State, represented by the Council of State between one and another period of sessions, and with provincial, municipal and district instances. The council of Ministers is the maximum executive and administrative organ and constitutes the government of the Republic of Cuba.
Languages :  Spanish is the official language in Cuba and there are no dialects. English is the language used for commercial operations.
Religions :  Lay country with freedom of cults. Catholic and Afro-Cuban religions prevail, although other tendencies also exist.
Money : Cuban Peso (peso) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of peso100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 3. Coins are in denominations of peso1, and 40, 20, 5, 2 and 1 centavos.
Phone code   + 53
Greenwich Time - 5

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