Country Profile: Cuba

Cuba is a Caribbean island nation located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, known for its diverse geography that includes rolling plains and mountainous regions. The population is estimated at over 10 million, predominantly of mixed ethnic backgrounds. Economically, Cuba operates a state-run system with ongoing moves towards privatization, facing challenges such as high inflation and reliance on foreign investments. The country is governed as a communist state, with its current political structure dominated by the Communist Party and significant influence from military leadership.

Geography

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, located about 150 km south of Key West, Florida. It has a total area of approximately 110,860 square kilometers, featuring a mix of flat plains and rugged hills. The country has a tropical climate, experiencing both a dry season and a rainy season, with the east coast particularly susceptible to hurricanes.

3,735 km of coastline.
61.7% of land is used for agriculture (2023).
1,974 m is the highest point, Pico Turquino.

People and Society

Cuba's population is around 10 million as of 2025, with a median age of 46.2 years. The society is ethnically diverse, primarily consisting of White (64.1%), Mulatto (26.6%), and Black (9.3%) individuals. Spanish is the official language, and the majority of the population identifies as Christian. The nation has a literacy rate of 97.7%, with a significant portion of the population living in urban areas, particularly Havana.

80.1 years life expectancy at birth (2024).
77.5% urban population (2023).
5.2 deaths per 1,000 live births (2025).

Economy

Cuba's economy remains largely state-controlled, with increasing privatization under the new constitution. The nation has faced significant economic challenges, including inflation and shortages of basic necessities, but has seen a rise in foreign investments. Agriculture and tourism are vital sectors, with tobacco being one of the key exports.

$81.165 billion GDP (PPP estimate for 2024).
1.6% unemployment rate (2024).
27.5% contribution from the industrial sector to GDP (2023).

Government

Cuba is a communist state with a centralized government system led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel since 2018. The National Assembly of the People’s Power is the only legislative body, and elections are held every five years. The Cuban political landscape is dominated by the Communist Party, which controls all aspects of governance.

15 provinces and 1 special municipality.
Last constitutional amendment was approved in 2019.
97.7% of National Assembly vote for President Díaz-Canel in 2023.

Military and Security

The Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) encompass ground, naval, and air forces, and play a critical role in national security and the political landscape. Military service is mandatory for men, while women can volunteer. The Cuban military is considered a guardian of the state and is involved in various sectors of the economy.

Approximately 50,000 active personnel (2025).
4.2% of GDP spent on military expenditures (2020).
Military service obligation is 24 months.

Energy

Cuba’s energy sector is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with 95.2% of its electricity generation capacity derived from these sources. The country struggles with energy shortages and seeks to diversify its electricity generation mix.

7.264 million kW installed generating capacity (2023).
100% electrification rate (2022).
34,000 barrels/day of petroleum production (2023).

Environment

Cuba faces various environmental issues, including soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The government is party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these challenges.

34.9% of land is forested (2023).
19.716 million metric tons of CO2 emissions (2023).
25.7% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022).

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Cuba includes an extensive network of railways and airports, with the country boasting 120 airports and over 8,367 km of railways. The government manages transportation heavily, and private ownership is limited.

65 vessels in the merchant marine fleet (2023).
34 ports available for maritime activities (2024).
120 airports (2025).

Communications

Cuba's communication landscape is tightly controlled by the government, with significant restrictions on internet access for citizens. Despite these limitations, a growing number of people are accessing the internet through various means.

71% of the population are internet users (2023).
8.01 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
Government controls all broadcast media, with few exceptions.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,059,519	Estimated for 2025
Area	110,860 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$81.165 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	1.6%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	80.1 years	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	7.78 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Military Personnel	~50,000	Estimated for 2025
Electrification Rate	100%	Estimated for 2022
Literacy Rate	97.7%	Estimated for 2019
Urban Population	77.5%	Estimated for 2023