Country Profile: Cuba

Cuba, located in the Caribbean between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, is the largest island in the Greater Antilles archipelago. With a population of over 10 million people, it is marked by a diverse cultural heritage resulting from its indigenous roots and colonial history. The economy is largely state-run with increasing privatization, despite facing significant challenges due to a long-standing US embargo and internal inefficiencies. Governed as a communist state, Cuba has experienced significant political transitions, with Miguel Díaz-Canel currently serving as president.

Geography

Cuba is situated 150 km south of Key West, Florida, featuring mostly flat to rolling plains with rugged hills in the southeast. The country has a total area of 110,860 sq km and a coastline of 3,735 km. The climate is tropical, experiencing a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October.

Area: 110,860 sq km (slightly smaller than Pennsylvania).
Coastline: 3,735 km.
Highest Point: Pico Turquino at 1,974 m.
Natural Resources: Includes cobalt, nickel, copper, and petroleum.
Agricultural Land: 61.7% of total land use (2023 est.).

People and Society

The population of Cuba is approximately 10 million and is primarily urbanized, with 77.5% living in urban areas. Ethnic groups consist mainly of White (64.1%), Mulatto or mixed (26.6%), and Black (9.3%). The country has a high literacy rate of 97.7% and a life expectancy of 80.1 years.

Population Growth Rate: -0.6% (2025 est.).
Infant Mortality Rate: 5.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.).
Total Fertility Rate: 1.49 children born/woman (2025 est.).
Urban Population: 77.5% (2023).
Median Age: 46.2 years (2025 est.).

Economy

Cuba operates primarily under a state-controlled economy, with sectors such as services (70%), industry (27.5%), and agriculture (1.3%). Recent years have seen protests over shortages and widespread corruption. As of 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $81.165 billion.

GDP (PPP): $23,700 per capita (2024 est.).
Unemployment Rate: 1.6% (2024 est.).
Inflation Rate: 76.1% (2022 est.).
Major Industries: Include petroleum, nickel, and pharmaceuticals.
Exports: Key partners include China (34%) and Spain (12%) (2023).

Government

Cuba is a communist state with Miguel Díaz-Canel serving as the president since April 2018. The National Assembly, Cuba's legislative body, consists of 470 directly elected members. The legal system is based on civil law originating from Spanish civil code.

Suffrage: Universal at age 16.
Constitution: Last revised in 2019.
Cabinet: Appointed by the president from the National Assembly.
Political Party: Cuban Communist Party (PCC).
Independence: Achieved on May 20, 1902.

Military and Security

Cuba maintains a military primarily focused on territorial integrity and internal security under the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR). Mandatory military service applies to all men aged 17-28, while the active forces are estimated at 50,000 personnel.

Military Expenditures: Approximately 4.2% of GDP (2020 est.).
Mandatory Service: 24 months for men.
Military Equipment: Comprised mainly of Russian and Soviet-era gear.
Internal Security Forces: Include the National Revolutionary Police and border guard troops.
Focus: Protecting against perceived threats, primarily from the US.

Energy

Cuba's electricity generation relies predominantly on fossil fuels, representing 95.2% of its total installed capacity. The country has achieved universal electrification, with a generating capacity of 7.264 million kW.

Electricity Consumption: 11.951 billion kWh (2023 est.).
Petroleum Production: 34,000 bbl/day (2023 est.).
Natural Gas Production: 850.133 million cubic meters (2023 est.).
Electricity Access: 100% of the population (2022 est.).

Environment

Cuba faces environmental challenges, including soil degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. The climate is tropical, with natural hazards like hurricanes occurring from August to November.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 19.716 million metric tonnes (2023 est.).
Waste Recycling Rate: Approximately 25.7% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.).
Water Resources: Total renewable resources estimated at 38.12 billion cubic meters (2022 est.).
Biodiversity: Participates in various international environmental agreements.

Transportation

Cuba has a developed transportation network, with 120 airports and extensive railway systems totaling 8,367 km. The merchant marine fleet consists of 65 vessels.

Airports: 120 (2025).
Railways: 8,367 km total (2017).
Ports: 34 total (2024), with 6 large ports.
Civil Aircraft Registration: Prefix is CU.

Communications

Cuba's communication systems are heavily regulated, with state control over all broadcast media and limited internet access for citizens.

Internet Users: 71% of the population (2023 est.).
Fixed-line Subscriptions: 1.59 million (2024).
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 8.01 million (2024).
Broadcast Media: Government controls all national channels.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,059,519 (2025 est.)
Area	110,860 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$81.165 billion (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	80.1 years (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	1.6% (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	97.7% (2019 est.)
Electricity Access	100% of population (2022 est.)
Birth Rate	7.78 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	1.49 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	19.716 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)