Society

A fundamental characteristic that define the Republic of Cuba and its Society today is the Socialist orientation of its Government. It is a society in construction of the Communism. During more than 50 years in this system, many human values of the people are influenced by this philosophy. Solidarity and Collectivism are examples. The cuban daily life is touch by political acts and economical difficulties, but at the same time Music and Friendship are key topics of every day. It is a well-educated country, where the ciphers of analphabetism are close to cero, and a big number of young people go to the university through different social programs. The education is offered free as a common property of the country. The rates of unemployment are determined for various causes, just to mention one we could identify the very low salaries like one of them, motivating many people to find non-official ways of living. Another important question is the high number of emigrants, specially concentrated in Florida (Miami); the inhabitants of the island live mostly – while not being able to travel outside the country- in between the realities and myths of the familiars and friends from outside. The cultural and economic centre is still Havana, as the most developed city of the country.

Until the 90´ the first industry in Cuba was the sugar production; today this one is overtaken by the Tourism. Other important exports are nickel, the well-worldwide known cuban cigars - usually called habanos-, rum, and Coffee. In the area of the medicine Cuba had made some discovers and exports them; and in this area Cuba facilitate a big number of qualified personnel to Venezuela, Bolivia, and different African countries as collaboration in between governments. The investment of foreign capital goes to the following areas: tourism, telephone services, lubricants, hygiene products, cement, exportations of rum, nickel and production of critics and tropical fruits. Investments come from Canada, Spain, Mexico, France, Netherlands, United Kingdoms, and Italy.

The principal cultivations are sugar, tobacco, coffee, and cacao.

For several decades Cuba was close for the Tourism; today had reopened the doors and offers concepts as "Sun & Beach", "Eco-tourism", and some others. The principal and bigger corporation is Cubanacán, S.A. One of the international chains present is Sol Melia. Some of the most visited destinies are Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, und Viales in Pinar del Rio. Other very interesting offers are overseas, on the abundant keys around the island, were virgins beaches and a unique fauna are.

Since 1960 big waves of migration haven touch the life in Cuba, in the lasts decades, starting on the 1990´s, the terrible economical situation had increased these waves also through the massive illegal migration. Some experts describe remittances from relatives and friends, as one of the most important economical activities of the island and sources of devises. ( ...) "an BOP statistics in the same Cuban National Bank and Cuban Central Bank reports show that Cuba’s net unrequited transfers - consisting mostly of private remittances to Cuban citizens from relatives and friends abroad - amounted to $262.9 million in 1993; $470.2 million in 1994; $646.2 million in 1995; $743.7 million in 1996; $791.7 million in 1997; and $820.0 million in 1998, for a cumulative total over the period 1993-98 of $3734.7 million or an average of $622 million per annum. Thus, the ratio of average net transfers to FDI over the period 1993-98 was 2.75:1." (taked from " Foreign investment in Cuba in the second half of the 1990s"
Jorge F. Pérez-López, 1 April 30, 2000)

Religion

Although old politics of the actual government hat diminish the number of the religious followers on the country, religion had survived and it is an important part of the daily life. Catholicism is mostly present, as well the Evangelic Church. An important presence, which has also a very high culture weight, is the different afrocuban religions. In a minor quantity are also Jews and Muslims present.