Cuba is one of the most incredible island countries in the world. Due to the conflict with the Us, the country lacks the tourism. However, after the improvement of US-Cuba relations and relaxed travel laws, it has started attracting many tourists from around the world. The nation has many things to offer its visitors, as it is blessed with some natural landscapes and beaches. However, besides this, it has decades of history that is fully immersed in the culture.  The people of this country are not only familiar with the local customs and traditions, but these things also fascinated its visitors.

Cuba is basically the most significant island located in the northern part of the Caribbean Sea. The country has a fantastic geographic location as it is present where the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean meet. The total area of the country is about 109,884 per square kilometer and has a population of approximately 11.34 million inhabitants. Though the country is famous for its finest cigars, rum drinks, vintage cars, music, it still has many other things to offer its visitors. Due to the ancient past, the land is full of facts that are still unknown to most of the people. So, we have decided to make today’s article about this incredible nation that will highlight some fun facts about this country as well.

So, with that, here are ten things that you did not know about Cuba.

1.It Is An Island Country

Cuba is not just one island country, but its territory includes more than 4,000 smaller islands in its surrounding waters. Most of these islands are inhabited, and this is why it is the most populated country in the Caribbean. It has hundreds of beaches and is one of the most favorite tourist destinations for beach-loving people. Another amazing reality in the world is that these beaches receive more than 330 sunshine days a year.

2.The Country Has Two Currencies

Cuba is one of those unique countries where the state uses two currencies.  The National Peso (CUP) is used by the citizens of the country, while the other is the Convertible Peso (CUC). This convertible currency is colorful and is primarily used by travelers as it is valued one-to-one with the U.S. Dollar. The policy for the dual monetary system was introduced by the state during the 1990s, which really helped increased tourism in the country.

3.Coca Cola Is Also Banned In This Country

Coca Cola is definitely one of the world’s most popular beverages, but you’ll be surprised to know that there are still two countries where the government has banned this brand. Just like many other products, the states of North Korea and Cuba do not support the sale of this drink in their territories. This famous brand even expressed their desire to return to the beautiful island country, but the cubic state denied hosting the industry of this brand.

4.The nation Has Highest Doctor To Patient Ratio In The World

Cuba is renowned internationally for being one of the world’s most significant health facilities and education for its public. This is why the nation has more than 70,000 qualified doctors in the country, which is more than the number of doctors in the whole of the African continent. The health care facilities that the government provides are not just excellent, but these are also free for the Cubans. The health care industry in Cuba is booming as the state also sends doctors abroad who bring back 8 billion dollars’ worth of money.

5.There Are 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites In the Country

Cuba is a diverse country, and besides the natural wonders, the state also has a treasure of archeological and heritage sites. UNESCO has even listed nine of them in the list of World Heritage Sites. Old Havana is one of the most famous as it attracts tourists from around the world. The other eight sites are Trinidad, Viñales, Cienfuegos, San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Desembarco del Granma National Park, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, and Archaeological Landscapes of the First Coffee Plantations in the South-East of Cuba.

6.There Was No Internet Before 2015

The Internet has been a central prerequisite of the world today, but the state of Cuba has retracted that. In fact, the Internet was banned by the government for quite a long time. Cubans are not even allowed to keep any personal computers or cell phones. However, with the increasing demand, the state opened its first Wi-Fi hotspot for the public in 2015. Before that, only 5% of the nation was allowed to use a computer, and these include government officials, doctors, and approved journalists. The Internet is still strictly monitored, and the state only allows specific websites.

7.The Literacy Rate Of The Nation Is Much Higher

Cuban nation is one of the most amazing nations and has the highest literacy rate in the world.  The education in the country is not only free but is also mandatory from ages 6 -15. And according to reports, the literacy rate of the country is 99.7%, which is currently the highest in the world. In fact, UNESCO has even awarded the Cuban organization for hosting the highest literacy with the King Sejong Literacy Prize.

8.It Is Home To One Of The Smallest Bird In The World

Cuba is one of the most biodiverse countries and hosts many unique species of animals. The bee hummingbird, which is the smallest bird, is also found in the territory of the country. The average length of this bird is about 5 cm (2.0 in) and is only endemic to Cuba. However, along with the smallest bird, the nation is also home to the smallest frog species called the Mount Iberia.

9.The State Even Hold The Control On Some Of The Hotels

Just the Internet in the country, the state also has strict control over the hotels. Due to tourism, the country is dotted with many hotels and restaurants. However, most of them are owned and operated by the government. In fact, some of the privately-owned restaurants have some rules, but these are much better in terms of service. Along with the restaurants, the freedom of media is also non-existent. All the broadcasting of the press is controlled and operated by the Cuban state.

10.It Is The Leading Exporter Of Tobacco

We already know that smoking is not suitable for our health, especially for the lungs. However, besides this fact, Cigars of this country is famous around the world. The nation is not only responsible for producing the finest Cigars in the world, but it is also one of the leading exporters. The locals of the country sell 90% of Cigar to the government.  This is why it is one of the biggest exports of the country and also adds to the GDP.