Cuba has more than 300 natural beaches of fine white sand and crystal clear waters. The most famous of these is Varadero; however, there are others to the east of the capital city in Holguín and Cayo Largo del Sur, as well as in the northern keys of Ciego de Ávila and Villa Clara.

Three mountain ranges, two long regions of savanna and numerous valleys known worldwide like Viñales, Yumurí and Los Ingenios go all through the Cuban island. Waterfalls and cascades in beautiful rivers like Hanabanilla keep charming nature lovers...

Cuba is a long narrow island that looks like a crocodile and reaches 1,200 km in length. Its widest section covers 210 kilometers, and narrowest 32 kilometers.

The island has 14 provinces and the special municipality of the Isle of Youth. (Isla de la Juventud)

For economic, political and administrative purposes, the island is divided into 169 municipalities, of which the capitals are as follows: Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Guantánamo, Bayamo, Las Tunas, Camagüey, Ciego de Avila, Sancti-Spíritus, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Pinar del Río and Havana, the latter being two provinces.

In the urban parts, where 70 % of the population lives, the eclectic architecture prevails. However, in some cities' old quarters, like Havana or Trinidad, among others, a colonial ambience has been preserved.

In rural areas, lush natural settings make for spectacular scenery and migratory routes for bird life can be seen in the countryside. Rural life operates in different ways and confers its own unique characteristics on the Cuban countryside."

U.S. Government Information Resources

• CIA World Factbook on Cuba.
• Department of State Consular Information Sheet on Cuba.
• U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Cuba

Weather

• Weather information for Cuba from Weather Underground.