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Cuba is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea. It is situated just south of the United States and east of Mexico. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. Havana, the capital city of Cuba, is a popular tourist destination with its old colonial architecture and lively music scene. The country is also known for its cigars, rum, and classic cars. Despite its proximity to the United States, Cuba has a unique political and economic system and has been subject to trade and travel restrictions in the past.
Have you ever visited Miami, Key West, or any other place in the southern part of Florida? Besides the beautiful beaches and refreshing ocean waters, you will also discover an abundance of delicious food, lively music, and captivating art that showcases the influence of a neighboring country: Cuba.
As the largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba was claimed for Spain in 1492 by Christopher Columbus. However, its history dates back even further. Prior to Columbus’ arrival, Cuba was inhabited by various indigenous peoples.
Spain maintained control over Cuba until 1898 when Cuban and American forces emerged victorious in the Spanish-American War. After gaining independence, Cuba remained heavily influenced by its nearby neighbor, the United States.
This dynamic changed on January 1, 1959, when Fidel Castro’s revolutionary forces overthrew the government led by dictator Fulgencio Batista. As Castro’s communist regime grew closer to the Soviet Union, its relationship with the U.S. became severely strained.
During the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, Cuba became politically and economically isolated from its northern neighbor. However, many Cubans fled the country and settled in southern Florida, bringing with them a vibrant culture that still thrives today.
While some may view Cuba simply as a large island, the country is actually an archipelago consisting of around 1,600 islands situated at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. Its northernmost point is approximately 100 miles south of Florida, across the Strait of Florida.
Many believe that Cuba is only 90 miles south of Key West, the southernmost point of Florida. In fact, a popular tourist attraction in Key West called the Southernmost Point Buoy is painted with the words “90 Miles to Cuba.”
The 90-mile measurement is a nautical distance in statute miles, primarily used by large ships at sea. In reality, the shortest distance between points in Cuba and the U.S. is about 103 miles.
With such a short distance separating the two countries across the Strait of Florida, one might naturally wonder if it is possible to swim that distance. The answer is yes, but it is not an undertaking to be taken lightly.
In 2013, 64-year-old American Diana Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage. Her route covered approximately 110 miles. Despite facing various obstacles such as cold waters, dangerous creatures like jellyfish, and blistering exposure to sunlight, Nyad completed her swim from Havana to Key West in just under 53 hours. Prior to Nyad, this feat had only been accomplished once before in 1997 by Australian swimmer Susie Maroney, with the assistance of a protective shark cage.
In the years following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Cuba has undergone promising political changes. In 2014, the U.S. announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with Cuba. As economic restrictions continue to be relaxed or lifted, many people hold hope for the revival of relations and travel between Cuba and the U.S.
Give It a Try
Are you interested in learning more about Cuba? Make sure to explore the following activities with a friend or family member:
- If you are interested in visiting Cuba in the future, you can go online and visit National Geographic’s Cuba travel guide. There, you can read articles, view maps, and watch videos showcasing some of the sights that Cuba has to offer. If you were to go to Cuba, what activities would you like to do? Where would you like to go? What would you like to see?
- Explore the American Museum of Natural History’s website to learn about Cuba’s Caves. These ancient caves, home to millions of bats, may provide insights into the island’s distant past, including information about its earliest inhabitants.
- Within the more than 1,600 small islands that make up Cuba, you will discover diverse marine ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal species. Visit Cuba’s Coral Reefs online to gain more knowledge about them.
Additional Information Sources
- http://www.nbcnews.com/news/other/diana-nyad-makes-history-swimming-cuba-florida-f8C11055391
- https://www.reference.com/geography/far-cuba-florida-9a91321436e94279
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diana-nyad/cuba-so-close-you-could-a_b_6571342.html
- https://www.britannica.com/place/Cuba
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