Bienvenidos a Cuba History Around 4000 BC, the Guanahatabey and Ciboney people of South America came to Cuba. They farmed the lands.

Bienvenidos a Cuba History In 500 AD, the Taino people of South America came to Cuba. They farmed, hunted and fished.

Bienvenidos a Cuba History In 1492, Christopher Columbus came to Cuba and claimed the island for Spain.

In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors controlled the people of Cuba. Bienvenidos a Cuba History In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors controlled the people of Cuba.

Bienvenidos a Cuba History From 1492 – 1868 the Spanish forced the native Cubans to work on sugar plantations.

Bienvenidos a Cuba History Finally in 1868 the native Cubans fought for independence from Spain. The war lasted ten years.

Bienvenidos a Cuba History After the “Ten Years’ War,” Spain promised to make changes, but by 1895 not many had been fulfilled. The natives once again waged war against Spain.

Bienvenidos a Cuba History In 1898, the US joined in the war against Spain. Because of the help from the US, the war against Spain was won. Instead of then giving Cuba to the native people, the US kept it for themselves for four years.

Bienvenidos a Cuba History In 1902, the US gave back Cuba to the native people in exchange for having a US harbor in Cuba (Guantanamo Bay).

Bienvenidos a Cuba History In the early 1900s, Cuba became a very prosperous country, because of the sugar fields and tourism.

Bienvenidos a Cuba History In 1959, Fidel Castro became the dictator of Cuba. During Castro’s Communistic rule, Cuba suffered greatly.

Bienvenidos a Cuba History The new leader of Cuba is Raul Castro, Fidel’s brother. Cuba is now slowly becoming a more prosperous country again. Top 10 Attractions in Havana, Cuba

Regions Cuba has more beaches than any other country in the Caribbean. There is twice as much coastline in Cuba, than in California. There are caves in some of the shoreline cliffs, which in the past served as hideouts for slaves, rebels, and pirates. Cuba’s coasts even have coral reefs.

Regions The Zapata Swamp is the largest wetlands in the Caribbean and are similar to the Florida Everglades. The Cuban crocodile is at home in these swamps. Besides swamps, Cuba has mountains, lagoons, rolling plains, jungles, grasslands, deserts, and forested hills.

Resources Cuba’s main exports are: sugar, fish, shrimp, lobsters, grapefruits, oranges, and pineapples. Cuba is a world leader in nickel production. Nickel is used to make batteries. Cobalt is a byproduct of nickel production. Cobalt is used to treat cancer, create blue paints, and to create stronger alloys. Alloys are used to make hubcaps and bumpers in vehicles. Limestone is mined and then used to make cement.

Animals There are many animals, which can only be found in Cuba: Solenodon Cuban Parrot The World’s Smallest Frog Red-White-and-Blue Tocororo Painted Snail West Indian Manatee Bee Hummingbird

Education From Preschool to College, school in Cuba is totally free. The Cuban government also pays for meals and school supplies. Most students learn English. There are only government run schools, no private schools. Students wear uniforms, a different color for each year. Most teenagers go to school at country boarding schools, where they also help with farm work. Cuba has a very high level of literacy, and most Cubans are very highly educated.

Music Cuba is home to a type of music called: Son. Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars link Music Cuba is home to a type of music called: Son. It was invented over 200 years ago. It is a combination of the African drums and the Spanish guitar. The Cuban guitar and claves (wooden sticks) are also used in this type of music.