Cuba, formally acknowledged as the Republic of Cuba, is a sovereign state encompassing the main island of Cuba, stretching over approximately 1,200 kilometers lengthwise in the northern Caribbean where the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean meet. Other than the main island, the country includes the significantly smaller Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth) and a number of other minor archipelagos. Located south of the US state of Florida and the Bahamas, to the west of Hispaniola, and north of both Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Cuba is the largest country in the Caribbean by both land area and population. Its rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, historical monuments, and political significance make it a region of prominent global interest.

1. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes salsa music, cigars, and vintage cars. 2. Cuba's capital city, Havana, is renowned for its preserved Spanish colonial architecture, vibrantly colored buildings, and El Capitolio, a 1929 landmark modeled after the U.S. Capitol. 3. In Cuba, one can visit the historic city of Trinidad, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful 18th- and 19th-century architecture. 4. Cuba's tropical climate makes it a popular holiday destination with beautiful beaches such as Varadero, which is considered one of the best in the Caribbean. 5. The economy of Cuba is dominated by state enterprises, with most of the labor force employed by the government. It also relies heavily on tourism and agriculture, particularly the farming of sugar cane and tobacco.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Cuba boasts of having one of the highest literacy rates in the world? After the revolution in 1959, the government prioritized education and launched a national literacy campaign. Reportedly, this campaign was so successful that Cuba's literacy rate is now around 99.8%, one of the highest globally. Today in Cuba, education at every level is free, contributing to the country's highly educated population.