Cuba

Country Description

Be a part of history and take an exciting educational tour with your students all at the same time. With the United States and Cuba opening up diplomatic doors again, now is the perfect time to visit the island. Listen to some of the world’s best jazz at La Zorra y el Cuervo. Walk the streets of Old Havana, soaking in two hundred years of history while still experiencing all the sights, sounds, and smells of the modern Caribbean world. Climb the walls of the Parque Historico Militar to see impressive views of both Havana and the sea, while learning about Cuba’s military history, from Spanish invaders and Cuban revolutionaries to pirates. Then head back down to Havana to walk through Santa Clara and Plaza de la Revolucion to be immersed in the island’s recent history and revolution followed by Communist rule. Most importantly, spend time getting to know the people—with our two countries moving closer together, visiting Cuba and its people is a great opportunity for you to learn about a new country while serving as an ambassador of your own.

The Cuban economy is mostly dictated by the country’s Communist government, with state-run companies largely responsible for most of its goods and services, although the country also receives some foreign investment. Cuba’s government has largely flattened out economic inequality among its citizens and provided, among other things, free universal health care and education. It remains to be seen what impact the recent thaw in U.S.-Cuban relations will have upon international investment, state policies, and the overall growth of the Cuban economy.