Countries Of The World: Cuba

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering the geography, nature, culture, history, and government of Cuba based on the lecture material.

What chain of islands do Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico form together?

The Greater Antilles

How was the island chain known as the Greater Antilles formed millions of years ago?

It was created when two of Earth's tectonic plates collided.

What are the approximate length and width of the island of Cuba?

It stretches about $780\text{ miles}$ from east to west and is only $60\text{ miles}$ wide in most places.

What type of land covers two-thirds of Cuba, and what is its primary use?

Lowland plains used mainly for farming

What is the name and length of the world's smallest bird that lives in Cuba's thick forests?

The bee hummingbird, which grows to only $2\text{ inches}$ long as an adult.

According to the national symbols infographic, what is the national bird of Cuba?

Tocororo

Why did Cuba receive the nickname "El Cocodrilo"?

Because its appearance from overhead looks kind of like a crocodile.

What architectural style is featured on the colorful buildings of Havana, the capital city of Cuba?

Spanish colonial style

Which country highlighted in orange is situated directly north of Jamaica and west of Haiti?

Cuba

What is the main musical form in Cuba that combines lively rhythms with classical guitar?

Son

What is Cuba's favorite sport, and when was it brought to the island from the United States?

Baseball, which came to Cuba in the 1860s.

What is the only legal political party in Cuba?

The Cuban Communist Party

Why did Fidel Castro step down from his leadership roles in February 2008?

Due to a lengthy illness

Who succeeded Raúl Castro as the leader of Cuba in 2018?

His vice-president, Miguel Diaz-Canel

What significant diplomatic step was taken by the United States and Cuba in 2015?

The United States reopened its embassy in Cuba, and Cuba soon did the same in the United States.

Who were the original inhabitants of Cuba?

The Ciboney and Guanahatabey people

Which group of people took over Cuba from South America about a thousand years ago?

The Taino people

What happened to the Taino people after Spanish forces claimed Cuba as a Spanish territory in 1511?

They were forced into slave labor, and most died from overwork and diseases brought by Europeans.

What crop were enslaved Africans primarily forced to plant and harvest in Cuba?

Sugarcane

In what year were the Spanish driven out of Cuba with American help, and in what year did Cuba win independence?

Spanish forces were driven out in 1898, and Cuba won independence by 1902.