lecture 17a

Greater Antilles Overview

  • The Greater Antilles houses the majority of the Cuban population.

    • Over five-sixths (approximately 86-87%) of the Cuban population is located in the Greater Antilles.

Cuba: Demographics and Geography

  • Cuba is the most populous country in the Caribbean, with a population slightly over 11,000,000.

    • Projected Population Trends:

    • Haiti is growing at a faster rate and is expected to surpass Cuba's population within the next five years.

  • Geography of Cuba:

    • Cuba is the largest island in the Greater Antilles.

    • Physical Characteristics:

    • Contains mountainous regions primarily in:

      • Far West

      • Center

      • Far Southeast (notably the Sierra Maestra, a significant mountain range)

Sierra Maestra Mountains

  • Location and Significance:

    • The Sierra Maestra is located in the Far Southeast of Cuba and is the most rugged area in Cuba.

    • Known as the hideout of Fidel Castro and the site where the revolutionary movement against dictator Batista began.

    • Historical Context:

    • Bautista was a brutal dictator during the 1950s and had imprisoned Castro for a failed revolution attempt in 1953.

  • Resource and Economic Context:

    • The Sierra Maestra contains mineral resources and agricultural land, particularly in the lowlands adjacent to the mountains.

Guantanamo Bay

  • Location and Historical Context:

    • Guantanamo Bay is a U.S. Navy base near Cuba, established before Castro's takeover and has remained operational for over sixty years post-revolution.

    • The base has evolved as a detention site for Middle Eastern terrorists captured by the U.S.

Offshore Islands of Cuba

  • Offshore Islands Overview:

    • Cuba has several small offshore limestone-based coral reef islands, which offer excellent snorkeling opportunities.

    • The major offshore island is the Isle of Youth:

    • Characteristics:

      • Population in the northern part (cities and farms).

      • Southern part designated as a marine sanctuary, containing numerous coral reefs.

Cuban Revolution and Political History

  • Fidel Castro's Revolution:

    • Castro led the communist revolution that took over Cuba in 1959.

    • Castro's defiance towards the United States marked the start of tensions between the two countries.

  • Geographic Context:

    • Key West, Florida, is located less than 100 miles from Cuba, leading to significant migration of Cubans seeking refuge from the communist regime.

    • A notable Cuban American population exists in South Florida.

Bay of Pigs Invasion

  • Summary of Events:

    • The Kennedy administration attempted a failed invasion of Cuba, known as the Bay of Pigs invasion.

    • Bay of Pigs is located on the southern side of Cuba, in a light blue, shallow water area with notable marine life.

    • The failed invasion has become infamous in U.S. and Cuban history.

U.S.-Cuba Relations and Economic Conditions

  • U.S. Embargo:

    • Established in the early 1960s, preventing U.S. products from entering Cuba.

    • Result: Cuba shifted from being dependent on U.S. trade to becoming reliant on the Soviet Union as a major trading partner.

Tourism and Economy

  • Current State of Tourism:

    • Limited tourism allowed for Americans, but tourists from Latin America, Mexico, Canada, and Europe visit.

    • Restrictions for U.S. tourists stemming from the embargo have impacted visitor numbers.

  • Cultural and Historical Significance:

    • Cuba is known for maintaining a multitude of 1950s-era U.S. cars due to an embargo on new U.S. products, resulting in a unique automotive culture.

    • Much of the housing reflects a socialist architectural style; urban landscapes are characterized by drab and uniform housing projects.

  • Economic Employment:

    • Many Cubans live with basic subsistence lifestyles, with limited opportunities for wealth accumulation.

    • Some reforms allow for private business, yet the lack of property rights restricts economic growth.

  • Role of Cuban Doctors:

    • Cuba has established its reputation in healthcare by training doctors, which contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

    • Cuban doctors often work abroad for pay, but the payment is received by the Cuban government, not directly by the doctors.

    • Cuban doctors are sent to various developing nations to provide medical assistance, enhancing Cuba's international relations and economic status.

Summary of Current Challenges

  • Despite some economic activity from tourism and medical services, Cuba remains a relatively poor country.

    • The ongoing embargo has continued to stifle economic growth and development.

    • Economic conditions reflect broader issues within socialism and communism, highlighting systemic inefficiencies in wealth and resource distribution.