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| Capital city: |
Havana |
| Surface area: |
110,860 sq km |
| Population: |
11,423,952 (July 2008 est.) |
| Official language(s): |
Spanish |
| Head of State & Head of Government: |
Gen. Raul Castro Ruz |
| Cuba's principal export destinations: |
Netherlands, Canada, China |
| Cuba's principal import sources: |
Venezuela, China, Spain |
(Source: CIA - The World Fact Book) |
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Economic climate
Key economic indicators and statistics for 2007:
- GDP (PPP) – US$51.11 billion
- GDP per capita (PPP) – US$4,500
- Real GDP growth – 7 per cent
- Inflation – 3.1 per cent
(Source: CIA - The World Fact Book)
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Political climate
President Fidel Castro remains the head of the one-party system of 'Cuban Socialism'. Although in August 2006, due to serious illness, Castro nominally transferred power to his brother (and designated successor), Raul, on a 'temporary' basis.
Cuba remains a heavily authoritarian state, with severe limits on political freedoms, including freedom of expression and the media.
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Trade relations and statistics
Australia and Cuba have maintained diplomatic relations since January 1989, but there is limited official contact between Cuba and Australia.
Cuba has been subject to a US economic embargo since 1962, codified into law under the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act (also known as the Helms Burton Act) of 1996.
(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country brief)
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