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COUNTRY FACTS: INFORMATION ABOUT CUBA
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"Cuba" comes from the Taíno language; perhaps translated as
"where fertile land is abundant" (cubao) or "great place" (coabana).
Cuba’s people, culture, and customs draw from very complex origins
and inter-marriage between: aboriginal Taino and Ciboney peoples;
Spanish colonialism (1900-1930); introduction of African slaves; its
proximity to the United States; and immigration/emigration have had
noticeable effects. Population according to Oficina Nactional de
Estadisticas 2002 Census: 11,177,743 (50.07% men/49.93%
women). Racial make-up: 65% White, 10% Black, and 25% Mulatto.
White Cuban (blanco) ancestry comes primarily from the ethnically
diverse Spanish. European people include: French, Portuguese,
Italians, Russians, British, and Greek. Afro-Cuban (negro) ancestry
comes primarily from African and Kongo (largest group brought to
Cuba) peoples. Minor, yet significant, ethnic influx comes from
peoples of Asia, Middle East, and Afro-Caribbean. Many Chinese and
Indo-Pakistanis descended from 19th century indentured laborers (to
build railroads/work in mines). Western Hemisphere 2006 statistics:
Cuba's birth rate is one of the lowest, with unrestricted access to
legal abortion (higher abortion rate compared to Caribbean, Latin
American and European averages), significant contraceptive use,
and an aging population. Cuba's profile resembles those countries of
former Communist Eastern Europe rather than of its Latin American
and Caribbean neighbors. It is currently the only Latin American
country with a shrinking population.
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