Cuba
Cuba
Introduction:
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island (16th largest island in the world :-) ). Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly.
Havana
The capital, Havana, with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city and the hub of Cuban nightlife.
Useful Links:
For practicalities - health, visas, climate etc. The Guardian
For geography, history & culture: Encarta