Description

Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba and four surrounding island groups called: the Colorados, the Sabana-Camaguey, the Jardines de la Reina, and the Canarreos. Cuba is located in the northern Caribbean, south of the United States and The Bahamas, west of the Turks and Caicos Island and Haiti, east of Mexico and north of the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. The main island consists of flat to rolling plains except for the Sierra Maestra, a range of steep mountains at the southeastern end of the island. There is a tropical climate with moderate trade winds and a short rainier season for a few months of the year.
 
The Communist Party of Cuba is the leading force of society and of the state. The National Assembly of People's Power elect both councils. The Assembly elects the President of Cuba who serves a five year term and there is no limit to the number of terms in office. The nation's highest judicial branch of government is served by the Supreme Court of Cuba. This is also the court of last resort for all appeals from convictions in provincial courts. The National Assembly of People's Power is Cuba's national legislature and holds the supreme State power. The legislature consists of 609 members who serve five year terms. Votes are cast by secret ballot and citizens over the age of sixteen, who have not been convicted of a crime, may vote. On the island, no political party is permitted to nominate candidates or campaign.
 
Cuba is rich in culture, due to the fact it is a melting pot of several cultures, especially of Spain and Africa. Son is a central form of music in Cuba and has been the basis of musical styles such as salsa, rumba and mambo. Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish and Caribbean cuisines, using spices and techniques of Spanish cooking, and flavors and spices of the Caribbean. Cubans share a passion for sports, baseball being the most popular by far.

Our Study Abroad Programs

HIDE ALL  

University of Maine Programs

» Summer 2025

Havana

USAC La Habana, Cuba

Apply ›