The United States and Cuba have reopened embassies in each other’s countries for the first time in 54 year. This historical move has restored their full diplomatic ties. Presidents Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro exchanged letters last month agreeing to unfreeze ties on July 20, when the embassies could be reopened. For the first time since 1961, the Cuban flag will fly over Havana’s newly upgraded embassy in Washington, just a stone’s throw from the White House.
After a series of negotiations in Havana and Washington, the restoration of diplomatic relations has come about just seven months later.
Facts About Cuba
- Cuba is the largest of all islands in the Caribbean. The country also includes more than 4000 other much smaller islands.
- Bacardi rum was originally manufactured in Cuba. However, the brand moved to Puerto Rico after Fidel Castro’s takeover.
- The capital and largest city of Cuba is Havana or “La Habana” in Spanish.
- Cuba is famous worldwide for its cigars.
- Cuba had close ties to Russia until 1991, when the Soviet Union broke up. The breakup caused an economic crisis in Cuba, which had relied on financial help from Russia.
Test Your Knowledge
What is the Currency of Cuba?
