CUBACUBAThe name The name CubaCuba comes from the comes from the TaínoTaíno language. The exact meaning of the language. The exact meaning of the

name is unclear but it may be name is unclear but it may be translated either as translated either as where fertile land is where fertile land is

abundantabundant , or , or great place. great place. Scholars Scholars who believe that who believe that

Christopher Columbus was PortugueseChristopher Columbus was Portuguese state that state that CubaCuba was named by was named by

Columbus for the Columbus for the ancient town of ‘Cubaancient town of ‘Cuba’ in the district of ’ in the district of BejaBeja in in PortugalPortugal..

• President:President: Raúl Castro (2008) Raúl Castro (2008)• Total area:Total area: 42,803 sq mi (110,860 42,803 sq mi (110,860

sq km)sq km)• Population (2010 est.):Population (2010 est.):

11,477,459 (growth rate: 0.2%); birth 11,477,459 (growth rate: 0.2%); birth rate: 11.1/1000; infant mortality rate: rate: 11.1/1000; infant mortality rate: 5.72/1000; life expectancy: 77.6; 5.72/1000; life expectancy: 77.6; density per sq km: 103density per sq km: 103

• Capital and largest city (2003 Capital and largest city (2003 est.):est.): Havana, 2,686,000 (metro. Havana, 2,686,000 (metro. area), 2,343,700 (city proper)area), 2,343,700 (city proper)

• Monetary unit:Monetary unit: Cuban Peso Cuban Peso

• TIMELINETIMELINE• October 27 or 28October 27 or 28 - - Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus landed landed

on Cuba's northeastern coast near what is now on Cuba's northeastern coast near what is now BaracoaBaracoa

• 15111511 - the first Spanish settlement was founded by - the first Spanish settlement was founded by Diego Velázquez de CuéllarDiego Velázquez de Cuéllar at Baracoa at Baracoa

• 15291529 - a - a measlesmeasles outbreak in Cuba killed two-thirds outbreak in Cuba killed two-thirds of the natives who had previously survived of the natives who had previously survived smallpoxsmallpox

• 1511–18981511–1898 - Cuba remained a Spanish possession - Cuba remained a Spanish possession for almost 400 years with an economy based on for almost 400 years with an economy based on plantation agricultureplantation agriculture, , miningmining, and the export of , and the export of sugarsugar, , coffeecoffee, and , and tobaccotobacco to Europe and later to to Europe and later to North America. The work was done primarily by North America. The work was done primarily by African slavesAfrican slaves brought to the island. brought to the island.

• 18681868 - Carlos Manuel de Céspedes is known as - Carlos Manuel de Céspedes is known as Father of the HomelandFather of the Homeland in Cuba, having declared in Cuba, having declared the nation's independence from Spain the nation's independence from Spain

• 18681868 - Independence from Spain was the motive for a rebellion in - Independence from Spain was the motive for a rebellion in led by led by Carlos Manuel de CéspedesCarlos Manuel de Céspedes. De Céspedes, a sugar planter, . De Céspedes, a sugar planter, who freed his slaves to fight with him for a free Cuba.who freed his slaves to fight with him for a free Cuba.

• 27 December 1868 - 27 December 1868 - he issued a decree condemning slavery in he issued a decree condemning slavery in theory but accepting it in practice and declaring free any slaves theory but accepting it in practice and declaring free any slaves whose masters present them for military service. whose masters present them for military service.

• 18681868 - rebellion resulted in a prolonged conflict known as the - rebellion resulted in a prolonged conflict known as the Ten Years' WarTen Years' War. The United States declined to recognize the new . The United States declined to recognize the new Cuban government, although many European and Latin American Cuban government, although many European and Latin American nations did so. nations did so.

• 18781878 - the - the Pact of ZanjónPact of Zanjón ended the conflict, with Spain ended the conflict, with Spain promising greater autonomy to Cuba. promising greater autonomy to Cuba.

• 1879–18801879–1880 - Cuban patriot - Cuban patriot Calixto GarcíaCalixto García attempted to start attempted to start another war known as the another war known as the Little WarLittle War but received little support. but received little support.

• 18921892 – An exiled dissident named – An exiled dissident named José MartíJosé Martí founded the Cuban founded the Cuban Revolutionary Party in Revolutionary Party in New YorkNew York (The aim of the party was to (The aim of the party was to achieve Cuban independence from Spain). achieve Cuban independence from Spain).

• 24 February 189524 February 1895 - Fighting against the Spanish army began in - Fighting against the Spanish army began in Cuba, but Martí was unable to reach Cuba until 11 April 1895. Cuba, but Martí was unable to reach Cuba until 11 April 1895. Martí was killed in the battle of Dos Rios on 19 May 1895. His Martí was killed in the battle of Dos Rios on 19 May 1895. His death immortalized him as Cuba's national hero.death immortalized him as Cuba's national hero.

• 25 January 189825 January 1898 - The U.S. battleship - The U.S. battleship MaineMaine arrived in Havana to arrived in Havana to offer protection to the 8,000 American residents on the island, but offer protection to the 8,000 American residents on the island, but the Spanish saw this as intimidation.the Spanish saw this as intimidation.

• 15 February 189815 February 1898 - the - the MaineMaine blew up in the harbor, killing 252 crew. blew up in the harbor, killing 252 crew. Another eight crew members died of their wounds in hospital over the next Another eight crew members died of their wounds in hospital over the next few days. A few days. A Naval Board of InquiryNaval Board of Inquiry headed by Captain headed by Captain William T. SampsonWilliam T. Sampson was appointed to investigate the cause of the explosion on the was appointed to investigate the cause of the explosion on the MaineMaine. . Having examined the wreck and taken testimony from eyewitnesses and Having examined the wreck and taken testimony from eyewitnesses and experts, the board reported on 21 March 1898 that the experts, the board reported on 21 March 1898 that the MaineMaine had been had been destroyed by "a double magazine set off from the exterior of the ship, destroyed by "a double magazine set off from the exterior of the ship, which could only have been produced by a mine."which could only have been produced by a mine."

• Treaty of Paris (1898)Treaty of Paris (1898) - signed after the - signed after the Spanish-American WarSpanish-American War, Spain , Spain and the United States, in which Spain ceded and the United States, in which Spain ceded Puerto RicoPuerto Rico, the , the PhilippinesPhilippines, , and and GuamGuam to the United States for the sum of $20 million. Under the same to the United States for the sum of $20 million. Under the same treaty, Spain relinquished all claim of sovereignty over Cuba. treaty, Spain relinquished all claim of sovereignty over Cuba. Theodore RooseveltTheodore Roosevelt, who had fought in the Spanish-American War and had , who had fought in the Spanish-American War and had some sympathies with the independence movement, succeeded McKinley some sympathies with the independence movement, succeeded McKinley as U.S. President in 1901 and abandoned the treaty. as U.S. President in 1901 and abandoned the treaty.

• May 20, 1902May 20, 1902 - Cuba gained formal independence from the U.S., as the - Cuba gained formal independence from the U.S., as the Republic of Cuba. Under Cuba's new constitution, the U.S. retained the Republic of Cuba. Under Cuba's new constitution, the U.S. retained the right to intervene in Cuban affairs and to supervise its finances and foreign right to intervene in Cuban affairs and to supervise its finances and foreign relations. Under the relations. Under the Platt AmendmentPlatt Amendment, the U.S. leased the , the U.S. leased the Guantánamo BayGuantánamo Bay naval base from Cuba. naval base from Cuba.

• 2 December 19562 December 1956 a party of 82 people on the yacht a party of 82 people on the yacht GranmaGranma landed in landed in Cuba. The party, led by Cuba. The party, led by Fidel CastroFidel Castro, had the intention of establishing an , had the intention of establishing an armed resistance movement in the armed resistance movement in the Sierra MaestraSierra Maestra..

• 8 January 19598 January 1959 - Fidel Castro's forces entered the capital. Shortly - Fidel Castro's forces entered the capital. Shortly afterward, a liberal lawyer, Dr afterward, a liberal lawyer, Dr Manuel Urrutia LleóManuel Urrutia Lleó became president. He became president. He was backed by Castro's was backed by Castro's 26th of July Movement26th of July Movement because they believed his because they believed his appointment would be welcomed by the United States.appointment would be welcomed by the United States.

• July 1959July 1959 - Disagreements within the government - Disagreements within the government culminated in Urrutia's resignation. He was replaced by culminated in Urrutia's resignation. He was replaced by Osvaldo Dorticós TorradoOsvaldo Dorticós Torrado, who served as president until , who served as president until 1976. 1976.

• Castro became prime minister in February 1959, Castro became prime minister in February 1959, succeeding succeeding José MiróJosé Miró in that post. in that post.

• Fidel Castro and members of the Fidel Castro and members of the East GermanEast German PolitburoPolitburo in in 19721972

• By the end of 1960By the end of 1960 - the - the coletillacoletilla made its appearance, made its appearance, and most newspapers in Cuba had been expropriated, and most newspapers in Cuba had been expropriated, taken over by the unions, or had been abandoned. All radio taken over by the unions, or had been abandoned. All radio and television stations were in state control. Moderate and television stations were in state control. Moderate teachers and professors were purged. In any year, about teachers and professors were purged. In any year, about 20,000 dissenters were imprisoned. Some homosexuals, 20,000 dissenters were imprisoned. Some homosexuals, religious practitioners, and others were sent to labor camps religious practitioners, and others were sent to labor camps where they were subject to political "where they were subject to political "re-educationre-education". One ". One estimate is that 15,000 to 17,000 people were executed.estimate is that 15,000 to 17,000 people were executed.

• In September 1960In September 1960, the revolutionary government , the revolutionary government created a system known as created a system known as Committees for the Defense of the RevolutionCommittees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), which (CDR), which provided neighborhood spying.provided neighborhood spying.

• By 1961By 1961, hundreds of thousands of Cubans had left for the United States. , hundreds of thousands of Cubans had left for the United States. The 1961 The 1961 Bay of Pigs InvasionBay of Pigs Invasion ( (La Batalla de GirónLa Batalla de Girón) was an unsuccessful ) was an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the Cuban government by a U.S.-trained force of attempt to overthrow the Cuban government by a U.S.-trained force of Cuban exilesCuban exiles with U.S. military support. The plan was launched in April with U.S. military support. The plan was launched in April 1961, less than three months after 1961, less than three months after John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy became the U.S. became the U.S. President. The Cuban armed forces, trained and equipped by President. The Cuban armed forces, trained and equipped by Eastern BlocEastern Bloc nations, defeated the exiles in three days.nations, defeated the exiles in three days.

• By 1963By 1963, Cuba was moving towards a full-fledged Communist system , Cuba was moving towards a full-fledged Communist system modeled on the USSRmodeled on the USSR

• In 1965, Castro merged his revolutionary organizations with the In 1965, Castro merged his revolutionary organizations with the Communist Party, of which he became First Secretary; Communist Party, of which he became First Secretary; Blas RocaBlas Roca was was named Second Secretary. Roca was succeeded by Raúl Castro, who, as named Second Secretary. Roca was succeeded by Raúl Castro, who, as Defense Minister and Fidel's closest confidant, became and remained the Defense Minister and Fidel's closest confidant, became and remained the second most powerful figure in Cuba until his brother's retirement. Raúl's second most powerful figure in Cuba until his brother's retirement. Raúl's position was strengthened by the departure of Che Guevara to launch position was strengthened by the departure of Che Guevara to launch unsuccessful insurrections in the unsuccessful insurrections in the Democratic Republic of CongoDemocratic Republic of Congo, and then , and then BoliviaBolivia, where he was killed in 1967., where he was killed in 1967.

• During the 1970sDuring the 1970s, Fidel Castro dispatched tens of thousands troops in , Fidel Castro dispatched tens of thousands troops in support of Soviet-supported wars in Africa.support of Soviet-supported wars in Africa.

• The standard of living in 1970s was "extremely spartan" and discontent The standard of living in 1970s was "extremely spartan" and discontent was rife. Fidel Castro admitted the failures of economic policies in a 1970 was rife. Fidel Castro admitted the failures of economic policies in a 1970 speech. By the mid-1970s, Castro started economic reforms.speech. By the mid-1970s, Castro started economic reforms.

• 1962 1962 - Cuba was suspended from the - Cuba was suspended from the Organization of American StatesOrganization of American States (OAS) in support of the U.S. embargo, but in 1975 the OAS lifted all (OAS) in support of the U.S. embargo, but in 1975 the OAS lifted all sanctions against Cuba, with approval of 16 countries, including the U.S.sanctions against Cuba, with approval of 16 countries, including the U.S.

• 3 June 20093 June 2009 - the OAS adopted a resolution to end the 47- - the OAS adopted a resolution to end the 47-year exclusion of Cuba.year exclusion of Cuba.

• Castro's rule was severely tested in the aftermath of the Castro's rule was severely tested in the aftermath of the Soviet collapse (known in Cuba as the Soviet collapse (known in Cuba as the Special PeriodSpecial Period), with ), with effects such as food shortages. The government did not effects such as food shortages. The government did not accept American donations of food, medicines, and cash accept American donations of food, medicines, and cash until 1993. until 1993.

• 5 August 19945 August 1994, state security dispersed protesters in a , state security dispersed protesters in a spontaneous protestspontaneous protest in Havana. in Havana.

• July 31, 2006July 31, 2006, Fidel Castro temporarily delegated his , Fidel Castro temporarily delegated his major duties to his brother, First Vice President, Raúl major duties to his brother, First Vice President, Raúl Castro, while Fidel recovered from surgery for an "acute Castro, while Fidel recovered from surgery for an "acute intestinal crisis with sustained bleeding".intestinal crisis with sustained bleeding".

• 2 December 20062 December 2006, Fidel was too ill to attend the 50th , Fidel was too ill to attend the 50th anniversary commemoration of the anniversary commemoration of the GranmaGranma boat landing, boat landing, fuelling speculation that he had fuelling speculation that he had stomach cancerstomach cancer, although , although there was evidence his illness was a digestive problem and there was evidence his illness was a digestive problem and not terminal.not terminal.

• February 2008February 2008, Fidel Castro announced his resignation as , Fidel Castro announced his resignation as President of Cuba,President of Cuba,

• 24 February24 February Raúl was elected as Raúl was elected as the new President. In his acceptance the new President. In his acceptance speech, Raúl promised that some of speech, Raúl promised that some of the restrictions that limit Cubans' the restrictions that limit Cubans' daily lives would be removed.daily lives would be removed.

• March 2009March 2009, Raúl Castro removed , Raúl Castro removed some of some of Fidel Castro's officialsFidel Castro's officials..

IMPORTS and EXPORTSIMPORTS and EXPORTS

• In 2005 Cuba had exports of $2.4 billion, In 2005 Cuba had exports of $2.4 billion, ranking 114 of 226 world countries, and ranking 114 of 226 world countries, and imports of $6.9 billion, ranking 87 of 226 imports of $6.9 billion, ranking 87 of 226 countries.countries.[110][110] Its major export partners Its major export partners are China 27.5%, Canada 26.9%, are China 27.5%, Canada 26.9%, NetherlandsNetherlands 11.1%, Spain 4.7% (2007). 11.1%, Spain 4.7% (2007).[6][6] Cuba's major exports are sugar, nickel, Cuba's major exports are sugar, nickel, tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, and tobacco, fish, medical products, citrus, and coffee;coffee;[6][6] imports include food, fuel, imports include food, fuel, clothing, and machinery. Cuba presently clothing, and machinery. Cuba presently holds debt in an amount estimated to be holds debt in an amount estimated to be $13 billion,$13 billion,[111][111] approximately 38% of GDP approximately 38% of GDP

Government and politicsGovernment and politics• The Constitution of 1976, which defined Cuba as a The Constitution of 1976, which defined Cuba as a

socialist republicsocialist republic, was replaced by the Constitution of 1992, , was replaced by the Constitution of 1992, which is guided by the ideas of which is guided by the ideas of José MartíJosé Martí, , MarxMarx, , EngelsEngels and and LeninLenin. The constitution describes the Communist Party of . The constitution describes the Communist Party of Cuba as the "leading force of society and of the state".The Cuba as the "leading force of society and of the state".The first secretary of the Communist Party is concurrently first secretary of the Communist Party is concurrently President of the Council of State (President of the Council of State (President of CubaPresident of Cuba) and ) and President of the President of the Council of MinistersCouncil of Ministers (sometimes referred to (sometimes referred to as as Prime Minister of CubaPrime Minister of Cuba). Members of both councils are ). Members of both councils are elected by the elected by the National Assembly of People's PowerNational Assembly of People's Power. The . The President of Cuba, who is also elected by the Assembly, President of Cuba, who is also elected by the Assembly, serves for five years and there is no limit to the number of serves for five years and there is no limit to the number of terms of office.terms of office.

• The The Supreme Court of CubaSupreme Court of Cuba serves as the nation's highest serves as the nation's highest judicial branch of government. It is also the court of last judicial branch of government. It is also the court of last resort for all appeals against the decisions of provincial resort for all appeals against the decisions of provincial courts.courts.

• Cuba's national legislature, the National Assembly Cuba's national legislature, the National Assembly of People's Power (of People's Power (Asamblea Nacional de Poder Asamblea Nacional de Poder PopularPopular), is the supreme organ of power; 609 ), is the supreme organ of power; 609 members serve five-year terms.The assembly members serve five-year terms.The assembly meets twice a year; between sessions legislative meets twice a year; between sessions legislative power is held by the 31 member Council of power is held by the 31 member Council of Ministers. Candidates for the Assembly are Ministers. Candidates for the Assembly are approved by public referendum. All Cuban citizens approved by public referendum. All Cuban citizens over 16 who have not been convicted of a criminal over 16 who have not been convicted of a criminal offense can vote. Article 131 of the Constitution offense can vote. Article 131 of the Constitution states that voting shall be "through free, equal and states that voting shall be "through free, equal and secret vote".Article 136 states: "In order for secret vote".Article 136 states: "In order for deputies or delegates to be considered elected they deputies or delegates to be considered elected they must get more than half the number of valid votes must get more than half the number of valid votes cast in the electoral districts". Votes are cast by cast in the electoral districts". Votes are cast by secret ballotsecret ballot and counted in public view. Nominees and counted in public view. Nominees are chosen at local gatherings from multiple are chosen at local gatherings from multiple candidates before gaining approval from election candidates before gaining approval from election committees. In the subsequent election, there is committees. In the subsequent election, there is only one candidate for each seat, who must gain a only one candidate for each seat, who must gain a majority to be elected.majority to be elected.

• No No political partypolitical party is permitted to nominate is permitted to nominate candidates or campaign on the island, candidates or campaign on the island, though the Communist Party of Cuba has though the Communist Party of Cuba has held five party congress meetings since held five party congress meetings since 1975. In 1997 the party claimed 780,000 1975. In 1997 the party claimed 780,000 members, and representatives generally members, and representatives generally constitute at least half of the Councils of constitute at least half of the Councils of state and the National Assembly. The state and the National Assembly. The remaining positions are filled by remaining positions are filled by candidates nominally without party candidates nominally without party affiliation. Other political parties campaign affiliation. Other political parties campaign and raise finances internationally, while and raise finances internationally, while activity within Cuba by activity within Cuba by opposition groupsopposition groups is minimal and illegal.is minimal and illegal.

ProvincesProvinces

• The country is subdivided into 15 The country is subdivided into 15 provinces and one special municipality provinces and one special municipality (Isla de la Juventud). These were formerly (Isla de la Juventud). These were formerly part of six larger historical provinces: Pinar part of six larger historical provinces: Pinar del Río, Habana, Matanzas, Las Villas, del Río, Habana, Matanzas, Las Villas, Camagüey and Oriente. The present Camagüey and Oriente. The present subdivisions closely resemble those of the subdivisions closely resemble those of the Spanish military provinces during the Spanish military provinces during the Cuban Wars of Independence, when the Cuban Wars of Independence, when the most troublesome areas were subdivided. most troublesome areas were subdivided. The provinces are divided into The provinces are divided into municipalities.municipalities.

DEMOGRAPHICSDEMOGRAPHICS

Current demographicsCurrent demographics

• According to the census of 2002, the According to the census of 2002, the population was 11,177,743, including population was 11,177,743, including 5,597,233 men and 5,580,510 5,597,233 men and 5,580,510 women.women.

EducationEducation

University of HavanaUniversity of Havana, founded in 1728, founded in 1728• The The University of HavanaUniversity of Havana was founded in 1728 and was founded in 1728 and

there are a number of other well-established there are a number of other well-established colleges and universities. In 1957, just before colleges and universities. In 1957, just before Castro came to power, the literacy rate was fourth Castro came to power, the literacy rate was fourth in the region at almost 80% according to the United in the region at almost 80% according to the United Nations, higher than in Spain. Castro created an Nations, higher than in Spain. Castro created an entirely state-operated system and banned private entirely state-operated system and banned private institutions. School attendance is compulsory from institutions. School attendance is compulsory from ages six to the end of basic secondary education ages six to the end of basic secondary education (normally at age 15), and all students, regardless (normally at age 15), and all students, regardless of age or gender, wear school uniforms with the of age or gender, wear school uniforms with the color denoting grade level. Primary education lasts color denoting grade level. Primary education lasts for six years, secondary education is divided into for six years, secondary education is divided into basic and pre-university education.basic and pre-university education.

HealthHealth

• Historically, Cuba has ranked high in Historically, Cuba has ranked high in numbers of medical personnel and has numbers of medical personnel and has made significant contributions to world made significant contributions to world health since the 19th century.health since the 19th century.[58][58] Today, Today, Cuba has universal health care and Cuba has universal health care and although shortages of medical supplies although shortages of medical supplies persist, there is no shortage of medical persist, there is no shortage of medical personnel.personnel.[164][164] Primary care is available Primary care is available throughout the island and infant and throughout the island and infant and maternal mortality rates compare maternal mortality rates compare favorably with those in developed nations.favorably with those in developed nations.

CultureCulture

• Cuban culture is influenced by its melting Cuban culture is influenced by its melting pot of cultures, primarily those of Spain pot of cultures, primarily those of Spain and Africa. Sport is Cuba's national and Africa. Sport is Cuba's national passion. Due to historical associations with passion. Due to historical associations with the United States, many Cubans the United States, many Cubans participate in sports which are popular in participate in sports which are popular in North America, rather than sports North America, rather than sports traditionally promoted in other Spanish-traditionally promoted in other Spanish-speaking nations. speaking nations. BaseballBaseball is by far the is by far the most popular; other sports and pastimes most popular; other sports and pastimes include include basketballbasketball, , volleyballvolleyball, , cricketcricket, and , and athleticsathletics. Cuba is a dominant force in . Cuba is a dominant force in amateur boxingamateur boxing, consistently achieving , consistently achieving high medal tallies in major international high medal tallies in major international competitions.competitions.

MusicMusic

• Cuban music is very rich and is the most commonly known Cuban music is very rich and is the most commonly known expression of culture. The central form of this music is expression of culture. The central form of this music is SonSon, , which has been the basis of many other musical styles like which has been the basis of many other musical styles like salsasalsa, , rumbarumba and and mambomambo and an upbeat derivation of the and an upbeat derivation of the rumba, the rumba, the cha-cha-chacha-cha-cha. Rumba music originated in early . Rumba music originated in early Afro-Cuban culture. The Afro-Cuban culture. The TresTres was also invented in Cuba, but was also invented in Cuba, but other traditional Cuban instruments are of African origin, other traditional Cuban instruments are of African origin, TaínoTaíno origin, or both, such as the origin, or both, such as the maracasmaracas, , güirogüiro, , marimbamarimba and various wooden drums including the and various wooden drums including the mayohuacanmayohuacan. . Popular Cuban music of all styles has been enjoyed and Popular Cuban music of all styles has been enjoyed and praised widely across the world. Cuban classical music, praised widely across the world. Cuban classical music, which includes music with strong African and European which includes music with strong African and European influences, and features symphonic works as well as music influences, and features symphonic works as well as music for soloists, has received international acclaim thanks to for soloists, has received international acclaim thanks to composers like composers like Ernesto LecuonaErnesto Lecuona. Havana was the heart of . Havana was the heart of the the raprap scene in Cuba when it began in the 1990s. During scene in Cuba when it began in the 1990s. During that time, that time, reggaetónreggaetón was growing in popularity. Dance in was growing in popularity. Dance in Cuba has taken a major boost over the 1990s.Cuba has taken a major boost over the 1990s.

CuisineCuisine

• A traditional meal of A traditional meal of ropa viejaropa vieja (shredded flank steak in a (shredded flank steak in a tomato sauce base), black beans, yellow rice, plantains and tomato sauce base), black beans, yellow rice, plantains and fried yuca with beer.fried yuca with beer.

• Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Cuban cuisine is a fusion of SpanishSpanish and Caribbean and Caribbean cuisines. Cuban recipes share spices and techniques with cuisines. Cuban recipes share spices and techniques with Spanish cooking, with some Caribbean influence in spice Spanish cooking, with some Caribbean influence in spice and flavor. Food rationing, which has been the norm in and flavor. Food rationing, which has been the norm in Cuba for the last four decades, restricts the common Cuba for the last four decades, restricts the common availability of these dishes.[173] The traditional Cuban meal availability of these dishes.[173] The traditional Cuban meal is not served in courses; all food items are served at the is not served in courses; all food items are served at the same time. The typical meal could consist of plantains, same time. The typical meal could consist of plantains, black beans and rice, black beans and rice, ropa viejaropa vieja (shredded beef), Cuban (shredded beef), Cuban bread, pork with onions, and tropical fruits. Black beans and bread, pork with onions, and tropical fruits. Black beans and rice, referred to as rice, referred to as Platillo Moros y CristianosPlatillo Moros y Cristianos (or (or morosmoros for for short), and plantains are staples of the Cuban diet. Many of short), and plantains are staples of the Cuban diet. Many of the meat dishes are cooked slowly with light sauces. Garlic, the meat dishes are cooked slowly with light sauces. Garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves are the dominant spices. cumin, oregano, and bay leaves are the dominant spices.