History of Cuba in Timeline

Cuba is a Caribbean island country composed of the main island and thousands of smaller islands, islets, and cays. It is positioned at the intersection of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean, near the Yucatan Peninsula, Florida, the Bahamas, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Havana serves as its capital and largest city. With a population of around 10 million, Cuba is the third most populous Caribbean nation and the largest by area. It is culturally considered part of Latin America.

May 1902: Formal Independence of Cuba

On 20 May 1902, Cuba gained formal independence as the Republic of Cuba with the end of U.S. military government jurisdiction.

1902: Independence of Cuba

In 1902, Cuba gained independence from the United States after the Spanish-American War and subsequent occupation.

1902: Start of the Republican Period

In 1902, the Republican period began in Cuba, leading to the construction of public and commercial buildings.

1906: US Intervenes After Disputed Elections

Following disputed elections in 1906, Tomás Estrada Palma faced an armed revolt, leading to U.S. intervention and the naming of Charles Edward Magoon as governor.

1908: Restoration of Self-Government

In 1908, self-government was restored when José Miguel Gómez was elected president, although the U.S. continued intervening in Cuban affairs.

1912: Suppression of the Partido Independiente de Color

In 1912, the Partido Independiente de Color attempted to establish a separate black republic in Oriente Province but was suppressed by General Monteagudo.

1921: Capablanca chess champion

In 1921, Jose R. Capablanca became a Cuban world chess champion.

1924: Election of Gerardo Machado

In 1924, Gerardo Machado was elected president, leading to increased tourism and construction of American-owned hotels and restaurants.

1927: End of Capablanca's Chess championship

In 1927, Jose R. Capablanca lost his title as a Cuban world chess champion.

1929: Wall Street Crash

The Wall Street crash of 1929 led to a collapse in the price of sugar, political unrest, and repression in Cuba.

1930: Immigration to Cuba

Between 1899 and 1930 alone, nearly one million Spaniards entered Cuba, although many eventually returned to Spain.

1930: Student protests known as Generation of 1930

In 1930, protesting students, known as the Generation of 1930, turned to violence in opposition to the increasingly unpopular Machado.

August 1933: Machado forced into exile

In August 1933, a general strike, uprisings among sugar workers, and an army revolt forced Gerardo Machado into exile.

September 1933: Sergeants' Revolt

In September 1933, the Sergeants' Revolt, led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista, overthrew Céspedes.

1933: Extension of economic regulations

Between 1933 and 1958, Cuba extended economic regulations enormously, causing economic problems.

1933: Coup against Carlos Manuel de Céspedes y Quesada

In 1933, a coup toppled the democratically elected government of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes y Quesada, marking the beginning of military influence, particularly by Fulgencio Batista.

1934: Grau's resignation

In 1934, Ramón Grau San Martín resigned as provisional president, leaving the way clear for Batista.

1935: Political Structures

In 1935, Cuba suffered from fragile political structures, with three presidents in two years (1935–1936) and in the militaristic and repressive policies of Batista as head of the army.

1936: Political structures

In 1936, Cuba suffered from fragile political structures, with three presidents in two years (1935–1936) and in the militaristic and repressive policies of Batista as head of the army.

1937: Period of social and political warfare

The period from 1933 to 1937 was a time of "virtually unremitting social and political warfare".

1940: Batista Suspends Constitution

Back in power and receiving financial, military, and logistical support from the United States government, Batista suspended the 1940 constitution and revoked most political liberties, including the right to strike.

1940: Constitutions strictures

Batista adhered to the 1940 constitution's strictures preventing his re-election.

1940: Implementation of New Constitution

In 1940, Cuba implemented a new constitution amid rising political unrest.

1940: 1940 Constitution and Batista's election

In 1940, The 1940 Constitution of Cuba engineered radically progressive ideas, including the right to labor and right to health care, and Batista was elected president.

1944: Batista in Florida

After finishing his term in 1944, Batista lived in Florida.

1944: Grau re-elected

Grau was re-elected president in 1944.

1944: End of Batista's Term

In 1944, Batista's term as president ended.

1948: Prío Socarrás becomes president

In 1948, Carlos Prío Socarrás, a protégé of Grau, became president.

1948: Union yellowness

The labor unions, manipulated by the previous government since 1948 through union "yellowness", supported Batista.

1952: Batista's Coup and Policies

In 1952, Batista led a military coup, suspended the 1940 constitution, revoked political liberties, aligned with landowners, and outlawed the Cuban Communist Party.

1952: Cuban Coup d'état by Batista

In 1952, Fulgencio Batista led a coup d'état, establishing an autocratic government.

1956: Castro lands from Granma

In 1956, Castro and about 80 supporters landed from the yacht Granma in an attempt to start a rebellion against the Batista government.

1957: Infant mortality rate in 1957

In 1957, Cuba had an infant mortality rate of 32 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

1958: Rebels launch popular insurrection

By late 1958, the rebels had broken out of the Sierra Maestra and launched a general popular insurrection.

1958: Labor Union privileges

In 1958 Cuba was a well-advanced country compared to other Latin American regions, but it was affected by perhaps Latin America's largest labor union privileges, including bans on dismissals and mechanization.

1958: US arms embargo and support for Castro

In 1958, Castro's 26th of July Movement emerged as the leading revolutionary group, and the U.S. supported Castro by imposing an arms embargo against Batista's government.

January 1959: Start of Emigration

During the three decades after January 1959, more than one million Cubans emigrated to the United States.

January 1959: Overthrow of Batista's Government

In January 1959, the 26th of July Movement overthrew Fulgencio Batista's autocratic government during the Cuban Revolution, establishing communist rule under Fidel Castro.

January 1959: Batista flees Cuba

On 1 January 1959, after Castro's fighters captured Santa Clara, Batista fled to the Dominican Republic, marking the end of his rule and beginning of a new era for Cuba.

1959: Post-revolution national programs

After the 1959 revolution, Cuba implemented a national literacy campaign, free education, and sports, ballet, and music programs.

1959: Cuba's post-revolution performance

After the 1959 revolution, Cuba performed better than other Latin American countries in infant and maternal mortality, and life expectancy.

1959: Executions following the Revolution

From 1959, following the Cuban Revolution, public trials and executions of policemen, politicians, and informers of the Batista regime took place.

1959: Cuban revolution

In 1959 the cuban revolution took place.

1959: Missions to the Dominican Republic

In 1959, Cuba launched missions to the Dominican Republic.

1959: Start of the Cuban Revolution

In 1959, the Cuban Revolution took place.

1959: Hostility towards homosexuality

Official policies of the government from 1959 until the 1990s were hostile towards homosexuality, with the LGBT community marginalized.

1959: US military presence in Guantánamo Bay regarded as illegal

Since 1959, Cuba has regarded the U.S. military presence in Guantánamo Bay as illegal.

1959: End of the Republican Period

The Republican period in Cuba ended in 1959, marking a shift in architectural development.

February 1960: Commercial Agreement with the Soviet Union

In February 1960, Castro signed a commercial agreement with Soviet Vice-Premier Anastas Mikoyan, strengthening ties between Cuba and the Soviet Union.

March 1960: Eisenhower approves CIA plan to overthrow Castro

In March 1960, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved a CIA plan to arm and train Cuban refugees to overthrow Fidel Castro's government.

April 1960: Internal memo arguing in favor of an embargo

On April 6, 1960, U.S. diplomat Lester D. Mallory wrote an internal memo arguing in favor of an embargo against Cuba.

1960: Start of US trade embargo

Cuba’s economy is heavily impacted by the US trade embargo, which began in the 1960's.

April 1961: Bay of Pigs Invasion

On April 15, 1961, Brigade 2506 carried out airstrikes on Cuban military airfields. The Bay of Pigs invasion occurred on April 17, 1961, with 1,400 Cuban exiles landing but being defeated by Cuban troops by April 19.

1961: Population Growth

Although Cuba's population has grown by about four million people since 1961, the rate of growth slowed during that period.

1961: Support for Algeria

From 1961 to 1965, Cuba supported Algeria.

1961: Cuban government imposes travel restrictions

In 1961 the Cuban government had imposed broad restrictions on travel to prevent the mass emigration of people after the 1959 revolution; it approved exit visas only on rare occasions.

1961: Foreign Assistance Act

In 1961, the Foreign Assistance Act was approved by Congress.

January 1962: Cuba suspended from OAS

In January 1962, Cuba was suspended from the Organization of American States (OAS), and sanctions were imposed similar to those of the U.S.

October 1962: Cuban Missile Crisis

In October 1962, the failed Bay of Pigs invasion led to the Soviet decision to deploy R-12 missiles in Cuba, sparking the Cuban Missile Crisis.

1962: Cuban Missile Crisis

In 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred, widely considered the closest the Cold War came to escalating into nuclear war, due to the contention between the Soviet Union and the United States.

1962: Intensified Embargo under Kennedy

In 1962, under John F. Kennedy's administration, the U.S. embargo on Cuba was intensified, extending restrictions to Cuban imports.

1963: Cuba moves towards communism

By 1963, Cuba was transitioning towards a communist state system modeled after the USSR.

1963: Cuba supports Algeria in the Sand War

In 1963, Cuba sent 686 troops, 22 tanks and other military equipment to support Algeria in the Sand War against Morocco.

1964: Menoyo sets up training camp

In 1964, Eloy Gutiérrez Menoyo established a guerrilla training camp in the Dominican Republic for Alpha 66.

1964: US trade ban

In response to the Agrarian Reform Law, expropriating thousands of acres of farmland (including from large U.S. landholders), between 1960 and 1964 the U.S. imposed a range of sanctions, eventually including a total ban on trade between the countries and a freeze on all Cuban-owned assets in the U.S.

1965: Support for Algeria

From 1961 to 1965, Cuba supported Algeria.

1965: Menoyo captured, Alpha 66 continues raids

In 1965, Eloy Gutiérrez Menoyo was captured after entering Cuba; however, Alpha 66 continued its raids under new leadership.

1966: Cuban troops prevent coup in Republic of the Congo

In 1966, Cuban troops successfully prevented a coup attempt in the Republic of the Congo.

1967: Che Guevara killed in Bolivia

In 1967, Che Guevara, authorized by Castro, was killed while trying to start a revolution in Bolivia.

1968: "Revolutionary offensive" nationalizes businesses

Starting in 1968, a "revolutionary offensive" was initiated to nationalize private small businesses and focus on sugar production.

November 1969: Cuban captain captured in Guinea-Bissau War of Independence

In November 1969, during the Guinea-Bissau War of Independence, Portuguese troops captured Cuban Captain Pedro Rodriguez Peralta.

1970: Sugar harvest goal not reached, economy declines

By 1970, the goal of producing 10 million tons of sugar was not reached, leading to economic decline due to the neglect of other sectors.

1970: Castro admits failures of economic policies

In 1970, Fidel Castro admitted the failures of his economic policies, acknowledging the "extremely spartan" standard of living.

1972: Cuba sends military mission to South Yemen

In 1972, Cuba dispatched a military mission consisting of tank, air, and artillery specialists to South Yemen.

1973: Cuban tank brigade engages in battle in Golan Heights

In 1973, during the Syrian-Israeli conflict following the Yom Kippur War, Israeli sources reported a Cuban tank brigade engaged in battle on the Golan Heights.

1974: Cuban tank brigade engages in battle in Golan Heights

In 1974, during the Syrian-Israeli conflict following the Yom Kippur War, Israeli sources reported a Cuban tank brigade engaged in battle on the Golan Heights.

November 1975: Cuba deploys troops and tanks to Angola

In November 1975, Cuba deployed over 65,000 troops and 400 Soviet-made tanks in Angola.

1975: Soviet Military Assistance

From 1975 until the late 1980s, Soviet military assistance enabled Cuba to upgrade its military capabilities.

1975: OAS lifts sanctions against Cuba

In 1975, the Organization of American States (OAS) lifted its sanctions against Cuba with the approval of 16 member states, including the United States.

1975: Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba meetings

Since 1975, the Communist Party of Cuba holds Congress meetings approximately every 5 years.

1976: Constitution of 1976 Defines Cuba as a Socialist Republic

The Constitution of 1976 defined Cuba as a socialist republic.

December 1977: Cuba sends troops to Ethiopia

In December 1977, Cuba sent combat troops from Angola, the People's Republic of the Congo, and the Caribbean to Ethiopia, assisted by mechanized Soviet battalions, to help defeat a Somali invasion.

January 1978: Ethiopian and Cuban troops counterattack

On January 24, 1978, Ethiopian and Cuban troops counterattacked, inflicting 3,000 casualties on the Somali forces.

1979: U.S. objects to Soviet combat troops on the island

In 1979, the U.S. objected to the presence of Soviet combat troops on the island of Cuba.

1980: Cuban military advisors mission cancelled

In 1980, the Cuban military advisors mission to Iraq was cancelled after Iraq invaded Iran.

1980: Mariel boatlift mentioned as a comparative migration event.

The 1980 Mariel boatlift is referenced as one of Cuba's largest previous migration events, in comparison to the surge of Cuban migrants in the 2020s.

1981: Public vs Private Sector Employment

In 1981, public sector employment was 91.8% and private sector 8.2%.

1983: U.S. invades Grenada

Following the coup in Grenada in 1983, U.S. forces invaded Grenada, overthrowing the pro-Castro government.

1984: CIA report on Soviet Aid to Cuba

According to a CIA declassified report, by 1984, Cuba had received $33 billion in Soviet aid.

1985: Peak Military Spending in Cuba

In 1985, Cuba devoted more than 10% of its GDP to military expenditures.

1987: Amnesty International reports official death sentences

According to Amnesty International, from 1959 to 1987, there were 237 official death sentences, with all but 21 being carried out.

1988: Cubans fight in Battle of Cuito Cuanavale

In 1988, at the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, Cuban forces alongside their MPLA allies fought against UNITA rebels and South African forces.

September 1989: Cuban forces remained in Ethiopia

Cuban forces remained in Ethiopia until September 1989.

1989: Cuba withdraws troops from Angola

Cuba gradually withdrew its troops from Angola in 1989.

1990: Infant mortality rate in 1990-95

Between 1990 and 1995, Cuba's infant mortality rate declined to 10 deaths per 1,000 live births.

September 1991: Soviet troops withdraw from Cuba

In September 1991, Soviet troops began to withdraw from Cuba.

December 1991: Collapse of the Soviet Union

In December 1991, the collapse of the Soviet Union severely tested Castro's rule, leading to a period known as the Special Period in Cuba.

1991: Medical care suffers after Soviet subsidies end

In 1991, Cuba's medical care system suffered from severe material shortages following the end of Soviet subsidies.

1991: Dissolution of the Soviet Union

The 2024–2026 Cuba blackouts were the most severe living crisis that the country has experienced since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

1992: Cuba signs the Convention on Biological Diversity

In 1992, Cuba signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

1992: Tightening of the U.S. embargo impacts medical care

In 1992, a tightening of the U.S. embargo exacerbated the material shortages in Cuba's medical care system.

1992: Amendment to the Constitution

In 1992, the Constitution was amended.

1992: Cuban Democracy Act and UN Resolution

In 1992, the Cuban Democracy Act stated sanctions would continue until Cuba moved toward democratization and greater respect for human rights. Also since 1992, the UN General Assembly has passed a resolution every year condemning the embargo.

1992: Constitutional amendment on religion

In 1992, the Cuban government amended the constitution, dropping the state's characterization as atheistic and increasing religious freedom.

1992: Enclave Tourism

In 1992, tourism was restricted to enclave resorts, referred to as "enclave tourism" and "tourism apartheid."

1993: Cuba accepts American donations

In 1993, the Cuban government began to accept American donations of food, medicines, and cash.

August 1994: State security disperses protesters in Havana

On August 5, 1994, state security dispersed protesters in a spontaneous protest in Havana.

September 1994: Agreement on Visas and Departures

On 9 September 1994, the U.S. and Cuban governments agreed that the U.S. would grant at least 20,000 visas annually in exchange for Cuba's pledge to prevent further unlawful departures on boats.

1994: Reduction in Military Personnel

After the loss of Soviet subsidies, Cuba scaled down the number of military personnel, from 235,000 in 1994.

1994: Cuban rafter crisis mentioned as a comparative migration event

The 1994 Cuban rafter crisis is referenced as one of Cuba's largest previous migration events, in comparison to the surge of Cuban migrants in the 2020s.

1995: GDP shrinks by 35%

From the start of the crisis until 1995, Cuba saw its gross domestic product (GDP) shrink by 35%.

1996: U.S. Congress passes Helms–Burton Act

In 1996, after Cuban fighter jets shot down two small aircraft piloted by a Florida-based anti-Castro group, the U.S. Congress passed the Helms–Burton Act.

1996: Helms-Burton Act Passed

In 1996, the United States passed the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, known as the Helms–Burton Act, strengthening the embargo against Cuba.

1997: Restrictions on contact lifted

Contact between foreign visitors and ordinary Cubans were de facto illegal between 1992 and 1997.

1998: Pope John Paul II visits Cuba

In 1998, Pope John Paul II visited Cuba as a humanitarian gesture the government pardoned prisoners prior to the visit.

2000: Infant mortality rate in 2000-2005

Between 2000 and 2005, Cuba's infant mortality rate declined to 6.1 deaths per 1,000 live births.

2002: Further Amendment to the Constitution

In 2002, the Constitution was further amended.

2002: Cuban Census Racial Composition

The 2002 Cuban census found that 65.05% of the population was white.

2003: Tourism Figures

In 2003, 1.9 million tourists visited Cuba, predominantly from Canada and the European Union, generating revenue of US$2.1 billion.

2003: Government arrests civil activists during "Black Spring"

In 2003, the Cuban government arrested and imprisoned a large number of civil activists, a period known as the "Black Spring".

2004: Batista's status

As of 2004, Batista is the only non-white Cuban to win the nation's highest political office.

2005: Infant mortality rate in 2000-2005

Between 2000 and 2005, Cuba's infant mortality rate declined to 6.1 deaths per 1,000 live births.

2005: Cuban Exports and Imports

In 2005, Cuba's exports totaled US$2.4 billion, ranking 114th globally, while imports amounted to US$6.9 billion, ranking 87th.

2005: Oil Exploration

Oil exploration in 2005 by the US Geological Survey revealed that the North Cuba Basin could produce about 4.6 billion barrels (730,000,000 m3) to 9.3 billion barrels (1.48×109 m3) of oil.

2006: Public vs Private Sector Employment

By 2006, public sector employment in Cuba was 78% and private sector 22%.

2006: Low Birth Rate

Cuba's birth rate (9.88 births per thousand population in 2006) is one of the lowest in the Western Hemisphere, and the population began to decline.

2006: Test Drilling for Oil

In 2006, Cuba started to test-drill these locations for possible oil exploitation.

2006: Catholicism as the dominant faith

In 2006, despite less than half of the population identifying as Catholic, Roman Catholicism remained the dominant faith in Cuba.

February 2008: Castro resigns as President

In February 2008, Fidel Castro resigned as President of the State Council due to illness.

2008: National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan Submission

In 2008, Cuba submitted a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, detailing the numbers of species recorded in Cuba.

2008: Castro's Retirement

In 2008, Fidel Castro retired after 49 years, and Raúl Castro was elected as his successor.

2008: Agrarian Reforms Enacted

In 2008, Raúl Castro began enacting agrarian reforms to boost food production, aiming to expand land use and increase efficiency, as 80% of food was imported at that time.

2008: Abandonment of Wage Caps

In 2008, it was announced that wage caps would be abandoned to improve the nation's productivity.

2008: EU and Cuba Resume Relations

In 2008, the European Union and Cuba agreed to resume full relations and cooperation activities.

March 2009: Raúl Castro removes appointees

In March 2009, Raúl Castro removed some of his brother's appointees.

2009: Infant mortality rate in 2009

In 2009, Cuba's infant mortality rate was recorded at 5.13 deaths per 1,000 live births.

2009: Obama Seeks New Beginning with Cuba

In 2009, United States President Barack Obama stated "the United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba", and he reversed the Bush Administration's prohibition on travel and remittances by Cuban-Americans from the United States to Cuba.

July 2010: Cuban Human Rights Commission Report

In July 2010, the unofficial Cuban Human Rights Commission reported 167 political prisoners in Cuba, a decrease from the start of the year.

2010: Population Census

According to the official census of 2010, Cuba's population was 11,241,161, comprising 5,628,996 men and 5,612,165 women.

2010: Cubans Allowed to Build Own Houses

In 2010, Cubans were allowed to build their own houses, but the government would not endorse these new houses or improvements.

2010: Pew Forum on religious affiliation

In 2010, the Pew Forum estimated that religious affiliation in Cuba was 59.2% Christian, 23% unaffiliated, 17.4% folk religion, and 0.4% other religions.

August 2011: Cuba to Legalize Private Property Sales

On August 2011, Cuba reaffirmed its intent to legalize "buying and selling" of private property before the year's end, potentially transforming the Cuban economy.

2011: Muslim community in Cuba

In 2011, Cuba hosted a community of approximately 6,000 Muslims.

2011: International Tourists

In 2011, Cuba recorded 2,688,000 international tourists, the third-highest figure in the Caribbean.

2011: Pope Benedict XVI visits Cuba

In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI visited Cuba and as a humanitarian gesture the government pardoned prisoners prior to the visit.

2011: Nickel Exports

In 2011, nickel accounted for 21% of Cuba's total exports.

2011: Communist Party Membership Numbers

In 2011, the Communist Party stated it had 800,000 members.

2011: Cimavax available to Cuban population

Since 2011, the lung cancer vaccine, Cimavax, has been available for free to the Cuban population.

2012: WWF Study of Cuba

According to a 2012 study, Cuba is the only country in the world to meet the conditions of sustainable development put forth by the WWF.

2012: Jewish community in Cuba

In 2012, Cuba hosted a small community of approximately 500 Jews.

2012: Major Export Partners

In 2012, Cuba's major export partners included Canada (17.7%), China (16.9%), Venezuela (12.5%), Netherlands (9%), and Spain (5.9%).

2012: Peak in Cuban population

In 2012, the Cuban population peaked at 11.2 million, before a subsequent decline in the following years.

January 2013: Travel Restrictions Lifted

Prior to 13 January 2013, Cuban citizens could not travel abroad, leave or return to Cuba without first obtaining official permission along with applying for a government-issued passport and travel visa, which was often denied.

October 2013: Intention to Merge Currencies

In October 2013, Raúl Castro said he intended to merge the two currencies.

2013: Nickel Reserves

As of 2013, Cuba's nickel reserves were estimated at 5.5 million tons, over 7% of the world total.

2013: Top emigration destinations in 2013

As of 2013, the top emigration destinations for Cubans were the United States, Spain, Italy, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

2013: Cuba ends travel restrictions

In 2013, Cuba ended the requirement for citizens to obtain a government permit and invitation letter to travel abroad.

2013: Cybercafes open across Cuba

In 2013, ETECSA opened 118 cybercafes across Cuba to increase internet accessibility.

2014: Study on Ancestry

A 2014 study found that, based on ancestry informative markers, autosomal genetic ancestry is 72% European, 20% African, and 8% Indigenous.

2014: Cuban healthcare workers abroad

Around 2014, there were approximately 50,000 Cuban-trained health care workers aiding 66 nations.

2014: "Cuban thaw"

In 2014, an agreement between the United States and Cuba, popularly called the "Cuban thaw", began the process of restoring international relations between the two countries.

2014: Remittances to Cuba

In 2014, remittances to Cuba exceeded US$3 million, ranking as the seventh highest in Latin America.

2014: Release of Alan Gross and political prisoners

In 2014, talks with American officials led to the release of Alan Gross, 52 political prisoners, and an unnamed non-citizen agent of the United States in exchange for three Cubans convicted of espionage in the United States, and a relaxation of the embargo.

2015: Foreign-Born Population

As of 2015, the foreign-born population in Cuba was 13,336 inhabitants per the World Bank data.

2015: Cuba eradicates mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis

In 2015, Cuba became the first country to eradicate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

2015: Pope Francis visits Cuba

In 2015, Pope Francis visited Cuba and as a humanitarian gesture the government pardoned prisoners prior to the visit.

2015: Reestablishment of diplomatic relations and removal from terrorism list

In 2015, the United States opened an embassy in Havana and reestablished diplomatic relations. Obama announced he would remove Cuba from the American government's list of nations that sponsor terrorism.

2015: Univision survey on religion

In a 2015 survey sponsored by Univision, 44% of Cubans said they were not religious, and 9% did not give an answer while only 34% said they were Christian.

August 2016: Dual Currency System Remains

As of August 2016, the dual currency system remained in force despite the intention to merge the two currencies.

2016: CIA World Factbook on Cuba's GDP

According to the CIA World Factbook, Cuba's GDP per capita was $12,300 as of 2016.

2016: Limited American Tourism

In 2016, American tourism was incredibly limited due to the Cuban Missile Crisis until 2016, when most restrictions were limited but some remained in place.

2016: Income Distribution

In 2016, approximately 27 percent of Cubans earned under $50 per month, 34 percent earned $50 to $100 per month, and 20 percent earned $101 to $200 per month.

September 2017: Hurricane Irma hits Cuba

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma struck Cuba with winds of 260 km/h (160 mph), primarily affecting the Camagüey Archipelago and the northern coast. The storm caused extensive damage to hospitals, warehouses, and factories, leaving much of the north coast without electricity. Nearly one million people were evacuated, and the Varadero resort area suffered widespread damage. Ten people died during the storm, most in Havana due to building collapses.

September 2017: United States considered closing its Cuban embassy

On 17 September 2017, the United States considered closing its Cuban embassy following mysterious medical symptoms experienced by its staff.

2017: Expected Number of Cooperatives Operating

By 2017, the Cuban government expected there to be approximately 10,000 cooperatives operating.

2017: Cuba signs UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

In 2017, Cuba signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

April 2018: Miguel Díaz-Canel Elected President

On April 18, 2018, Miguel Díaz-Canel was elected president of Cuba following the resignation of Raúl Castro.

2018: Mountaineering Potential

A study in 2018 indicated that Cuba has a potential for mountaineering activity, and that mountaineering could be a key contributor to tourism, along with other activities, e.g. biking, diving, caving.

2018: Cuban Military Spending

As of 2018, Cuba spent about US$91.8 million on its armed forces or 2.9% of its GDP.

2018: Raúl Castro's retirement

In 2018, Raúl Castro retired as president of the Council of State, and Miguel Díaz-Canel was elected president by the National Assembly.

2018: Miguel Díaz-Canel elected president

In 2018, Raúl Castro stepped down from the presidency, and Miguel Díaz-Canel was elected president of the State Council.

2018: Mobile internet access available

Since 2018, access to the Internet by mobile data has been available in Cuba.

2018: Increased internet access in Cuba

Since 2018, access to the internet became more widely available in Cuba, contributing to increased calls for political and economic liberalization.

May 2019: Rationing of Staples

In May 2019, Cuba imposed rationing of staples such as chicken, eggs, rice, beans, and soap.

June 2019: Increase in Public Sector Wages

In June 2019, the Cuban government announced an increase in public sector wages of about 300%, specifically for teachers and health personnel.

2019: Cuba's Main Trading Partners

According to 2019 data, China stands as Cuba's main trading partner, followed by countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and Cyprus.

2019: Ratification of the 2019 Constitution

Following the ratification of the 2019 Constitution, the President of Cuba is limited to two consecutive five-year terms.

2019: Cubans with internet access

In 2019, 7.1 million Cubans had access to the Internet.

2019: Cuba approves a new constitution

In 2019, Cuba approved a new constitution that recognizes the Communist Party as the only legitimate political party, describes access to health and education as fundamental rights, imposes presidential term limits, and recognizes private property.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index Ranking

In 2019, Cuba had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 5.4/10, ranking it 102nd globally out of 172 countries.

2019: Growth of Remittances to Cuba

In 2019, remittances to Cuba grew to US$6,616 million.

July 2020: New Stores Accepting Foreign Currency

In July 2020, Cuba opened new stores accepting only foreign currency while simultaneously eliminating a special tax on the U.S. dollar to combat an economic crisis.

2020: Cuba's GDP Per Capita

According to the World Bank, Cuba's GDP per capita was $9,500 as of 2020.

2020: World Press Freedom Index Ranking

Cuba ranks 171st out of 180 on the 2020 World Press Freedom Index.

2020: Decline in Remittances due to COVID-19

In 2020, remittances to Cuba dropped to US$1,967 million, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Tourism decline due to pandemic

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a severe decline in Cuba's tourism revenue, with the number of tourists decreasing by 75%.

January 2021: Economic reform and internet prices

In January 2021, an economic reform in Cuba increased salaries, but internet prices remained stable, making it relatively more affordable.

January 2021: End of Dual Currency System

On January 1, 2021, Cuba's dual currency system was formally ended, with the convertible Cuban peso (CUC) phased out, leaving the Cuban peso (CUP) as the sole currency.

April 2021: Díaz-Canel Becomes First Secretary of the Communist Party

On April 19, 2021, Miguel Díaz-Canel became the First Secretary of the Communist Party, the first non-Castro to hold the position since the Cuban Revolution of 1959.

June 2021: Deadline to exchange CUCs

Cuban citizens had until June 2021 to exchange their CUCs.

July 2021: Large protests against the government

In July 2021, there were large protests against the government in Cuba under the banner of Patria y Vida.

2021: Minimum and Median Monthly Wage

After a reform in 2021, the minimum monthly wage in Cuba is about 2100 CUP (US$81), and the median monthly wage is about 4000 CUP (US$155).

2021: Reduction in Military Personnel

After the loss of Soviet subsidies, Cuba scaled down the numbers of military personnel to about 49,000 in 2021.

2021: Cuba Ranked Among Top Imprisoned Journalist Nations

Cuba was ranked 19th by the number of imprisoned journalists of any nation in 2021 according to various sources, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Human Rights Watch.

2021: Díaz-Canel elected First Secretary

In 2021, Raúl Castro retired as First Secretary of the Communist Party, and Miguel Díaz-Canel was elected thereafter.

2021: Monetary reforms and Cuban protests

In 2021, monetary reforms in Cuba led to inflation and food scarcity, exacerbating the prominence of the black market, and Cuban protests took place, fueled by internet access and social media.

2021: Human Development Index

In 2021, the United Nations Development Programme gave Cuba a Human Development Index of 0.764.

2021: Cuban migration to the U.S. surges

In 2021, the number of Cubans attempting to enter the United States via the Mexican border surged to 39,000, marking a significant increase in migration.

November 2022: Diaz-Canel visits Vladimir Putin in Moscow

In November 2022, Miguel Diaz-Canel visited Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where they opened a monument of Fidel Castro and spoke out against U.S. sanctions against Russia and Cuba.

2022: Referendum on Family Code Approved

In 2022 Cuba approved a referendum which amended the Family Code to legalise same-sex marriage and allow surrogate pregnancy and same-sex adoption.

2022: Record migration from Cuba

In 2022, Cuba experienced a record number of citizens fleeing the island, with over 224,000 Cubans attempting to enter the United States, representing more than 2% of Cuba's population.

2023: Poverty Estimate

A 2023 study by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights estimated that 88% of the population lives in extreme poverty.

2023: Report on Extreme Poverty

According to a 2023 report by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, 88% of Cuban citizens live in extreme poverty.

2023: Multidimensional Poverty Index

In 2023, the United Nations agency estimated the country's Multidimensional Poverty Index of 0.003.

January 2024: Defense pact with Belarus

Since signing a defense pact with Belarus in January 2024, Cuba has upgraded its S-125 Pechora air defense systems with Belarusian support.

2024: Cuba's ranking on Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index

In 2024, Cuba ranked 29th on the Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index, making it the highest-ranking developing country on the index.

2024: Cubans with internet access

In 2024, it was reported that 8.19 million Cuban people have Internet access.

2024: Severe blackouts in Cuba

The 2024 Cuba blackouts were the most severe living crisis that the country has experienced since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

2025: Cuban population dips below 10 million

In 2025, Cuba's national population dipped below 10 million for the first time since 1980, marking a 13% population loss since 2012.

February 2026: Energy shortages and the 2026 Cuban crisis

In February 2026, Cuba experienced significant energy shortages due to the United States intervention in Venezuela (a major oil supplier to Cuba) and expanded US sanctions. These shortages led to rolling blackouts, hospital supply issues, and flight cancellations, culminating in the 2026 Cuban crisis. UN experts criticized the US sanctions as a violation of international law.