History of Cuba in Timeline

Cuba is an island country in the Caribbean, comprised of the main island of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud, and numerous surrounding islands, islets, and cays. Its geographical location is where the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean converge, situating it near Mexico, the United States, the Bahamas, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Havana serves as its capital and largest city. With a population of approximately 10 million, Cuba ranks as the third-most populous nation in the Caribbean and is the largest in terms of land area.

May 1902: Formal Independence from the U.S.

On May 20, 1902, Cuba gained formal independence from the U.S. as the Republic of Cuba, although the U.S. retained certain rights.

1902: Independence

In 1902, Cuba gained independence from the United States after being occupied following the Spanish-American War.

1906: U.S. Intervention After Disputed Elections

In 1906, following disputed elections and an armed revolt, the U.S. intervened in Cuba, appointing Charles Edward Magoon as Governor.

1908: Restoration of Self-Government

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

1912: Suppression of the Partido Independiente de Color

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

1921: Jose R. Capablanca World Chess Champion

Jose R. Capablanca became the Cuban world chess champion in 1921.

1924: Gerardo Machado Elected President

In 1924, Gerardo Machado was elected president of Cuba, leading to an increase in tourism and American investment.

1927: End of Capablanca's Chess Reign

In 1927, Jose R. Capablanca's reign as the Cuban world chess champion came to an end.

1929: Wall Street Crash and Sugar Price Collapse

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

1930: Immigration to Cuba

Between 1899 and 1930, close to a million Spaniards immigrated to Cuba, though many eventually returned to Spain.

1930: Student Protests

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 Machado into exile, and he was replaced by Carlos Manuel de Céspedes y Quesada.

September 1933: Sergeants' Revolt

In September 1933, the Sergeants' Revolt, led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista, overthrew Céspedes. A five-member executive committee was chosen to head a provisional government, and Ramón Grau San Martín was then appointed as provisional president.

1933: Economic Regulations Extended

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

1934: Grau Resigns

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

1935: Political Instability

Cuba suffered from fragile political structures, reflected in the fact that it saw three different presidents in two years (1935–1936)

1936: Political Instability

Cuba suffered from fragile political structures, reflected in the fact that it saw three different presidents in two years (1935–1936)

1937: Time of Warfare

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

1940: Suspension of the 1940 Constitution

After the coup in 1952, Batista suspended the 1940 Constitution.

1940: Cuba suffered from fragile political structures

From 1933 to 1940 Cuba suffered from fragile political structures.

1940: New Constitution Implemented

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

1940: New Constitution Adopted and Batista Elected

In 1940, a new constitution was adopted in Cuba, and Batista was elected president the same year.

1944: Batista Lived in Florida

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

1944: End of Batista's First Term

In 1944, Batista's first term as president ended.

1944: Ramon Grau San Martin Elected

In 1944, Ramon Grau San Martin won the election.

1948: Carlos Prío Socarrás Becomes President

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

1948: Union "yellowness"

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

1952: Batista's Coup

In 1952, Batista led a military coup, preempting the election and returning to power.

1952: Cuban coup d'état

In 1952, political unrest culminated in the Cuban coup d'état and the subsequent dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista.

1956: Castro Lands in Cuba

In 1956, Fidel 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, Cuba had an infant mortality rate of 32 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

1957: Literacy Rate Before Castro

In 1957, just before Castro came to power, the literacy rate in Cuba was almost 80%, ranking fourth in the region according to the United Nations.

December 1958: Batista's Resignation

In December 1958, Batista resigned under pressure from the US Embassy and due to the military victories of revolutionary forces led by Fidel Castro. Santa Clara city fell into the rebels hands on 31 December, in a conflict known as the Battle of Santa Clara.

1958: Rebels Break Out of Sierra Maestra

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

1958: Castro's Movement Emerges; U.S. Arms Embargo

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

January 1959: Cuban Revolution

In January 1959, the Batista government was overthrown by the 26th of July Movement during the Cuban Revolution, establishing communist rule under Fidel Castro.

January 1959: Batista Flees; Castro Enters Capital

On 1 January 1959, after Castro's fighters captured Santa Clara, Batista fled with his family. On 8 January 1959, Fidel Castro's forces entered the capital.

January 1959: Start of Emigration Post-Revolution

Post-revolution Cuba since January 1959 has been characterized by significant levels of emigration.

1959: Start of National Literacy Campaign

After the 1959 revolution, the Cuban government started a national literacy campaign and offered free education to all.

1959: Cuban pesos at par with US dollar

Before 1959, Cuban pesos (CUP) were set at par with the US dollar.

1959: Executions Following the Revolution

Following the 1959 Revolution, the vast majority of those executed were policemen, politicians, and informers of the Batista regime accused of crimes such as torture and murder.

1959: LGBT community marginalized

From 1959 to the 1990s official policies of the Cuban government were hostile toward homosexuality and the LGBT community was marginalized.

1959: Missions to the Dominican Republic

In 1959, Cuba launched missions to the Dominican Republic.

1959: Escambray Rebellion

In 1959, militant anti-Castro groups, funded by the CIA and Rafael Trujillo, started the Escambray rebellion which lasted until 1965.

1959: Government Control over the Economy

The island's persistent shortages of food and medicine can be attributed to stringent government control over the economy since 1959.

February 1960: Commercial Agreement with Soviet Union

In February 1960, Castro signed a commercial agreement with Soviet Vice-Premier Anastas Mikoyan.

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: Mallory Memo

On April 6, 1960, American diplomat Lester D. Mallory wrote an internal memo arguing in favor of an embargo to cause economic hardship and overthrow the Cuban government.

1960: U.S. Embargo on Cuba Begins

In 1960, the U.S. initiated an embargo on Cuba in response to nationalizations of American properties.

April 1961: Bay of Pigs Invasion

In April 1961, the Bay of Pigs Invasion occurred where 1,400 Cuban exiles, trained and armed by the CIA, landed at the Bay of Pigs, but were defeated by Cuban troops and local militias by April 19, marking a significant failure for the U.S. backed operation.

1961: Support to Algeria

From 1961 Cuba supported Algeria.

1961: Travel restrictions imposed

In 1961 the Cuban government imposed travel restrictions to prevent mass emigration of people.

1961: Foreign Assistance Act

In 1961, the Foreign Assistance Act approved by Congress.

1961: Population Growth Since 1961

Since 1961, Cuba's population has grown by about four million people.

January 1962: Cuba suspended from the Organization of American States

In January 1962, Cuba was suspended from the Organization of American States (OAS), marking increasing isolation of Cuba in the Americas.

October 1962: Cuban Missile Crisis

In October 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion led to the Soviet decision to deploy missiles in Cuba, nearly sparking World War III.

1962: Cuban Missile Crisis

In 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred, widely considered the closest the Cold War came to escalating into nuclear war.

1962: U.S. Extends Restrictions to Cuban Imports

In 1962, the U.S. extended restrictions to Cuban imports based on the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

1962: U.S. Trade Embargo

The persistent shortages of food and medicine can be attributed to the U.S. trade embargo in place since 1962.

1963: Cuba moves towards communism

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

1963: Cuban troops sent to Algeria

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

1964: U.S. Imposes Total Trade Ban

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.

1964: Alpha 66 sets up guerrilla training camp

In 1964, Eloy Gutiérrez Menoyo established a guerrilla training camp in the Dominican Republic for Alpha 66, an anti-Castro group.

1965: Cuba supplies arms to Angola

By the middle of 1965, Cuba began providing arms to the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).

1965: Menoyo captured in Cuba

In 1965, after entering Cuba, Eloy Gutiérrez Menoyo, founder of Alpha 66, was captured by Cuban forces.

1965: Support to Algeria

Until 1965 Cuba supported Algeria.

1966: Cuban aid reaches Guinea and Cape Verde

In 1966, Cuban aid extended to the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, expanding Cuba's support for liberation movements in Africa.

February 1967: Cuban advisors operate in Guinea-Bissau

In February 1967, Cuban advisors began operating with guerrillas in the Guinea-Bissau War of Independence, increasing Cuba's involvement in African conflicts.

1968: Start of the "revolutionary offensive"

In 1968, Cuba initiated the "revolutionary offensive" to nationalize remaining private small businesses and focus the economy on sugar production, targeting a 10-million-ton harvest by 1970.

November 1969: Portuguese capture Cuban Captain

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

1970: Failure to reach the 10-million-ton sugar harvest goal

In 1970, Cuba failed to reach its goal of a 10-million-ton sugar harvest, leading to economic decline due to neglected sectors and mobilized labor.

1970: Castro admits economic policy failures

In 1970, Fidel Castro acknowledged the failures of Cuba's economic policies amidst widespread discontent and a spartan standard of living.

1972: Cuban military mission dispatched to South Yemen

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

October 1973: Yom Kippur War begins

In October 1973, the Yom Kippur War began.

November 1973: Cuban tank brigade reported in Golan Heights

In November 1973, Israeli sources reported the presence of a Cuban tank brigade in the Golan Heights, engaging in battle during the Syrian-Israeli conflict.

May 1974: Syrian-Israeli conflict ends

In May 1974, the Syrian-Israeli conflict concluded following the Yom Kippur War.

November 1975: Cuba deploys troops to Angola

In November 1975, Cuba deployed over 65,000 troops and 400 Soviet-made tanks to Angola, marking one of the fastest military mobilizations in history.

1975: Soviet Military Assistance Begins

From 1975, 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, although the United States maintained its own sanctions.

1975: First Communist Party Congress Meeting

Since 1975, the Communist Party of Cuba has held six party congress meetings.

1976: Constitution defined Cuba as a socialist republic

In 1976, the Constitution 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 Soviet battalions, to defeat a Somali invasion.

January 1978: Ethiopian and Cuban troops counterattack

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

1979: US objects to Soviet combat troops on the island

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

1980: Cuban military mission to Iraq canceled

In 1980, Cuba's military advisory mission to Iraq was canceled after Iraq invaded Iran.

1980: Mariel Boatlift

In 1980, the Mariel boatlift marked one of Cuba's largest migration events.

1981: Employment Sectors

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

1983: US forces invade Grenada

In 1983, U.S. forces invaded Grenada after a coup that resulted in the execution of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, overthrowing the pro-Castro government.

1984: Soviet Aid to Cuba

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

1985: Peak Military Expenditure

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

1987: Official Death Sentences

According to Amnesty International, official death sentences from 1959 to 1987 numbered 237 of which all but 21 were carried out.

1988: Cubans fight in the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale

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

September 1989: Cuban forces withdraw from Ethiopia

In September 1989, Cuban forces completed their withdrawal from Ethiopia after assisting in repelling a Somali invasion.

1989: Cuba begins troop withdrawal from Angola

In 1989, Cuba started the process of gradually withdrawing its troops from Angola, a process that continued into 1991.

1990: Infant Mortality Rate Decline

By 1990, Cuba's infant mortality rate had declined to 10 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

September 1991: Soviet troops begin withdrawal from Cuba

In September 1991, Soviet troops commenced their withdrawal from Cuba, marking the beginning of the end of Soviet support.

December 1991: Collapse of Soviet Union

In December 1991, the collapse of the Soviet Union severely tested Castro's rule, ushering in what Cuba termed the "Special Period" due to the loss of substantial Soviet subsidies.

1991: Start of Material Shortages

In 1991, medical care in Cuba began to suffer from severe material shortages following the end of Soviet subsidies.

June 1992: Cuba signs Rio Convention on Biological Diversity

On June 12, 1992, Cuba signed the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity, demonstrating its commitment to environmental conservation.

1992: New Constitution

In 1992, the Constitution of 1976 was replaced by a new Constitution.

1992: Constitutional Amendment on Religion

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

1992: Tightening of U.S. Embargo

In 1992, the tightening of the U.S. embargo exacerbated material shortages affecting medical care in Cuba.

1992: Restricted tourism to enclaves

In 1992, tourism was initially restricted to enclave resorts, segregating tourists from Cuban society.

1992: Cuban Democracy Act

The Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 stated sanctions would continue until Cuba moves toward democratization and greater respect for human rights.

1993: Cuba accepts American donations

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

March 1994: Cuba Becomes Party to Convention on Biological Diversity

On March 8, 1994, Cuba officially became a party to the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity, solidifying its commitment to biodiversity conservation.

August 1994: State security disperses protesters in Havana

On 5 August 1994, state security dispersed protesters during a spontaneous protest in Havana, reflecting growing social unrest amid economic hardship.

September 1994: Agreement on Visas and Departures

On September 9, 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 unlawful departures.

1994: Scaling Down of Military Personnel

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

1994: Cuban Rafter Crisis

In 1994, Cuba experienced the Cuban rafter crisis, marking one of the largest migration events.

1995: Cuban GDP shrinks by 35%

From the start of the crisis until 1995, Cuba experienced a significant economic downturn, with its gross domestic product (GDP) shrinking by 35%.

1996: Helms-Burton Act

In 1996, the United States enacted the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, known as the Helms-Burton Act.

1997: End of De Facto Illegal Contact

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

1998: Pope John Paul II Visit

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

2000: Infant Mortality Rate Decline

By 2000, Cuba's infant mortality rate had declined to 6.1 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

2002: Cuban Census Racial Composition

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

2003: Tourism in Cuba

In 2003, 1.9 million tourists visited Cuba, generating US$2.1 billion in revenue.

2003: Black Spring arrests

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

2003: EU Accusation

In 2003, the European Union (EU) accused the Cuban government of "continuing flagrant violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms".

2005: Infant Mortality Rate

By 2005, Cuba's infant mortality rate was recorded at 6.1 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

2005: Cuba's Exports and Imports

In 2005, Cuba's exports were US$2.4 billion and imports were US$6.9 billion.

2005: US Geological Survey Oil Exploration

Oil exploration in 2005 by the US Geological Survey revealed the North Cuba Basin's oil production potential.

July 2006: Fidel Castro suffers serious illness

In July 2006, Fidel Castro fell ill with a serious gastrointestinal illness.

2006: Employment Sectors

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

2006: Low Birth Rate

Cuba's birth rate in 2006 was 9.88 births per thousand population, one of the lowest in the Western Hemisphere.

2006: Cuba starts test-drilling for oil

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

2006: Catholicism Remains Dominant

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

January 2008: Cuba Submits Revised National Biodiversity Strategy

On January 24, 2008, Cuba submitted a revision of its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, reinforcing its dedication to biodiversity conservation efforts.

February 2008: Fidel Castro resigns as President

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

2008: Fidel Castro's Retirement

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

2008: Agrarian Reforms

In 2008, Raúl Castro began enacting agrarian reforms to boost food production.

2008: EU and Cuba Resume Full Relations

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

2008: Wage caps to be abandoned

It was announced in 2008 that wage caps would be abandoned to improve the nation's productivity.

March 2009: Raúl Castro removes brother's appointees

In March 2009, Raúl Castro removed some of the appointees of his brother, Fidel Castro, from their positions.

June 2009: OAS votes to end ban on Cuban membership

On 3 June 2009, the Organization of American States (OAS) adopted a resolution to end the 47-year ban on Cuban membership; however, full membership was delayed until Cuba met OAS standards.

2009: EU Calls for Reform

As of 2009, the European Union (EU) continued to call regularly for social and economic reform in Cuba, along with the unconditional release of all political prisoners.

2009: Infant Mortality Rate

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

2009: Obama Seeks New Beginning with Cuba

On April 17, 2009, President Barack Obama stated that the United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba and reversed some travel and remittance restrictions.

July 2010: Political Prisoners in Cuba

In July 2010, the unofficial Cuban Human Rights Commission reported there were 167 political prisoners in Cuba.

2010: Cuba's Population

According to the official census of 2010, Cuba's population was 11,241,161.

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 Religious Affiliation Estimate

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

August 2011: Cuba Reaffirms Intent to Legalize Private Property Sales

On August 2, 2011, Cuba reaffirmed its intent to legalize "buying and selling" of private property before the year's end.

2011: International Tourists in Cuba

In 2011, Cuba recorded 2,688,000 international tourists, ranking third in the Caribbean.

2011: Muslim Community Size

In 2011, Cuba was home to a small community of about 6,000 Muslims.

2011: Pope Benedict XVI Visit

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

2011: Nickel Exports

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

2011: Communist Party Membership

In 2011, the Communist Party of Cuba stated that there were 800,000 members.

2011: Cimavax Available

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

December 2012: Threat to Bar Sexually Explicit Songs

In December 2012, the director of the Cuban Music Institute threatened to bar sexually explicit songs and music videos from public radio and television.

2012: Cuba Meets Sustainable Development Conditions

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

2012: Cuban Medical Personnel Work Abroad

At the end of 2012, tens of thousands of Cuban medical personnel worked abroad.

2012: Jewish Community Size

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

2012: Cuba's 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%).

January 2013: Cuba ends travel permit requirement

Effective 14 January 2013, Cuba eliminated the requirement for citizens to obtain a government permit and a letter of invitation to travel abroad, a policy established in 1961.

January 2013: Relaxation of Travel Restrictions

Prior to January 13, 2013, Cuban citizens needed official permission to travel abroad; this was often denied.

February 2013: Raúl Castro Announces Resignation

In February 2013, Raúl Castro announced he would resign in 2018 and hoped to implement term limits for future Cuban presidents.

July 2013: Average Monthly Wage

As of July 2013, the average monthly wage was about US$19.

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

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

2013: Cybercafes Opened

In 2013, ETECSA opened 118 cybercafes across the country.

September 2014: Cuban Healthcare Workers Abroad

As of September 2014, there were approximately 50,000 Cuban-trained healthcare workers aiding 66 nations.

December 2014: Obama Announces Re-establishment of Diplomatic Relations

On December 17, 2014, President Barack Obama announced the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba.

December 2014: Thaw in Cuba–U.S. Relations

Starting in December 2014, during the thaw in Cuba–U.S. relations under the Obama administration, U.S. lung cancer patients began traveling to Cuba for vaccine treatment.

December 2014: Talks with US officials result in prisoner release

As of December 2014, talks between Cuban and American officials, including President Barack Obama, led to the release of Alan Gross, political prisoners, and Cuban agents, alongside relaxed trade restrictions.

2014: Study on Ancestry in Cuba

A 2014 study found that autosomal genetic ancestry in Cuba is 72% European, 20% African, and 8% Indigenous.

2014: Remittances to Cuba

In 2014, remittances to Cuba reached US$3,129 million, ranking seventh highest in Latin America.

June 2015: US and Cuba reach a deal to reopen embassies

On June 30, 2015, Cuba and the U.S. reached a deal to reopen embassies in their respective capitals.

July 2015: Cuba and U.S. Reestablish Diplomatic Relations

On July 20, 2015, Cuba and the U.S. reestablished diplomatic relations and reopened embassies in their respective capitals.

September 2015: Pope Francis Visit

In September 2015, Pope Francis visited Cuba. Prior to the visit, the Cuban government pardoned prisoners as a humanitarian gesture.

2015: Foreign-Born Population

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

2015: Eradication of Mother-to-Child Transmission

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

2015: Univision Survey on Religion

In a 2015 survey sponsored by Univision, 44% of Cubans identified as not religious, while 34% identified as Christian.

August 2016: Dual Currency System Remains in Force

As of August 2016, the dual currency system in Cuba remained in force.

November 2016: Death of Fidel Castro

Following Fidel Castro's death on November 25, 2016, the Cuban government declared a nine-day mourning period with restrictions on public activities.

2016: Cuba's GDP per capita (CIA)

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

2016: Cuban Earnings

In 2016, about 27 percent of Cubans earned under $50 per month, according to the Miami Herald.

2016: Limited American Tourism

Until 2016, American tourism was incredibly limited due to the Cuban Missile Crisis but restrictions were limited in 2016.

September 2017: Hurricane Irma Hits Cuba

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma hit Cuba, causing widespread damage and leaving many without electricity. The hurricane resulted in ten deaths, including seven in Havana, due to building collapses.

September 2017: US Considers Closing Cuban Embassy

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

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 19 April 2018, Raúl Castro stepped down from the presidency, and Miguel Díaz-Canel was elected president by the National Assembly.

2018: Potential for mountaineering tourism

A 2018 study indicated that Cuba has potential for mountaineering activity and could contribute to tourism.

2018: Cuba's Military Spending

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

2018: Raúl Castro's Resignation

In 2018, Raúl Castro resigned as President of the State Council.

2018: Mobile Data Available

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

2018: Internet Access Introduced

Since 2018, access to the internet has become available in Cuba, fueling calls for political and economic liberalization.

May 2019: Rationing of Staples Imposed

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

June 2019: Increase in Public Sector Wages

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

2019: Cuba's Main Trading Partners in 2019

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

2019: Internet Access

In 2019, 7.1 million Cubans were able to access the Internet.

2019: Cuba approves new constitution

In 2019, Cuba approved a new constitution which states that the Communist Party is the only legitimate political party, describes access to health and education as fundamental rights, imposes presidential term limits, enshrines the right to legal representation upon arrest, recognizes private property, and strengthens the rights of multinationals investing with the state.

2019: Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index Ranking

In 2019, Cuba ranked 30th on the Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index, being the highest ranking of a developing country.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index Ranking

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

2019: Increase in Remittances

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

2019: Ratification of the 2019 Constitution

In 2019, with the ratification of the new constitution, the President of Cuba is limited to two consecutive five-year terms.

July 2020: New Stores Accepting Foreign Currency

In July 2020, Cuba opened new stores accepting only foreign currency and eliminated a special tax on the U.S. dollar.

2020: Cuba's GDP per capita (World Bank)

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

2020: Tourism Decline

In 2020, Cuba experienced a 75% decrease in tourists due to the pandemic, severely affecting the country's revenue.

2020: World Press Freedom Index Ranking

In 2020, Cuba ranked 171st out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index.

2020: Drop in Remittances due to COVID-19

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

January 2021: Minimum Wage Reform

After a reform in January 2021, the minimum wage is about US$18 and the median wage is about US$33.

January 2021: Economic Reform and Internet

In January 2021, Cuba's economic reform increased salaries while internet prices remained stable.

January 2021: End of Dual Currency System

On January 1, 2021, Cuba's dual currency system was formally ended, phasing out the convertible Cuban peso (CUC).

April 2021: Raúl Castro retires as secretary of the Communist Party

In April 2021, Raúl Castro announced his retirement as secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, and Miguel Díaz-Canel was voted in as his successor on April 19.

April 2021: Díaz-Canel Becomes First Secretary

On April 19, 2021, Miguel Díaz-Canel became the First Secretary of the Communist Party.

June 2021: Deadline for CUC Exchange

Cuban citizens had until June 2021 to exchange their CUCs.

July 2021: Large anti-government protests

In July 2021, several large protests against the Cuban government took place under the banner of Patria y Vida, alongside overseas protests by Cuban exiles.

2021: Cuba Ranked Among Top Imprisoning Nations for Journalists

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

2021: Military Personnel

By 2021 Cuba had about 49,000 military personnel.

2021: Cuban Migration to the U.S.

In 2021, 39,000 Cubans tried to enter the United States through the Mexican border.

2021: Monetary Reforms and Protests

In 2021, Cuba introduced monetary reforms that led to inflation and food scarcity, and also saw widespread protests that were suppressed by the police.

2021: Cuba's Human Development Index

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

2021: Raúl Castro's Retirement as First Secretary

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

2021: Human Development Report

The Human Development Report 2021-2022 highlights Cuba's position and the extensive COVID-19 vaccination coverage.

September 2022: Cuba approves same-sex marriage

On 25 September 2022, Cuba approved a referendum which amended the Family Code to legalize same-sex marriage and allow surrogate pregnancy and same-sex adoption.

November 2022: Cuban President Visits Moscow

In November 2022, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel visited Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where they opened a monument to Fidel Castro and criticized U.S. sanctions.

2022: Mass Emigration to the United States

In 2022, over 2% of Cuba's population migrated to the United States, marking a significant increase in emigration.

2022: WFP Food Procurement

In 2022, the WFP procured essential foods and macronutrients worth $10.7 million in response to alarming figures about anemia prevalence in infants.

2022: Surge in Cuban Migrants

In 2022, the number of Cubans trying to enter the United States surged from 39,000 in 2021 to over 224,000.

2023: Study on Extreme Poverty

A 2023 study by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) estimated that 88% of the population in Cuba is living in extreme poverty.

2023: Poverty in Cuba

According to a controversial 2023 report, 88% of Cuban citizens live in extreme poverty.

2023: Severe Socioeconomic Crisis

In 2023, Cuba is undergoing its most severe socioeconomic crisis since the fall of the Soviet Union, leading to a record number of Cubans fleeing the island.