Cuba is a socialist republic located in the Caribbean, with a population of approximately 11 million as of 2025. Its capital and largest city is Havana. The country is governed under a single-party communist system led by the Communist Party of Cuba, with Miguel Díaz-Canel serving as President and Manuel Marrero Cruz as Prime Minister. The National Assembly holds legislative power but is subordinate to the party leadership. Spanish is the official language, and there is no official religion. Cuba has a total area of about 109,884 square kilometers and a largely urban population, with around 77% living in cities[1][2][3]. Historically, Cuba is known for its multicultural heritage shaped by waves of Spanish and other European immigration, along with African and Native American ancestry. The economy is state-controlled, relying heavily on tourism, agriculture, and remittances. Despite efforts to eradicate poverty and improve access to health and education, Cuba faces significant economic challenges exacerbated by a long-standing US embargo in place since 1962, which restricts access to goods and impacts daily life[1][2][3][4]. In recent years, Cuba has experienced severe economic difficulties marked by food shortages, prolonged electricity blackouts (including a nationwide blackout in October 2024), and increased emigration. Between 2021 and 2023, the population shrank by about 10% mainly due to migration. The Cuban government maintains strict political control, limiting freedom of expression and media, while human rights organizations report ongoing repression and restrictions on civil liberties. In response to worsening food insecurity, Cuba requested assistance from the UN World Food Programme for the first time in 2024[4][5][6]. Cuba remains geopolitically relevant as a symbol of socialist governance in the Americas and continues to navigate internal socioeconomic challenges amid global economic pressures and migration trends[1][5][7].
#deportation #immigration #south_sudan
A look at the recent case of eight men facing deportation to South Sudan and the impact on immigrant communities in the United States.