Cuba

Cubans are of mixed European, African, and other heritage, the legacy of colonialism and slavery. Spanish is the official language.

Once officially atheist, Cuba now permits religious practice; Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Afro-Cuban faiths such as Santeria are practiced.

Society

Cuba has high literacy and a well-regarded health and education system — points of socialist pride — but low incomes, shortages, and political repression have driven waves of emigration, especially to the United States.