The Environment and Us: Cuba

"The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea . It is separated by water from the United States, Mexico, Haiti, Jamaica, and South America. The major bodies of water surrounding Cuba include the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico in the north, the Yucatan Channel to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and northeast ... "

"The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the European encounter of the island by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next several centuries ... "

"Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea ... "

"With an area of more than 44,000 square miles (114,447 sq. km.), Cuba is the largest island in the West Indies, accounting for more than one-half of the total Caribbean land mass. The island is more than 745 miles (1,200 km.) long, and ranges from 20 to 125 miles (35-200 km.) in width ... "

"The island of Cuba has seen many changes since being spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1492. It became known worldwide for its sugar industry but often had an unstable economy. In the 1900s Cuba was involved in several national and international conflicts. Many of those concerned the country’s ties to the political and economic system known as communism. The capital is Havana ... "

"The climate here is tropical. When compared with winter, the summers have much more rainfall ... "