Contemporary Cuba

By Charles Somers

Political issues

Full freedom of speech is not tolerated in Cuba

US economic policies towards Cuba are considered by most Americans to be an embargo

Economic issues

agriculture: 7.4% industry: 36.5% services: 56.1%

Imports—partners: Spain 17%, France 9%, Canada 9%

Labor force—by occupation: services and government 30%, industry 22%, agriculture 20%, commerce 11%, construction 10%, transportation and communications 7%

Economic issues

Industries: sugar, petroleum, food, tobacco, textiles, chemicals, paper and wood products, metals (particularly nickel), cement, fertilizers, consumer goods, agricultural machinery

Diplomatic relations

Cuba was comparatively isolated in the 1990s

The United States continues an embargo

Cuba continues to have formal relations with 160 nations

sources

Google images Wikipedia http://library.thinkquest.org/18355/curren

t_political_issues.html http://www.photius.com/wfb1999/cuba/

cuba_economy.html