We learn more about countries across the world - Cuba - Listening lesson for small kids

The official name of this country is 'The Republic of Cuba'.  This is a country of different people, cultures and interesting buildings.  Lets learn more about this country.

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Of all the island in the Carribbean, Cuba is the biggest and part of this country is about 400 islands of different sizes.

 From the air, the island of Cuba resembles a crocodile or alligator and so Cuba is often referred to in Spanish as "El Cocodrilo" or "El Caimá". 

The capital city of Cuba is Havana.

There are more than 11 million people living in Cuba and before the Spanish took over this island, it was the home to the indigenous tribes of the Ciboney and Taino tribes.  Cuba was claimed as Spanish territory when Columbus arrived there in 1492.

Cuba remained a Spanish colony until the Spanish-American War of 1898 when the country became part of the United States. This was only brief though, the country was given independence in 1902. 

If you are interested in the whole history of Cuba, you can watch the video here.

Until 1959, America had a strong influence on Cuba but the Fidel Castro took over and the country became a communistic country.  In 2008 Castro stepped aside because of bad health.  Cuba is one of 4 countries that is a self proclaimed communistic country and they are run by a communistic government.

Cuba is well known for its music and you will find many bands playing around the capital city.  The traditional music is upbeat with guitar play.

The main crop grown in Cuba is the sugar cane and then tobacco. Cuba is well known for its cigars, which are seen as the finest in the world.

In most countries you will have a starter, main meal and dessert, but in Cuba all the courses are served at once and you eat it in the way or order you want.

The sport most played and watched is baseball and short on its heels is boxing.  Cuba has delivered a few Olympic boxers.  Basketball, volleyball, cricket and athletics are also practised.

If you can play dominoes, you will fit right in, because the people of Cuba love playing dominoes.  

There are 9 heritage sites in Cuba -  2 of them are natural, which means it is in nature.  What is a heritage site?  It is an area/building or something that is of value for history and will be protected for future generations.  You can read more on the different sites here.