West Indies is a chain of islands in Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Region spans from Bahamas to northern South America. Divided into Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and Lesser Antilles. Bahamas contains 3,000 coral islands with clearest waters in world
Communism combines political and economic control with single-party governance. Marx and Engels laid foundation for communism in mid-1800s. Communist parties have absolute power in politics. Private ownership is illegal in communist systems
Indigenous cultures inhabited Cuba from 4th millennium BC. Taíno population reached 350,000 by end of 15th century. Columbus arrived in 1492, Spain conquered Cuba in 1511. Spanish established sugar and tobacco plantations, imported slaves
Cha-cha-cha originated from Cuban music by Enrique Jorrin in early 1950s. Name comes from distinctive footstep pattern resembling shuffling sound. Jorrin created new rhythm for dancers at Havana's dance halls. Dance pattern influenced by Afro-Cuban Santería religion dances
Cuba is an island country with 4,195 islands and 10 million inhabitants. Located at the meeting point of Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean. Havana serves as the largest city and capital
Cuban cigars are made from tobacco grown in Cuba. Cubatabaco controls all Cuban cigar production and exports. Most production occurs in Pinar del Río, Vuelta Abajo, and Viñales regions. Hand-rolled cigars are called "Totalmente a mano"