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On the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the Cuban Revolution the 1st of January, National Day of the Republic of Cuba, I wish to extend the best wishes of the people and of the Government of the Republic of Cuba, to the people and to the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for peace, happiness and prosperity and that the relations of friendship and cooperation that have existed between our two countries for 43 years continue to develop and further strengthen. 'The pearl of the antilles'

Cuba, called "The Pearl of the Antilles", is the largest island of the Antilles Archipelago.

Christopher Columbus landed on this island on October 28, 1492, during his first trip to the New World, Cuba is located in the Caribbean Sea, at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico, some 144 km south of Florida and 200 to the East of Yucatan Peninsula.

The island is long and narrow. That's why it has been historically described as a motionless crocodile resting on the Caribbean Sea. Its average width is of 80 km, ranging from 35 to 257 km. The Cuban archipelago's total area, including the islands of Cuba and of Youth and 4,195 keys and islets, is of 110,992 sq. km.

Cuba has a semi-tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 25 degrees C. The humid season goes from May to October. The island is located in a region that is frequently affected by tropical meteorological phenomena from July to October.

75% of its territory is formed by valleys, 18% is mountains and the remaining 4% marshes.

Beneath the waters surrounding the Cuban archipelago there are coral reefs which species and diversity of colours make these seas unique.

Cuba's main products are sugar, citrus fruit, tobacco, nickel, copper and other minerals, coffee, rum, medical equipment and biotechnological products.

Cuba has a total population of a little more than 11,120,000. La Havana, the Republic's capital, is the most inhabited city with 2,200,000.

The Republic is formed by 14 provinces, 169 municipalities and one Special Municipality, the Island of Youth.

According to a study conducted by the UNDP in 1997, Cuba ranks second as the least poor among 78 underdeveloped nations, taking into consideration such indicators as high life expectancy, very low rate of infant mortality and universal access to education and health care services.

The National Assembly of People's Power (Parliament) is the State's highest organ, electing its deputies and the Council of State and the Council of Ministers every five years.

Cuba has diplomatic relations with 171 countries and is a member of the United Nations and of the intergovernmental agencies of the UN system, the Non Aligned Countries Movement, the Group of 77 and other regional groups and non-governmental organizations.

Cuba is a lay country where the freedom to practice any religion is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic. Catholicism is the oldest and largest in Cuba, but there are other Christian cults as well as Judaism and creed from African origin.

Different cultures of Hispanic, African and Asian roots are blended in Cuba. The official language is Spanish.

The beauty and diversity of the historical and natural places, its healthy environment, the intense cultural life, its famous music and dances, the happy and cordial disposition of the Cuban people and the safety and peacefulness of its cities and town, make a Cuba a favourite tourist destination in the Americas.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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