Situated at the convergence of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean, Cuba is located east of the Yucatán Peninsula, south of both Florida and the Bahamas, west of Hispaniola, and north of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Havana is the largest city and capital. Cuba crisis explained: Who holds power, and could Diaz-Canel be replaced?

Understanding the Context

As Cuba faces one of the worst humanitarian crises in its history, questions have emerged about the island’s leadership. Cuba, country of the West Indies, the largest island of the archipelago, and one of the more-influential states of the Caribbean region. A multicultural, largely urban nation, it has been ruled as a single-party communist state since shortly after the successful revolution (1959) led by Fidel Castro. Cuba’s president warns US against attacking island or trying to depose him Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel delivers a welcome speech to participants of the “Nuestra America,” or Our America Convoy at the Convention Palace in Havana, Cuba, Friday, .

Key Insights

(Adalberto Roque/Pool Photo via AP) Russia will never abandon or betray Cuba and plans to help the Communist island tackle energy issues linked to a U.S. embargo, a Russian deputy foreign minister was quoted as saying early on... Discover Cuba. Explore Cuba facts, culture, history & comprehensive country profile with maps, statistics & research resources for students & travelers. Cuba is going dark under US pressure.

Final Thoughts

How the crisis unfolded and why ... Here’s what to know about the energy, economic, and political crises surrounding Cuba—and the role of Trump and the U.S.