Culture and Geography
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Reviewed by: Editorial Staff
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Christopher Columbus discovered the island on 28 October, 1492. The island was then inhabited by the Amerindians known as the Tainos and Ciboneys who were mostly farmers and hunters. Cuba then came under the Spanish rule for almost 388 years and finally gained independence in 1902. However, US gained the right to interfere in Cuban affairs and so the Platt Amendment was introduced, which gave the country, its independence from the United States.
Cuban culture and customs were mainly influenced by the aboriginal Taino and Ciboney groups. The Cuban culture was also influenced by the Cuban revolution. African slaves brought rhythm and traditional dances to Cuba which was then combined with Spanish music.
Cuba consists of the island of Cuba, the Isle of Youth and several smaller islands. Located in the northern Caribbean, Cuba is at the south of the eastern United States and the Bahamas, west of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Haiti; and east of Mexico. It is mostly made up of flat, rolling plains. Sierra Maestra, a range of steep mountains is located at the south-eastern end. The southern stretch is made up of lowlands and swamps which include the Zapata Swamp.
