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National Geographic Countries of the World: Cuba
National Geographic Countries of the World Cuba Author:Jen Green Take a look at one of America's neighbors, an island of rich cultures from several sources: Spanish colonialism, African slavery, and proximity to the US. — A large number of Cuban exiles reside in the US, with a high concentration of expatriate Cuban communities in the state of Florida. Christopher Columbus sighted the island on his first voyage... more » and claimed it for Spain. The Republic of Cuba gained independence in 1902. Fidel Castro gained power in 1959, declaring it a socialist republic in 1961.« less