Discover the unique aspects of the paradise island of Cuba.
(Baonghean.vn) - On the occasion of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's visit to Cuba, let's explore some interesting things about this country known as the paradise island.
1. Cuba - The paradise island
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| Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea and the 17th largest in the world. Together with neighboring areas, Cuba forms the Greater Antilles archipelago, a chain of islands formed millions of years ago by the collision of tectonic plates. The paradise island of Baracoa, with its tropical forests, pristine beaches, and innovative cuisine, will give you a new perspective on Cuba. |
2. Cubans have created a lung cancer vaccine.
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| After 25 years of research, in 2001, Cuba began producing a lung cancer vaccine. The active ingredient is a protein found in the human body when cancer becomes uncontrolled. Dr. Gisela Gonzalez, head of the research project, stated: “This vaccine could make cancer a manageable chronic disease by creating antibodies against the protein that causes abnormal cell division. While it cannot prevent lung cancer, it can significantly improve the patient's condition.” |
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| On February 2, 1962, the U.S. President instructed his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, to buy as many Cuban cigars as he liked. Salinger managed to acquire 1,200 before the economic embargo took effect. Today, the embargo on Cuba has been eased, and U.S. citizens can bring back up to $400 worth of goods from Cuba, but alcohol and tobacco can only account for one-quarter of that total value. |
4. The government provides free gender reassignment surgery.
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| Since 2008, the Cuban government has offered free gender reassignment surgery to its citizens. Belgium is a long-standing partner of Cuba in this field, providing pharmaceuticals and surgical support. All costs are covered by insurance. Cuba has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with the second-highest doctor-to-patient ratio globally. (Pictured: A transgender wedding in Cuba.) |
5. Coca-Cola is not sold in Cuba.
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| Buying a cold can of Coca-Cola to quench your thirst in Cuba is impossible, as this globally popular beverage is not sold there. Along with North Korea, Cuba is the second country in the world to ban the sale of Coca-Cola. This ban was in place for nearly 60 years and was only lifted in 2015. |
6. Cuban citizens were not allowed to use mobile phones until 2008.
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| Telecommunications in Cuba are extremely complex. In 2010, Cuba had 1 million mobile phone users, compared to only 621,000 in 2009. In 2008, the government allowed the use of mobile phones, resulting in 330,000 Cubans accessing them. The majority of Cubans cannot afford mobile phone usage due to the high cost of mobile services. |
7. Cuba - the best healthcare in the world.
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| Cuba, a country of 11 million people, has achieved truly enviable medical successes. Cuba has the lowest infant and under-5 mortality rates, and the highest life expectancy in the Americas, surpassing the United States on three indicators. Cuba was also the first country in the world, according to the WHO, to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. The Cuban government has established a comprehensive, universal healthcare system with a network of doctors, nurses, and home health workers living within the same communities as patients. |
8. Less than 5% of the Cuban population has access to the Internet.
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| Despite being right next to the United States, Cuba is one of the most difficult countries in the world to connect to the internet. Internet access in Cuba is a rarity. Until July 2015, only government employees and those willing to pay more than $4 per hour at internet access points could connect to the network. (Pictured image)An internet access point in the capital city of Havana. |
9. The unique cuisine of Cuba
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| Cuban cuisine is a blend of Spanish and Caribbean influences. A typical Cuban meal involves all dishes being served simultaneously, rather than individually as in Western countries. In the photo: Paella Habana is a slightly sticky, turmeric-flavored rice dish cooked with mussels, clams (with shells), squid, and shrimp, visually appealing with its colorful garnishes. |
10. The writer Ernest Hemingway was an American citizen who had a great affection for Cuba.
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| The American writer Ernest Hemingway was very fond of Cuba and often visited the country for vacation. During his time in this Latin American country, he wrote two famous works: *The Old Man and the Sea* and the novel *For Whom the Bell Tolls*. His former home still stands in San Francisco de Paula, Havana, Cuba. |