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10 Fun facts about Cuba: From classic cars to the smallest bird in the world
Discover 10 fun facts about Cuba, from tiny hummingbirds to classic cars. This list is perfect for curious travelers looking to explore Cuba’s unique culture.
Cuba is a country full of color, music, and culture. But beyond the vintage cars and cigars, there are some truly fascinating things to discover. If you’ve ever asked yourself about fun facts about Cuba, you’ve come to the right place.
From its tiniest birds to world-famous doctors, here are 10 fun facts about Cuba that’ll keep you entertained and informed for your next trip.
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1. Cuba is a rolling car museum
One of Cuba’s most iconic and fun facts is its classic American cars. Stepping onto the streets of Havana feels like traveling back to the 1950s.
These colorful classics still cruise around because Cubans couldn’t import new vehicles after the US trade embargo on the Cuban government in 1960.
Thanks to creativity after the Cuban revolution (and many DIY skills from locals), they’ve kept these beauties running using Russian engines, handmade parts, and pure determination. Perhaps you even saw this on Fast & Furious.
2. Cuba has a 99% literacy rate
One of Cuba’s most inspiring facts is that nearly everyone can read and write. That’s thanks to a massive education Cuban literacy campaign launched in the 1960s. Even children helped teach adults in rural areas how to read.
So if someone asks you, “What is an interesting fact about Cuba?” you can impress them with this one. A country that made literacy a national mission? That’s something worth knowing.
3. Internet in Cuba is… an adventure
Here’s one of the interesting facts about Cuba for the digital age: WiFi hasn’t always been easy to find. Until recently, you had to go to a public park or hotel lobby, buy a scratch-off card, and hope the signal held. Even using a Cuban VPN was a challenge within the island.
Mobile internet is improving, and tourists can use travel eSIMs to stay online. Still, Cuba is a good place to unplug and enjoy the moment—one of those fun facts about Cuba that digital nomads find both shocking and refreshing.
4. The world’s tiniest bird lives here
If you’re looking for fun facts about Cuba for kids, this one’s adorable. The bee hummingbird—only found in Cuba—is the smallest bird on Earth. It weighs less than a dime and is about the size of a large bee.
The male bee hummingbirds are vibrant and colorful, while the females are slightly larger and more subdued. Watching them flit around is one of those Cuban facts that shows just how unique the island’s wildlife is.
5. Cuba had two currencies (until recently)
Let’s start with a fun fact about Cuba’s economy: for years, the country had two currencies—one for locals and one for tourists. Cuban citizens used the Cuban Peso (CUP), while the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) was meant for foreign visitors.
This system ended in 2021, and now everyone uses the CUP. But price differences between locals and tourists still pop up. So, if you’re asking what facts about Cuba can affect your trip, keep this one in mind!
6. There are no US fast food chains
Wondering what some fun facts about Cuba are that show how different it is from other countries? You won’t find a McDonald’s or Starbucks anywhere (except for one McDonald’s on the Guantanamo Bay base—but that’s not exactly open to tourists).
Instead, you’ll find delicious food at local eateries called paladares. Run by Cuban families, these spots serve home-cooked meals like ropa vieja, fried plantains, and creamy flan. One of the tastier Cuban culture facts you’ll experience!
7. Dominoes is serious business
Sure, baseball is Cuba’s national sport, just look at Jose Canseco—but dominoes is the true national obsession. In every neighborhood, you’ll find people playing intense games at tables, doorways, and even on sidewalks all day.
If you’re learning fun facts about Cuba, this is one of the coolest cultural insights. It’s not just a game—it’s a community event filled with laughter, strategy, and friendly trash talk when trust shows up.
8. Cuba has its own film scene
Want to impress someone with interesting facts about Cuba? Tell them that Cuba hosts one of Latin America’s top film festivals, the Havana Film Festival, which draws filmmakers and movie lovers from around the world every December.
Some big-budget Hollywood films have even shot scenes in Cuba, remember the Fast & Furious 8 scene? That epic car chase in Havana actually happened, bringing the Malecón to a standstill in Old Havana.
9. Music is everywhere
What is an interesting fact about Cuba’s culture? Music is everywhere. The island is alive with rhythm, from salsa and son to reggaeton, cha-cha-cha, and jazz. Street corners become dance floors, and every gathering includes some kind of beat, especially in tourist areas.
You don’t need a nightclub—just walk down the street. Music is part of daily life, and one of the most joyful and interesting facts about Cuba you’ll experience.
10. Cuba exports doctors, not just Cuban cigars
Among the most surprising facts about Cuba is how many doctors the country produces. Cuba’s free health care system is well-known, but its international medical aid is even more impressive.
Cuban doctors are sent worldwide to help with disasters, epidemics, and healthcare shortages. When people ask about a fact about Cuba with a global impact, this is the one you mention. However, don’t miss out on your Cuba travel insurance to avoid any medical expenses.
Stay connected with Holafly when exploring these fun facts about Cuba
Due to the Cuban situation regarding the internet, using an international travel eSIM is complicated.
However, if you’re stopping in Cuba for a few days and then jumping to other islands in the Caribbean, relying on Holafly should be your call.
With our eSIM for the Caribbean, you’ll get unlimited data, 24/7 customer service, and up to 500 MB of data sharing per day, with plans starting at $15.90/day. The longer you stay, the cheaper your plan gets; one week will set you back just $6.56/day.
Or, if you’re traveling long-term to visit islands as a digital nomad, Holafly Connect is a better option. Cuba may not be included, but you’ll get features like unlimited tethering in 170+ global destinations for $64.90/month!
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I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
