Cuba, one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the Caribbean region, offers a one-of-a-kind natural wealth and five-century-old culture and history.

The attractions of an island characterized by beautiful landscapes and peculiar flora and fauna are key elements in the development of the tourism industry.

Being close to nature from a beach or city adds value to Cuba's tourist product, which attracts thousands of visitors interested in learning about the situation in the island's countryside and enjoying pristine sites throughout the island.

Cuba's fauna consists of some 16,500 species, including some zoological groups whose endemism exceeds 90 percent. The island's native flora is made up of more than 6,300 species.

Natural and biosphere reserves, natural landscapes, national parks and protected areas make up a broad network characterized by its excellent state of preservation and unique features.

Therefore, dozens of kilometers of excellent beaches of crystal-clear water and white fine sand are complemented by exuberant nature in a perfect state of preservation for those looking for adventure and ecotourism.

The Caribbean island also offers good nautical options, including scuba diving and snorkeling along more than 70,000 kilometers of insular platform and 5,000 kilometers of coastline bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Nearly 850 kilometers of coral reefs off Cuba's coasts are a safe haven for nearly 6,500 species of fish, crustaceans, sponges and mollusks, turning the island into one of the region's best-preserved marine ecosystems.

The beauty of Cuba's coasts and exuberant nature is complemented by its cultural wealth and traditions, which are major elements in the island's tourist product.

The fusion of races and customs, a process that began more than five centuries ago, resulted in Cuban culture, which combines African, aboriginal, Chinese, French and, of course, Spanish elements.

Precisely, that rich cultural panorama, forged for many years, is one of the reasons why thousands of foreign tourists visit the island nation every year to spend their vacations.

Cities characterized by well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, hotels linked to plastic arts, patrimonial sites and a series of celebrations and festivals are some of Cuba's tourist offers.

Cuba also has 120 art galleries and antique shops, 260 museums and more than 80 theaters.

The island's cultural program includes meetings, workshops, festivals, congresses and specialized courses on a wide range of subjects and artistic expressions.