2640 CUBA - The Cuban tobacco

Since tobacco and sugarcane were brought to the Caribbean by conquistadores, the two plants - which thrive in the Cuba's tropical climate - have been profitable cash crops in Cuba. In fact, of all countries in the world, Cuba dedicates the second largest land area to tobacco cultivation. Despite the U.S. embargo, Cuba's international market is strong: Tobacco ranks as the third largest source of hard currency for Cuba and the "Isle of Rum" exports some 36 million liters of rum a year to 120 countries.

2617 CUBA (Matanzas) - Finca Campesina in Ciénaga de Zapata

Located on the Zapata Peninsula in the southern Matanzas province of Cuba, Ciénaga de Zapata (Zapata Swamp) is not only known for its size but also for being the best preserved wetlands in all of the Antilles. It features exceptional species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. Near the junction of the National Highway and the Road Cienaga de Zapata is Finca Campesina (Peasant Farm), a large estate that tries to recreate the rural ambience of the island.