Introduction

With a population of just over 11 million inhabitants, Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, covering some 111,000 square kilometers, that is to say, almost the area of England. Obviously, its history shares with those of other Latin American and Caribbean countries many similarities, both culturally and at the socio-economic level. However, the clear originality of its trajectory over the long term, particularly in geopolitical terms, distinguishes it from the others by some very unique features. It is important to understand them, from the outset.