Research Guides: International News: Cuba

Researcher

Maddie Wilson

General Country Overview

Cuba achieved independence on May 20, 1902, from the United States, following the Spanish-American War. The capital is Havana, and the official language is Spanish. The population is around 11 million, and the currency is the Cuban peso (CUP). Situated in the Caribbean, Cuba is known for its communist government and historical ties to the Soviet Union.

News Sources

Gramma
An online Communist Party newspaper. The site offers up to 5 different languages including english. The outlet is also the official newspaper of the central committee of the communist party of Cuba and is the most widely read newspaper in Cuba, being published daily.
Juventud Rebelde
A daily Communist Party newspaper and is the official publication of the Union of Young Communists (UJC) appointed by Fidel Castro. Its primary target audience is the Cuban youth and students.
El Toque
An Independent news source focused on reporting content that the state-run media ignores. It is anti-authoritarian, critical of the Cuban government, and pro-freedom of speech. They have also stated that they ignore and do not respond to the interest of any political party or government.

Political Climate and Media Biases

Cuba has a singular party called the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and has no political opposition. Currently, Cuba is ranked #168 in the 2024 RSF Index, as many people who speak out against the government face possible harassment. There is also limited internet usage, and most of the media is state-owned and operated. The communist party controls almost all media coming out of Cuba.

Academic Sources

Freedom House
Shows the initial bases of freedom of the media in Cuba
Juventud Rebelde
Gives background on Juventud Rebelde and helped provide information on how it presents information.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Gave background on Granma and helped provide information on how it presents information.