Cuban music is rich and diverse, originating from son music and incorporating styles like salsa, rumba, and mambo. Traditional Cuban instruments have African and Taíno influences. Cuban classical music and popular styles are renowned internationally. Cuban cuisine blends Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences around staples of rice, beans, and meat. Cuban literature emerged in the 19th century focusing on abolition and independence, with many modern writers feeling compelled to work abroad due to perceived censorship.

1. Country Report:Cuba By: Laura Kwan

2. Culture: Music Cuban music is very rich and is the most commonly known expression of culture. The central form of this music is Son, which has been the basis of many other musical styles like salsa, rumba and mambo and an upbeat derivation of the rumba, the cha-cha-cha. Rumba music originated in early Afro-Cuban culture. The Tres was also invented in Cuba, but other traditional Cuban instruments are of African origin, Taíno origin, or both, such as the maracas, güiro, marimba and various wooden drums including the mayohuacan. Popular Cuban music of all styles has been enjoyed and praised widely across the world. Cuban classical music, which includes music with strong African and European influences, and features symphonic works as well as music for soloists, has received international acclaim thanks to composers like Ernesto Lecuona. Havana was the heart of the rap scene in Cuba when it began in the 1990s. During that time, reggaetón was growing in popularity. Dance in Cuba has taken a major boost over the 1990s.

3. Culture: Cuisine Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean cuisines. A typical meal would consist of rice and beans, plantains, and some sort of meat (mainly pork or beef). Rice and beans are a culinary element found throughout Cuba, although it varies by region.

4. Culture: Literature Cuban literature began to find its voice in the early 19th century. The major works published in Cuba during that time were of an abolitionist character. Following the abolition of slavery in 1886, the focus of Cuban literature shifted. Dominant themes of independence and freedom were exemplified. Most recently, there has been a so-called Cuban "boom" among authors who were born during the 50s and 60s. Many writers of this younger generation have felt compelled to continue their work in exile due to perceived censorship by the Cuban authorities. Cuban literature is one of the most prolific, relevant, and influential literatures in Latin America and in all of the Spanish-speaking world.

5. Sources Wikipedia: Cuba http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia: Culture of Cuba http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Cuba Wikipedia: Music of Cuba http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Cuba Wikipedia: Cuban Cuisine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_Cuisine Wikipedia: Cuban Literature http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_literature