The National Atlas of Cuba

Summary

This article reviews the National Atlas of Cuba, published in 1970 as a joint effort by the Cuban and Soviet Academies of Sciences to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. The atlas's first half systematically documents Cuba's physical geography, while the second half focuses on post-revolutionary economic, demographic, educational, and healthcare transformations. The author commends the atlas for its valuable insights into land reform, educational expansion, and medical improvements, yet notes that Cuba's economy remains heavily reliant on sugar production, with its former dependence on the U.S. replaced by close ties to the Soviet Union. The atlas inadequately addresses industrialization setbacks, trade specifics, and social inequalities, favoring achievements over failures. Overall, it serves as a crucial resource for understanding Cuba's post-revolutionary geography and society, though supplementary sources are needed for a more balanced perspective.