Geographical 'passport' of the Republic of Cuba: On the publication of the new National Atlas

Summary

The New National Atlas of Cuba, released on the thirtieth anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, represents a major scientific achievement in geography and cartography. Developed under the leadership of the Institute of Geography of the Academy of Sciences of Cuba and the Cuban Institute of Geodesy and Cartography, it involved over 100 national institutions and specialists from the USSR, the GDR, and Mexico. The atlas serves as a comprehensive geographical encyclopedia, spanning 24 sections with 627 maps, 665 graphic elements, and 61 color photographs across 226 large-format pages. It provides an integrated portrayal of Cuba’s natural environment, resources, socio-economic structure, and cultural development. Physical geography sections cover geology, relief, climate, water and marine resources, soils, vegetation, fauna, and landscapes, featuring innovative maps on anthropogenic landscape changes and geochemical properties. Socio-economic themes include population and settlements, social infrastructure, agriculture, the sugar industry, manufacturing, construction, transport, communications, and foreign trade. The atlas also includes pioneering sections on the environment and revolutionary history, presenting environmental impact assessments and protected areas. By combining detailed thematic mapping at multiple scales with high cartographic design, the work offers a holistic view of Cuba’s territory and its dynamic transformations, serving as both an essential scientific reference and a testament to international collaboration in geographic research.