Little Known Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Cuba

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, Cuba entered a deep economic crisis known as the “Special Period,” during which the government banned the purchase of many electrical goods. The loss of Soviet subsidies and fuel crippled the economy, prompting severe rationing and restrictions.

For years, every day, Cubans were barred from legally acquiring items like computers, which remained available only to foreigners and licensed businesses. Even cassette decks were confiscated at airbases until 2008, when customs rules eased. Today, such electronics are accessible, but must be purchased using CUCs—foreign-backed currency worth 24 times more than local pesos.