Caribbean - Armed Forces Pest Management Board

2. Climate. The climate is tropical marine, with rainy summers (May through October) and cool, relatively dry
winters (November through April). Temperatures are moderated by northeast trade winds and vary only slightly
seasonally. Average daily temperatures range between 26 o C and 29 o C in summer and 24 o C to 26 o C in winter.
Average combined rainfall is 102 cm per year, falling primarily in the rainy season, May through November.
Hurricanes and tropical storms threaten the islands from July to November.
3. Population and Culture. The population of the Cayman Islands was estimated in July 2000 to be 34,763
persons, or slightly more than 134 persons per sq km. Ethnically, the population is 40% mixed, 20% black, 20%
Caucasian, and 20% expatriates of various groups. The literacy rate is 98%, and the average life expectancy at birth
is nearly 79 years. Most people are either Protestants or Roman Catholics.
4. Sanitation and Living Conditions. The Cayman Islanders enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the
world. Modern communications systems, transportation, and electronic devices are all readily available. Potable
water is only available by rain catchment or importation. Serious food-borne or water-borne diseases, including
hepatitis A and typhoid fever, occasionally occur. Most public transportation and roads are in good condition and
are well-maintained.
H. Cuba.
1. Geography. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea (about 1,250 km long from northwest to southeast)
and includes several small offshore islands, the largest of which is the Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth). Cuba has a
total land area of 110,860 sq km, slightly smaller than Pennsylvania. Cuba occupies the northern boundary of the
Caribbean Sea, 144 km south of Key West, Florida. Its topography is mainly flat or rolling plains, with rugged hills
and mountains in the southeast. There are three distinct mountain systems: 1) the western (occidental), 2) central, and
3) eastern (oriental). The oriental geography is the most extensive and complex and includes the highest point, Pico
Turquino, at 2,005 m. The small central mountain system consists of a number of low mountain ranges and hills. The
occidental system is a region of rugged mountains and hills with irregular limestone topography characterized by
fissures, sinkholes, underground streams and caverns. The remaining 75% of the island’s surface consists of
extensive plains and basins primarily supporting sugarcane and livestock. The Cauto River in the east is the country’s
longest (370 km) and principal inland waterway. The northern coastline is steep and rocky. The southern coast
lowlands contain extensive mangrove swamps, except in the more mountainous east.
Guantanamo U.S. Naval Base, on Cuba’s southeastern tip, is leased to the U.S. and shares a 29 km land border with
the main island of Cuba. Cuba is a developing country, and its economy ranks in the lower half of world’s
economies. Since the end of large subsidies from the former Soviet Union, Cuba’s economy has been primarily
based on sugar, petroleum, food, tobacco, and textiles. Land use includes: 24% arable, 7% permanent crops, 27%
permanent pasture, 24% forests and woodlands, and 18% other. The country’s most important natural resources are
cobalt, nickel, iron ore, copper, manganese, salt, timber, and petroleum. Electricity is produced primarily by fossil
fuel-powered generators (89.52%). Environmental concerns include: pollution of streams and shores by petroleum
spills, industrial wastes and agro-chemicals, overhunting of threatened wildlife populations, and deforestation.
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