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Geography of Cuba Essay

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Geography of Cuba The geography of Cuba is very diverse, with large mountain ranges spanning the western and south central regions, and a beautiful 2,320 mile coastline that boasts white, sandy beaches to the north. The semitropical climate of Cuba supports lush, agricultural fields in which many species of plants and animals thrive.

The main island of Cuba is about 40,543 sq. miles, and Cuba's Isla de la Juventud (Island of Youth) covers about 1,180 sq. miles. Also part of the Republic are four sets of small archipelagos: the Sabana, the Colorados, the Canarreos and the Jardines de la Reina.

The main type of soil found in Cuba is red clay, …show more content…

The Cauto River, found in the southeast, is slightly navigable for about 75 miles. The smaller rivers in Cuba are known worldwide for their huge, trophy sized fish.

More than 3,000 species of flowers and tropical fruits prosper on the island, especially palm trees (including the Royal Palm), mahogany plants, ebony, cottonwood, tobacco, and papaya trees, The eastern part of Cuba is known for its dense forests, and the ceiba (Cuba's national tree).

Cuba is home to more than 300 species of birds, and more than 700 species of fish and crustaceans. Its land animals include crocodiles, lizards, salamanders, turtles and snakes. There are two species of indigenous rats found on the island: the Jutia and the Solenodon. The Jutia is the largest land mammal in Cuba, and can grow to as long as 60 centimeters. Recently, pollution and excess hunting has become a problem facing the survival of wildlife in Cuba. Also, diseases such as Blue Mold Fungus and the Swine Flu are being brought onto the island from foreign countries, killing crops and animals. A significant amount of natural resources are found on the island, including nickel, chrome, copper, iron and manganese. The mines located in Cuba are all property of the government, and certain reserves (such as salt, petroleum and sulfur) are already exploited.

Several small microclimates, regions that have

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