Cuba

Cuba is a single-party socialist state under Communist Party rule, operating a state-controlled economy that has faced chronic shortages of food, fuel, and basic goods — conditions that have sharply worsened since 2020 due to tightened US sanctions, the collapse of tourism during COVID-19, and declining Venezuelan oil subsidies. Rolling electricity blackouts lasting 8 to 20 hours daily are common in many provinces. A dual-currency system was unified in 2021 but inflation has eroded purchasing power severely. Mass emigration has accelerated, with over 600,000 Cubans leaving in 2022 alone. The Cuban passport provides visa-free access to roughly 62 destinations. Foreign nationals may visit but long-term residency for non-Cubans is tightly controlled. Dual citizenship is not recognised by Cuban law.