Global Spotlight: Cuba

Although recent political changes in the United States may alter the timeline of warming relations with Cuba, colleges and universities are already moving forward with partnership programs. After so many years of division, here's a primer on the basics and context of Cuban higher education.

Higher Education

• 60+ universities
• 12 centers of science, technology, and innovation
• 12.9% of national budget devoted to education—the biggest proportion in the world
• 720,535 Cuban students enrolled in Cuba’s tertiary education system

Overall

• 11.3 million people
• 2015: Diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States restored after more than 50 years of estrangement
• 3.5 million visitors to Cuba in 2015, up 17 percent from 2014