Cuba

11,000,000 inhabitants

The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the European discovery of the island by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next several centuries.

Large numbers of African slaves (Over 100,000) were imported to work the coffee and sugar plantations between 1791 and 1818, and Havana became the launching point for the treasure fleets bound for Spain from Mexico and Peru. Cuba gained independence from Spain in 1902.

Following the Castro revolution in 1959, the majority of foreign missions either left the country by choice, or were forced out as the government systematically cut nearly all contact between Cuban and outside denominations. In the 1980's, with the fall of the Soviet Union and subsequent loss of financial backing, the Cuban government slowly began to change it"s approach to the church. Strict rules on religious gatherings and workers still exist. Proselytizing remains illegal and foreigners are allowed limited access to religious gatherings. Ministry is complicated, but the Cuban Church continues to grow.

 

 

 

Stories about Cuba

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