CUBA

Country Profile

Category: Restricted
Major Religions: Christianity 56.2%, Non-religious 23.1%
Prevalent Ideology: Communism
Leader: President Gen. Raul Castro Ruz

The withdrawal of Soviet aid in 1990 caused an economic downturn in Cuba, resulting in the rationing of energy, food and consumer goods.

Life for Christians
Churches and other religious communities are required to undergo an invasive registration process with the Ministry of Justice. Restrictive laws as well as government-authorized surveillance and harassment allow the government to limit and monitor religious practice. Individual churches are prevented from maintaining their own finances, and any community deemed too independent of government control is targeted for harassment, such as fines, mob attacks, destruction of property and short-term arrests of leaders.