Moving to CubaShare
With a very high English proficiency score of 515, daily communication and business integration are seamless. It hosts a vibrant and diverse expat community, notably drawing a significant number of residents from Spain.
Lifestyle & Vibe
Cuba is effectively off the table for remote workers: internet access is state-controlled, heavily censored, and extremely slow - VPNs are technically illegal and unreliable even when used, making consistent remote work nearly impossible. The dual-currency economic system has been chaotic, USD cash is essential for survival since foreign bank cards largely do not function, and the cost of living for foreigners is deceptively high given the scarcity of goods. There is no digital nomad visa, no co-working infrastructure, no meaningful expat professional community, and the political environment means any prolonged stay involves real legal and logistical uncertainty. Cuba is a fascinating place to visit for a week, not to build a remote career from.
Digital Freedom & Remote Work
Censorship and network interference data is currently being collected for Cuba.
Society & Demographics
Cuba exhibits a balanced gender ratio with slightly more females than males (50.66% vs 49.34%), and a significant portion of its population is proficient in English as indicated by an EF English Proficiency Score of 515. The country has a high internet penetration rate of 70.48%, reflecting strong digital connectivity. Urbanization stands at 77.17%, with over half (55.74%) of parliament members being women, highlighting gender equality in political representation. Despite not having the GINI Index available, other demographic indicators suggest a degree of social equity and urban-centric development.
Gender Distribution
Aging Society
Population over 65 years old
Education Spending
UNESCO Data. Indicates focus on public schooling.
Quality of Life
In Cuba, the quality of life is moderately high with a life expectancy of 73.67 years, reflecting a strong healthcare system that has an impressive ratio of 85 medical doctors per 10,000 people, which contributes to its Universal Health Coverage Index of 86. However, challenges such as an obesity rate of 22.98% and average working hours at 41 per week affect overall well-being. While the country has a relatively good air quality index of 21.24 µg/m³, safety concerns are present with a homicide rate of 4.46 per 100,000 people, and a happiness score of 5.418 on a scale from 0 to 10 indicates areas for improvement in enhancing citizens' satisfaction and quality of life.
Economic Freedom & Business Climate
The economy of Cuba is characterized by a mix of state control and limited market elements, reflected in its overall Economic Freedom Score of 25.20 out of 100, indicating significant challenges in achieving economic freedom. With an unemployment rate as low as 1.75%, the labor market appears tight but faces issues related to property rights (at a score of 27.7), judicial effectiveness (only 16.0), and government integrity (33.0). Trade freedom stands out positively at 72.8, suggesting that international commerce is relatively open but constrained by other factors such as high tax burdens (51.9%) and minimal investment freedoms (10.0%).
Evaluated across 12 quantitative factors. Scores span 0-100, where higher scores indicate greater economic liberty, lighter tax burdens, and stronger property rights.
Climate Profile (Havana)
Cuba's tropical savanna climate is characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons, with the mercury rising to scorching highs during the summer months of July and August, which are also the rainiest periods, with an average of 27-28 rainy days. The country's hottest stretch, from June to September, is best avoided by those who prefer milder weather, while the dry season, from December to April, offers the most comfortable conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 26-28 degrees Celsius and fewer rainy days. For expats and digital nomads seeking a pleasant climate, the spring season, from March to May, is an ideal time to relocate or visit Cuba, with warm yet tolerable temperatures and fewer rain showers, making it perfect for exploring the island's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
Political Stability & Governance
Evaluated across Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI). Scores span approximately -2.5 to 2.5, where higher scores indicate stronger governance, better stability, and lower corruption.
Relocation Guides & Articles
We're currently working on an in-depth expat guide for Cuba.
Browse all 98 expat guidesExplore Similar Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cuba safe?
The homicide rate in Cuba is 4.5 per 100,000 people (World Bank).
Are people happy in Cuba?
The World Happiness Report scores Cuba at 5.4 out of 10.