Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, and is located 93 miles (150 km) south of Florida. On landing here in 1492, Christopher Columbus called Cuba "The most beautiful land ever beheld by human eyes." This description still rings true today, as the island is known for its green countryside, majestic palms, and white sand beaches. In major cities like Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Camagüey, magnificent churches and forts from the Spanish colonial era stand next to modern buildings. Sadly, life has not been so idyllic for the current generation of Cubans, as their island has been ruled by a series of dictators for most of the time since Cuba gained independence in 1902. Since the late 1950s, Cuba has been a Communist state, ruled by Fidel Castro (1959–2008) and his brother Raúl (since 2008). This has led to decades of strained relations with the United States, although Cuba has continued to take a leadership role among the countries of the Caribbean. There's a lot to discover about Cuba!