Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492, and so began.... Step forward a few years to 1959 and Fidel Castro and a few others overthrew the government in what is now known as The Revolution. He remained in office until 2006 when he handed over to his brother due to ill health. Both are now in their 80s.
Reliant on Soviet subsidies since the 60s, the economy went into freefall following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Austerity measures were introduced which included rationing. It's claimed that Cubans lost more than 30% of their body weight in the 3 years 91-94 (and many women seem to have regained it since!).
Fidel's brother, Raul, has introduced some reforms....
2008: they can purchase mobile phones
2011: 500,000 government workers laid off while 178 state recognised professions established
2011: car sales legalised
2011: homes can be bought and sold
2012: Cubans can freely travel abroad
So things are a bit different to Australia.
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