Provides a detailed and sophisticated understanding of the Cuba of yesterday, today and tomorrow. In addition to its concise narrative history, this fifth edition anlyzes Cuba's current political climate, economy, and the current regime's future. The author discusses the domestic and international events that have affected this island nation in recent years. Of particular importance are the rise to power of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, China's willingness to expand trade and investments in Cuba, the island's rejuvenated tourist industry, and Cuban Americans' increasing remittances of dollars.