How did Cuba manage to survive the collapse of its patron, the Soviet Union?
A. When the Soviet Union collapsed, 85% of Cuba’s trade disappeared overnight, along with a $6 billion annual subsidy. When Cuba was unable to find financial credits any where else, the government implemented a “periodo especial” a (special period) in October 1990, and concentrated its resources and efforts on restricting consumption levels. Buses almost disappeared and people had to wait sometimes 3 to 5 hours for them to arrive. Black-outs (“apagones”) lasted for hours on end. They occurred so frequently that Cubans called the times when there was light, “alumbrones” (brief periods of illumination). There was almost a total absence of food, clothing, footwear, and personal hygiene products. The Cuban standard of living decreased by 34%. The gradual recovery, due largely to the development of the tourist industry, started in 1995 with a 2.5% growth, and continued the following year with a 5% growth. It was a victory for the Cuban people because they had overcome the special period wit
