Castro (Ruz), Fidel Alejandro

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Cuban communist politician, prime minister 1959–76, and president from 1976. He led the revolution that overthrew the right-wing regime of the dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. He improved education and health and raised the standard of living for most Cubans, but dealt harshly with dissenters. From 1991, deprived of the support of the USSR and experiencing the long-term effects of a US trade embargo, Castro began to make reforms limiting state control over the economy; foreign ownership was permitted in major areas of commerce and industry from 1995 (the USA continued its economic embargo).

Black, yellow, and green are colours found in many African flags and reflect the islanders' heritage. Effective date: 6 August 1962. >>