Party likes it 1959: Cuba in crisis

What It Covers

The Economist examines Cuba's economic collapse with 25% population exodus, Britain's quantum computing advantage worth up to $1.3 trillion by 2035, and the conflict between conserving endangered pernambuco wood versus violin bow production.

Key Questions Answered

• •Cuba's Private Sector Lifeline: Since 2021, small businesses with maximum 100 employees now employ one-third of Cuba's workforce and pay 8-10 times state sector wages, becoming essential for survival despite unclear legal frameworks and regime ambivalence toward encouraging growth.
• •Quantum Computing Economics: Britain ranks second globally with 64 specialized quantum firms and attracts second-highest venture funding. Unlike AI, quantum requires less capital investment, making it accessible for countries without massive spending power to maintain competitive advantage in emerging technology.
• •Cuba's Demographic Crisis: Nearly one-quarter of Cuba's entire population emigrated in the past five to six years, draining talent and leaving infrastructure decrepit. Remittances from 2-3 million Cubans abroad provide crucial dollar income that enables remaining residents to survive economically.
• •Pernambuco Wood Trade Solution: Professional bow makers use approximately one tree's worth of wood per entire career, working from stocks imported years ago. Sustainable plantations grow replacement trees harvestable after 30-40 years, suggesting registration and tracing systems could preserve both craft and species.