The Economy of Cuba
Tourism, Remittances and Medical Exports
Cuba earns foreign exchange from tourism, money sent by relatives abroad and the export of medical services, notably doctors working overseas.
Where the dollars come from.
Tourism
Beaches, heritage and music attract visitors, especially from Canada and Europe.
Remittances
Cubans abroad send money to families, a vital source of income.
Doctors abroad
Cuba sends medical professionals to other countries in exchange for payments, a top export of services.
Vulnerability
Pandemic closures and US restrictions have hurt these income streams.
A doctor overseas
A Cuban physician works in Venezuela or Africa, and the state receives payment.
Overlooking the labour dimension of medical exports
Doctors' conditions and pay are debated.
Key takeaways
- Tourism earns dollars.
- Remittances are vital.
- Doctors abroad earn revenue.
- Shocks hit these streams.
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