Ages 9 to 14 years. When Christopher Columbus arrived on Cuba's shores in 1492, he nicknamed it "the Pearl of the Antilles". He was amazed by the beauty of the island's sandy beaches, its forests thick with palm trees, and its fragrant tropical flowers. Cuba the land highlights the natural beauty of this country with breathtaking photographs and fascinating information. Topics include: Varadero Beach, Zapata Swamp, and Caburni waterfall; the western Cordillera de Guaniguanico mountains; deforestation; temperate island weather all year round; major cities such as Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, and Trinidad; hurricanes; sugar cane and tobacco; Cuba's economy and the U.S. trade embargo; mining, manufacturing, and tourism industries; endangered Hutia, or cane rats, almiqui, or Cuban solenodons, sea turtles; coral reefs and their colourful inhabitants.