Since coming to power in 1959 castro has broken cubas economic dependence on sugar exports?

Question

true or false

Answer 1

Until the fall of the Soviet Union, the Soviet Union sent immense amounts of money to keep the communist regime afloat in Cuba.  After the fall of the Soviet Union, Cuba has become a popular tourist spot for Europeans.  They enjoy it because it has not been over commercialized.  Further, they like it because the low crime rate.   Cuba boasts one of the most stable governments in the Caribbean.  A lot of money has been made from tourism and cigars.  Cuban cigars are perhaps the most popular cigars worldwide.  Additionally, sugar has been losing ground recently in the world market.  With the advent of High Fructose Corn Syrup the demand for sugar has decreased.  The advent of European tourism is perhaps the most important factor in bringing money into the Cuban economy.  This has only been possible by 40+ years of stability and isolation brought about by Castro's tyrannical rule.   However, Cuba is not overly prosperous.  If Raul Castro can improve relations with the West, and can ease some of the harsher regulations, Cuba may become a very prosperous nation.

Answer 2

Not completely sure...but I think so.  I believe it is a fact.  Prior to Castro taking over, a American-backed dictator was in control (he wasn't great from what I read) (nor do I like Castro).  And I believe there were sugar companies in Cuba.  They sent and exported many sugar exports to the US.  I think Castro did not like that...So once he got control of the country, he either kicked those companies out or nationalized (memory isn't working well now).  However, I don't think he's a great leader.  His people are poor.  Yes they are literate (their education system is not bad) and yes their healthcare system isn't bad from what I read either, but they are still oppressed by Mr. Castro (and his brother won't make big improvements).  And many of them are poor.