An ostensibly simple question turned into a harsh depiction of Cuba in 2026, when content creators from the Instagram account Assh & Leving took to the streets to explore: "What does Cuba have that no other country does?"
Responses poured in quickly, yet few highlighted national pride. Most people interviewed pointed out "poverty, hunger, and power outages."
Not everyone focused solely on Cuba's shortcomings. Some, with visible effort, highlighted positives such as the "eternal summer," "neighborhood camaraderie," "Cuban salsa," and "the women, because there's no one like a Cuban woman."
The interviews also included stark admissions: "I've never traveled... I can't compare Cuba to another country."
Comments also surfaced with strong criticisms of the government: "The lack of freedom of speech. No one mentioned it, and yet many thought of it and remained silent for the same reason."
"The blackouts" undeniably emerged as the element that sets Cuba apart from the rest of the world, according to those interviewed.
In July and August, power outages in Cuba lasted between 20 and 26 hours in some areas, with sectors experiencing more than 72 consecutive hours without electricity.
Entire families have spent nights sleeping on rooftops, porches, parks, and even the Havana Malecón to escape the heat without fans or air conditioning.
The question posed in the video title serves as an ironic mirror: perhaps intended to stir pride, it ultimately captures the collective mood of an exhausted populace.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this topic in the comments. Leave a message and tell us: "What does Cuba have that no other country does?"
Understanding Cuba's Unique Challenges
What are the main issues highlighted by Cubans in 2026?
The primary issues highlighted by Cubans include poverty, hunger, and frequent power outages.
How long did power outages last during the summer of 2026?
During July and August, power outages lasted between 20 and 26 hours in some regions, with certain areas experiencing over 72 hours without electricity.
What positive aspects of Cuba were mentioned by the interviewees?
Interviewees mentioned the "eternal summer," "neighborhood camaraderie," "Cuban salsa," and "the women" as positive aspects of Cuba.