ABSTRACT
In 1999-2000, the Cuban economy grew at an annual average rate of almost 6% and yet, in 2000, gross domestic product still was one-fifth below the 1989 level. This chapter summarizes Cuba's major economic and social indicators, as reported by key government institutions such as the Oficina Nacional de Estadisticas, the Banco Central de Cuba and ministries. Additional data come from Cuban scholars and the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean based on official data. The evaluation of economic performance is divided into four major sections: macroeconomic, external, physical output and labor/social. The large majority of economic and social targets set by the V Party Congress for 1998-2002 have not been fulfilled. Targets for 2001 are more moderate, but two thirds of them will be difficult or impossible to achieve. Property relations and economic institutions should be transformed; different forms of ownership should work together; state property should be energized through more competition.
