Famous Cuban Presidents

Serving as the Cuban prime minister from 1959 to 1976 and as president from 1976 to 2008, Fidel Castro was one of the most prominent Cuban leaders in the history. As the longest-reigning non-royal head of the 20th and 21st centuries, Castro was responsible for making Cuba a communist state.

Miguel Díaz-Canel is a Cuban politician and the current president of Cuba. As president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel has made several international trips, visiting places like India, Azerbaijan, and Russia. He has also interacted with presidents and prime ministers of several countries. In 2018, he was honored with the prestigious Order of the Liberator by the government of Venezuela.

Carlos Prío Socarrás was a Cuban politician best remembered for his service as the 11th President of Cuba from 10 October 1948 to 10 March 1952. Just three months before the new elections, Prío was deposed by a coup led by Fulgencio Batista. Carlos Prío Socarrás lived in the USA for 25 years prior to his suicide at age 73.  

Gerardo Machado was a Cuban politician remembered for his service as the President of Cuba from 20 May 1925 to 12 August 1933. He also played a key role in the Cuban War of Independence where he served as a general. Regarded as a dictator, Machado continued to serve as the president after his first term amidst protests and rebellions. 

Fulgencio Batista was the elected president of Cuba from 1940 to 1944. He formed the constitution of Cuba. He later became a dictator through a coup. He was finally ousted by Che Guevara at the Battle of Santa Clara, as part of Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement.

Carlos Manuel de Céspedes was a Cuban revolutionary who declared Cuban independence and became the first president of Cuba in 1868. His actions started the famous Ten Years' War, the first of three wars that led to the independence of Cuba in 1902. Since Carlos' actions led to Cuba's independence, he is referred to as the Father of the Fatherland.

Tomás Estrada Palma was a Cuban politician who served as the first President of Cuba after Cuba's independence in 1902. During his presidency, Cuba's infrastructure, public health, and communication improved significantly. Tomás Estrada Palma had also played an important role during the Ten Years' War, serving as the Cuban Republican in Arms' president.

Manuel Márquez Sterling was a Cuban diplomat best remembered for his service as an interim President of Cuba on January 18, 1934; he served as the president for six hours before he was replaced by another interim President Carlos Mendieta. Manuel Márquez Sterling also served in the Cuban War of Independence and later served as the ambassador to the USA.