The currency of Cuba is called the Cuban Peso, which in IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈkjuːbən ˈpeɪsoʊ/. The word "Cuban" is spelled with a "c" as opposed to a "k" because it is derived from the name of the country, Cuba. The word "peso" comes from Spanish and is spelled with an "e" before the "s" because it follows the rule of Hispanicization. This term refers to the adaptation of Spanish words to English spelling conventions.
The Cuban peso is the official currency used in the island nation of Cuba. It serves as the primary medium of exchange for goods and services within the country. The Cuban peso is symbolized by the currency code CUP and is issued by the Central Bank of Cuba.
The Cuban peso comes in both coin and banknote form, with coins available in denominations such as one, five, 20, and 50 centavos, as well as one and three pesos. Banknotes, on the other hand, exist in denominations of one, three, five, 10, 20, 50, and 100 pesos. Each banknote features prominent figures from Cuban history and cultural icons.
The value of the Cuban peso is fixed by the Central Bank of Cuba and does not fluctuate in international currency markets. However, there are different exchange rates for various types of transactions. The most common rates are used by tourists and foreign companies (called the Convertible Cuban Peso, or CUC) and by the general population (using the Cuban peso, CUP). The Convertible Cuban Peso is used for international trade and often pegged to the U.S. dollar.
Due to its controlled value, the Cuban peso has limited purchasing power, and many Cubans rely on other means, such as remittances, to secure the goods they need. The Cuban government regulates foreign exchange to maintain control over the economy.
The etymology of the word "Cuban Peso" can be traced back to the currency unit of Cuba called the "peso". The term "peso" originated from the Spanish word "pesar", meaning "to weigh". The Spanish peso was a form of currency during the colonial period, and it was also used in various Spanish colonies, including Cuba. After gaining independence from Spain in 1902, Cuba continued to use the peso as its official currency. The descriptor "Cuban" was added to specify that it refers to the currency of Cuba.