Russian settlements in Cuba began to appear as early as 1915, when the island was not popular among foreigners. Today, there are about 5,000-6,000 Russian-speaking immigrants in Cuba, which makes up approximately 0.5% of the country's total population. Previously, the Russian diaspora numbered 12,000 people.

In recent years, the proportion of elderly and middle-aged people among the Russian-speaking residents of Cuba has increased, as well as that of the so-called "halves," descendants of mixed Russian-Cuban marriages who have adopted the cultural traditions of both nations.

Most Russian speakers in Cuba live in Havana, where the Orthodox Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is located, along with a Russian library. A school operates under the Russian embassy.

The attitude towards Russians in Cuba has always been positive. The Soviet Union supported Cuba materially and with personnel for a long time, helping to develop local industry. The Russian language was actively taught in schools and universities. Descendants of immigrants could go to Russia for higher education. This past largely shapes the current attitude towards Russians in Cuba.

Today, life is different for Russians in Cuba: Russian language teachers have mostly lost their jobs and have become guides for Russian tourists. However, with the decrease in tourist flow, many have retrained, engaging in trade, working as taxi drivers, or in Russian restaurants.

There are job vacancies for newcomers in Cuba, but they are few, mainly in the service, restaurant, hotel, and tourism sectors. Good doctors and specialists in technical professions are still in demand. Knowledge of Spanish or English allows one to work as a translator for Russian businessmen in Cuba.

The wealthiest people in Cuba are private entrepreneurs, business owners, whose income can reach 60 dollars a month. In contrast, hired workers earn about 12 dollars, while the average salary at a state enterprise is 20 dollars a month.