Cuba was granted its independence from Spain on May 20, 1902. Its constitution was ratified on February 24, 1976. The legal system is based on Spanish and American law with large elements of Communist legal theory. The state plays a dominant role in Cuba's economy, controlling nearly all foreign trade. Several recent government reforms have increased labor incentives, liberalized agricultural markets, and alleviated shortages of food, goods and services.
Tourism is a vital industry to Cuba, bringing an abundance of foreign capital.