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<p class="first" id="d146643e83">The aim of this paper is to determine the prevalence of smoking among adults and youths in Cuba, its impact on health and the legislation in place to combat it Worldwide, smoking causes 90% of all lung cancer cases and is also responsible for the majority of oral, pharyngeal, oesophageal and bladder cancers. In addition to this, smoking is a major risk factor for chronic airway diseases, cardiovascular diseases problems during pregnancy. Smoking has long been an integral part of Cuban culture with a history dating back hundreds of years. The Cuban cigar and cigarette are icons in Cuba, with tobacco being one of the country's biggest exports. However, its detrimental impact on health is widely documented and, despite Cuba's remarkable health care system, rates of smoking related diseases are considerable. Until very recently, government tobacco control policies have not been stringently enforced. This student essay argues that Cuba is finally making a concerted effort to stem the tide of smoking-related morbidity and mortality. </p>