Terrain is mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast. The lowest point is the Caribbean Sea at 0 m (sea level) and the highest point is Pico Turquino at 2,005 m (6,578 ft), part of the Sierra Maestra mountain range, located in the southwest of the island. Other significant mountain ranges are Sierra Cristal in the southeast, Escambray Mountains in the center of the island, and Sierra del Rosario in the northwest. White sand beaches, as well as mangroves and marshes can be found in the coastal area. The largest is the Zapata Swamp, with over 4,520 km² (1,745 sq mi).

Cuba has negligible inland water area. The largest natural water mirror is Laguna de Leche at 67.2 km² (25.9 sq mi), while the man-made Zaza Reservoir, at 113.5 km² (43.8 sq mi), is the largest inland water surface by area in the country.

Cuba’s climate is tropical and moderated by trade winds. The dry season lasts from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. Cuba makes maritime claims that include a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles (22 km) and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles (370 km).