In 2012, the political and social situation remained stable in Cuba while the economy grew at a low speed and the diplomatic space was extended to a certain degree. The strategic cooperation with Venezuela, however, may face changes because of the death of President Hugo Chavez. The progress of updating socialism and economic model has been fully under way and deeply developed. Significant achievements can be seen in a number of areas while several tasks listed in the Economic and Social Policy Outline are being carried out. Cuba would go a long way to overcoming economic difficulties, realizing a beneficial economic cycle, and deepening the process of updating socialism and economic model. <<