List of heads of state of Cuba Facts for Kids

This article is about the leaders of Cuba, who are called the heads of state. These leaders have guided Cuba from 1902 until today.

Cuba's top leader has had different titles over the years. From 1902 to 1976, the main leader was called the President. This was under the rules of the 1901 and 1940 constitutions.

Later, from 1976 to 2019, the title of President was changed. The leader was then known as the President of the Council of State. This change happened under the 1976 Constitution.

On February 24, 2019, Cuba adopted a new constitution. This new rule brought back the title of President. This change officially started on October 10, 2019.

The person currently serving as President is Miguel Díaz-Canel. He took office on April 19, 2018.

Leaders of Cuba: A Look Back
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Leaders of Cuba: A Look Back

Cuba has had many important leaders throughout its history. Here's a simple overview of who held the top position and when.

Early Republic (1902–1906)

After gaining independence, Cuba had its first President.

Tomás Estrada Palma was Cuba's first President. He served from May 20, 1902, to September 28, 1906. He was part of the Republican Party of Havana.

Time of Change (1906–1909)

For a short period, Cuba was under a "Second Occupation" by the United States. During this time, provisional governors were in charge.

William Howard Taft was a provisional governor for a short time in 1906.
Charles Edward Magoon served as provisional governor from October 13, 1906, to January 28, 1909.

Republic of Cuba (1909–1959)

After the occupation, Cuba returned to having its own presidents. This period saw many different leaders.

José Miguel Gómez became President on January 28, 1909. He was a member of the Liberal Party of Cuba and served until May 20, 1913.
Mario García Menocal followed, serving two terms from May 20, 1913, to May 20, 1921. He belonged to the National Conservative Party.
Alfredo Zayas y Alfonso was President from May 20, 1921, to May 20, 1925. He was also from the Liberal Party.
Gerardo Machado served from May 20, 1925, to August 12, 1933. He was a Liberal Party member.
After Machado, there were several short-term leaders, including Alberto Herrera Franchi and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes y Quesada.
A group called the Pentarchy of 1933 briefly governed Cuba from September 5 to September 10, 1933.
Ramón Grau served as President twice. His first term was from September 10, 1933, to January 15, 1934. He was part of the Partido Auténtico. His second term was from October 10, 1944, to October 10, 1948.
Other leaders during this time included Carlos Hevia, Manuel Márquez Sterling, Carlos Mendieta, José Agripino Barnet, Miguel Mariano Gómez, and Federico Laredo Brú.
Fulgencio Batista was a very important figure. He served as President from October 10, 1940, to October 10, 1944. He later returned to power from March 10, 1952, to January 1, 1959. He was part of the Progressive Action Party.
Carlos Prío Socarrás was President from October 10, 1948, to March 10, 1952. He was from the Partido Auténtico.
Andrés Domingo del Castillo was a provisional president from August 14, 1954, to February 24, 1955.
Carlos Manuel Piedra briefly held the presidency for one day, from January 1 to January 2, 1959.

Modern Cuba (1959–Present)

After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Cuba's leadership changed significantly.

Manuel Urrutia Lleó was President from January 2, 1959, to July 18, 1959.
Osvaldo Dorticós Torrado served as President from July 18, 1959, to December 2, 1976. He was a member of the Popular Socialist Party, which later became the Communist Party of Cuba.
Fidel Castro became the President of the Council of State on December 2, 1976. He held this powerful position until February 24, 2008. He was the leader of the Communist Party of Cuba.
Raúl Castro took over from his brother, serving as President of the Council of State from February 24, 2008, to April 19, 2018. He is also a member of the Communist Party of Cuba.
Miguel Díaz-Canel became President of the Council of State on April 19, 2018. On October 10, 2019, when the new constitution came into effect, he became the President of the Republic. He continues to serve in this role today. He is also a member of the Communist Party of Cuba.