Cuba

Cuba (キューバ, Kyūba) is a minor character in the series Hetalia: Axis Powers.

Appearance
He is a heavyset, darker-skinned man (sometimes depicted with brown skin, though also sometimes depicted as simply a deep tan/olive tone) with his hair tied back into brown dreadlocks. He often wears colorful shirts and shorts, though his official character art depicts him in a green uniform shirt and shorts.

Personality and Interests
Described as being a cheerful and chivalrous type, he is good-natured and a nice big brother with strong emotions. At one point, when fearing for the safety of his friends, he conjures forth frightening and violent imagery when discussing what might have happened to them.

Cuba has a love for ice cream, though it has recently caused him to have problems with his weight. He often smokes a Cuban cigar, and for once depicted with Rum and tobacco. He enjoys dancing the rumba and salsa. He speaks in a Kawachi dialect. He uses to bond with Canada after mistaking him for America.

America
Cuba does not get along very well with America; their relationship has failed to the point of "diplomatic discommunication".

Canada
Initially mistaking him for his older brother America (who had caused him many problems), he attacked Canada. However, the two seem to be on better terms now, though Canada is still often mistaken for his brother.

Prussia
It is shown they have a relatively close relationship, with Cuba referring to Prussia as “Big Bro” in Prussia’s April Fools blog.

Spain
During the Christmas 2011 event, in response to a question about how Cuba and Spain interact, the two begin to have a normal exchange about it. Cuba clarifies that "we've been getting along with each other pretty well lately... no, very well. He's helped with a lot of things. So yeah, it is pretty normal.".

Anime
Cuba makes his debut anime appearance after the credits of Episode 35, voiced by Hiroki Takahashi, who also voices Japan. He then makes his first appearance in an actual episode in Episode 52.

In his debut in Episode 35, his hair was shown to be in pulled back in a dreadlocks-style, but in Episode 52, his hair is shown to be straight.

Trivia

 * His birthday corresponds with Cuba's declaration of independence from the United States, on May 20, 1902.
 * In the booklet included with the special edition of Hetalia: Axis Powers volume 3, an early draft for Cuba is shown: Instead of being a larger and more masculine character, Himaruya had originally considered giving him a more youthful, "cuter" appearance. The younger Cuba design also lacked the dreadlocks and wore his hair short. The early Cuba was also said to be kinder, yet strong-willed.
 * In a recent blog post, Himaruya has listed his possible names as Máximo, Jajuan(Juan?), Ericemdo, and Carlos Machado.