1. Rasgos generales de la evolución reciente Según la Oficina Nacional de Estadística en 2005, la economía cubana creció 11,8% frente a 5,4% en 2004, impulsada por una mayor disponibilidad de divisas, el incremento en el valor de las exportaciones de níquel y el dinamismo de los servicios turísticos. En parte, este desempeño obedece a la venta de servicios profesionales a Venezuela, ingresos que han permitido enfrentar la factura petrolera. Estos resultados se lograron pese a las condiciones climáticas adversas, como la peor sequía de los últimos 100 años y tres huracanes que generaron daños directos e indirectos estimados por el gobierno en 3.661 millones de dólares (7,9% del producto en 2005). Cuba: Economic evolution during 2005 and perspectives for 2006 Abstract: 1. General features of the recent evolution According to the National Statistical Office, in 2005 the Cuban economy grew by 11.8% compared to 5.4% in 2004. This growth was brought on by a greater availability of foreign currency, increased nickel exports as well as the buoyancy of tourist services. Partly, this development was due to the sales of professional services to Venezuela which provided an income that enabled Cuba to face the rising oil bill. These results were achieved despite adverse climatic conditions such as the direct and indirect impacts generated by the worst drought experienced in a 100 years and three hurricanes, which caused damages equivalent to 3.661 million dollars (7.9% of the product in 2005) according to government estimations.