February 23: Cuba leased the Guantanamo Bay in "Perpetuity" to the United States Government in 1903.

Map of Cuba showing location of Guantánamo Bay on the southeastern coast.

United States invasion to Cuba started with the so-called Spanish-American War in 1898 as a result of the Cuban War of Independence against Spain. The U.S. Navy fleet chose The Guantanamo Bay to settle while passing storm during a summer hurricane because of it is a good harbor.

The US Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay is a territory with an area of ​​120 square kilometers leased in perpetuity in accordance with the Cuban-American Treaty of February 23, 1903. US Navy refer to the naval base with the name "GTMO" located in the southeastern part of the Cuban island. Guantanamo is the oldest naval base and the only US base in a country with no diplomatic relations, yet.
       

                       U.S. Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba

Since 1959, the Cuban government has been protesting against the US presence in Cuban Island alleging illegality and territorial occupation under international law, because the naval base was imposed by force, after the American invasion of Cuba.

                                          Guantanamo Bay prison

Since 2002 the Guantanamo Bay has been used as a military prison for unlawful fighters captured in the US military interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere.