CASTRO’S LIFE

CASTRO’S LIFE

TITLES: Former president of Council of State and Council of Ministers, first secretary of Communist Party of Cuba, commander in chief of Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces. Before resigning Feb. 19, 2008, he was the world’s longest-ruling head of government, and leader of one of world’s last five communist states.

BIRTHDATE: Officially listed as Aug. 13, 1926, in Cuba’s Oriente province, although some say he was born a year later.

EDUCATION: Attended Roman Catholic schools and University of Havana, where he earned law and social science degrees.

BEFORE THE REVOLUTION: Launched his revolutionary fight with July 26, 1953, attack on military barracks in eastern city of Santiago. Was arrested, later freed under amnesty. Traveled to Mexico to form a rebel army, and returned to Cuba with followers aboard small yacht. Most were killed or captured, but Castro and a small group escaped into eastern mountain strongholds. Took power when dictator Fulgencio Batista fled New Year’s Day 1959.

AFTER THE REVOLUTION: Emerged as head of new government and quickly gained nearly absolute power.