Cuba leader - Fidel Castro dies at 90 (1926-2016)

Cuba's former president Fidel Castro, one of the world's longest-serving , leader of revolution and most iconic leaders, has died aged 90. His ashes will be laid to rest on 4 December

During Fidel Castro's time in power, 10 different US presidents occupied the White House. 

Fidel Castro defied all of their efforts to topple him and continued to influence Cuban policy even after he handed over the reins of power to his brother, Raul.

And earlier this year, Barack Obama became the first US president to step foot on Cuban soil since 1928 - but the two did not meet.

 

His dramatic life makes his longevity all the more surprising

• 80 rebels landed with him on Cuba to launch the revolution
• 32 was his age when he came to power, toppling Fulgencio Batista
• 49 years as Cuban president, a record for a non-royal leader
• 638 assassination attempts he reportedly survived

Fidel Castro's key dates

• 1926: Born in the south-eastern Oriente Province of Cuba

• 1953: Imprisoned after leading an unsuccessful rising against Batista's regime

• 1955: Released from prison under an amnesty deal

• 1956: With Che Guevara, begins a guerrilla war against the government

• 1959: Defeats Batista, sworn in as prime minister of Cuba

• 1961: Fights off CIA-sponsored Bay of Pigs invasion by Cuban exiles

• 1962: Sparks Cuban missile crisis by agreeing that USSR can deploy nuclear missiles in Cuba

• 1976: Elected president by Cuba's National Assembly

• 1992: Reaches an agreement with US over Cuban refugees

• 2006: Hands over reins to brother Raul due to health issues, stands down as president two years later