In the past, Cuba was a relatively wealthy country. Its gross national product was higher than Mexico's, the doctor density exceeded that of the United States, and the education system was on par with Western Europe. Six decades after the victory of the revolution, the country can no longer feed itself; productivity in the economy is only sufficient for average wages of 25 euros per month. The ideals of a socialist society with great equality have faded, and social disparities are continuously growing. Political power remains firmly in the hands of the Communist Party and the Castro family. However, with the re-authorization of smaller private enterprises and the rapprochement with the United States, a transformation process is beginning with an uncertain outcome.