FACTBOX - Reforms by Raul Castro in Cuba

April 10 (Reuters) - In the six weeks since he succeeded his ailing brother Fidel Castro, Cuba's new leader Raul Castro has introduced a series of reforms to improve life in the communist Caribbean island state.

Following are some steps taken so far, as Castro moves to lift what he calls "excessive prohibitions:"

* Lifted ban on Cubans buying consumer goods such as computers, DVD players, microwave ovens and other electronic appliances previously prohibited due to an energy crisis.

* Cubans can now stay at hotels and beach resorts previously reserved for foreigners only, ending a "tourism apartheid" that was a source of resentment.

* As of April 14, Cubans will be allowed to freely buy and use cellular telephones, something that had been available only to government officials and foreign companies.

* Decentralized agriculture to allow private farmers more leeway to decide how to use their land, what crops to plant and what supplies to buy. Farmers granted leases to unused land.

* Reduced bureaucracy for filling medical prescriptions and began revamping the family doctor program in response to complaints it was understaffed.

* Removed ceiling on wages to create incentives for workers and improve Cuba's economic performance.

* Additional reforms are expected to include allowing Cubans to buy and sell their cars and easing restrictions on travel abroad.