In 2024, Cuba recorded 34,648 births up until July 11, a total of 8,157 fewer than during the same period in 2023, according to official reports. This decline represents almost a 20 percent drop, as noted by the official Cubadebate website and figures presented by Dr. Catherine Chibás Pérez, the national head of the Maternal and Child Health Program (PAMI) of the Ministry of Public Health.
In her report presented to the Health and Sports Commission of the National Assembly of People's Power, Dr. Chibás highlighted that the country is once again experiencing a decrease in birth rates, a trend that has become common. The effects of the economic crisis and massive exodus, primarily of young adults, paint an increasingly dire picture for Cuba's demographic dynamics. The nation had already recorded the lowest birth rate in six decades in 2023.
Impact of Economic Crisis and Emigration
Only 90,300 births were recorded last year, 15,000 fewer than in 2020, when, according to UN data, Cuba registered 105,616 births. Addressing the issue, the deputy head of the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) in Cuba urged people in February 2023 not to dramatize the aging population on the Island.
The Cuban population has maintained a tendency towards aging and natural decline. In an interview with AP, Juan Carlos Alfonso Fraga, an official of the entity, acknowledged that the drop in birth rates "is not a minor issue," but also stated it is not a cause for "self-flagellation."
Additionally, Dr. Chibás reported that the infant mortality rate in 2024 stands at 7.4 per thousand live births, higher compared to the 7.1 rate of the previous year. However, during the same period last year, the regime reported a rate of 7.9 (42,805 births), indicating an improvement this week.
FAQs on Cuba's Declining Birth Rates
In light of the significant drop in birth rates and the demographic challenges facing Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to provide further insight.
What are the main factors contributing to the decline in birth rates in Cuba?
The primary factors include the ongoing economic crisis and the massive emigration of young adults, which have significantly impacted the country's demographic dynamics.
How does the current birth rate compare to previous years?
In 2023, Cuba recorded its lowest birth rate in six decades. In 2024, the country has seen a nearly 20 percent drop in births compared to the same period in 2023.
What is the current infant mortality rate in Cuba?
As of 2024, the infant mortality rate stands at 7.4 per thousand live births, which is an increase from 7.1 in the previous year but an improvement from the 7.9 rate reported during the same period last year.