The Cuban government released official data this Friday, revealing a significant population decline of over 10% in the past three years. Juan Carlos Alfonso, deputy chief of the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), acknowledged during the third ordinary session of the National Assembly of People's Power that as of the end of 2023, Cuba's effective population stands at 10,055,968 citizens.
The data was presented during the plenary session of Parliament as part of the Migration Law Project, confirming a 10.1% population decrease compared to the figures recorded on December 31, 2020. This population level is comparable to that of 1985. Alfonso pointed out that the country's natural population growth is negative, meaning that more people are dying than being born.
Additionally, Cuba is experiencing a negative migration balance, with at least 1,005,006 people leaving the island. "This population decline affects various demographic movement rates and impacts a range of economic, social, and environmental per capita indicators," the official stated.
Alfonso warned that the government must adjust its development plans in response to these drastically changed population indicators. Among the most aged provinces in Cuba are Villa Clara and Sancti Spíritus. This trend has significant implications for the Cuban economy and society, affecting everything from the labor market to social service provision and the sustainability of the pension system.
In 2024, Cuba recorded 34,648 births up until July 11, a total of 8,157 fewer than in the same period in 2023. This data represents a 20% drop in birth rates, according to figures from the Ministry of Public Health.
The Cuban government asserts that it is monitoring these demographic indicators and studying policies to mitigate the effects of this population decline. However, these policies remain unclear at this time.
Understanding Cuba's Population Decline
This section addresses key questions about the recent population decline in Cuba, based on the government's report and its implications for the country.
What is the current population of Cuba?
As of the end of 2023, Cuba's effective population is 10,055,968 citizens.
How much has Cuba's population decreased since 2020?
Cuba's population has decreased by 10.1% since December 31, 2020.
What are the main factors contributing to the population decline?
The main factors include a negative natural population growth, with more deaths than births, and a negative migration balance, with over 1 million people leaving the island.
Which provinces in Cuba are most affected by an aging population?
The provinces most affected by an aging population are Villa Clara and Sancti Spíritus.
What is the Cuban government doing to address the population decline?
The Cuban government is monitoring demographic indicators and studying policies to mitigate the effects of the population decline, although specific policies have not yet been clarified.