The Cuban government has released demographic data from the last three years, revealing that, despite the severe economic, political, and social crisis the country is enduring, approximately six thousand people have migrated to Cuba during this period.
Juan Carlos Alfonso Fraga, Deputy Chief of the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), presented the Migration Law project and stated that by the end of 2023, 6,263 immigrants were reported in Cuba.
Despite the influx of these six thousand immigrants, the Cuban population has decreased by 10.1% over the last three years. Alfonso Fraga did not specify when this decline began but noted that it is not a new phenomenon. The natural growth rate in Cuba is negative, meaning more people are dying than being born.
The migration balance is also negative. While six thousand people migrated to Cuba over three years, at least 1,005,006 people left the country permanently.
As of December 2023, the "effective population" stood at 10,055,968 citizens, but this number has decreased over the past six months, and it is now estimated that fewer than 10 million people live in Cuba.
The government defines the effective population as "all those who, within a calendar year, were born in the country or another country but reside permanently, having accumulated 180 days or more of residence in the same during the last 365 days and have not died."
Alfonso Fraga's statements were made during the third ordinary session of the National Assembly of People's Power on Friday, highlighting the importance of demographic indicators in shaping economic and social policies in the country.
The official acknowledged that all government data is imprecise, as Cuba has not conducted a census of population and housing for over 12 years. The state claims it lacks the necessary resources to conduct a census currently and has postponed it for three years despite the critical importance of these demographic data. The next tentative date is set for 2025, but the regime insists that the conditions are still not favorable for conducting it.
Migration and Population Decline in Cuba: Key Questions Answered
In light of the recent demographic data released by the Cuban government, several questions arise regarding the migration trends and population decline in Cuba. Here, we address some of the most pressing inquiries.
Why is the natural growth rate in Cuba negative?
The natural growth rate in Cuba is negative because the number of deaths surpasses the number of births. This demographic trend has been ongoing for several years.
How many people have left Cuba permanently in the last three years?
Over the past three years, at least 1,005,006 people have left Cuba permanently.
What is the definition of the "effective population" in Cuba?
The effective population in Cuba includes all those who, within a calendar year, were born in the country or another country but reside permanently in Cuba, having accumulated 180 days or more of residence in the last 365 days and have not died.