In a recent report released by the Cuban government, alarming figures regarding the country's demographic situation were disclosed, revealing that over half a million people have died in a three-year period. From 2021 until December 31, 2023, a total of 405,512 people have died in Cuba, according to official data.
This number, combined with the deaths recorded in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, paints a grim picture. According to the statistical yearbook of the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), there were 3,352 more deaths in 2020 than in 2019, totaling 112,441 deaths that year.
The Cuban government itself has acknowledged that its statistics are not entirely accurate, but by piecing together the data, it can be said that 517,953 people have died in Cuba over the past three years. The current context reveals a concerning scenario for the island, with a significant increase in mortality rates in recent years, coupled with a migration crisis that has left the island with fewer than 10 million inhabitants.
MINSAP statistics indicate that the pandemic had a direct impact on the rise in deaths, but the leading causes of death remain chronic non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and others. Comparing births and deaths between 2021 and 2023 shows that the natural growth rate in the country is negative, meaning more people are dying than being born. This phenomenon is not new and has been occurring consistently over time.
With 284,891 births and 405,512 deaths, the island's population faces not only a numerical decline but also a considerable loss of human capital. By December 31, 2023, Cuba's population was significantly impacted by the exodus. The migration crisis has left a negative balance in this indicator, with at least 1,011,269 people leaving the country during the evaluated period.
This massive migration also affects demographic statistics and presents an additional challenge for authorities in terms of planning and resource management. The population in Cuba is severely aging. Young people emigrate in search of professional development elsewhere, leaving thousands of elderly individuals alone on the island, relying on pensions that are insufficient even to buy milk.
The country is running out of a workforce, which could lead to a rapid descent into extreme poverty.
Understanding Cuba's Demographic Crisis
Here are some frequently asked questions to help better understand the current demographic crisis in Cuba and its implications.
What has caused the significant increase in mortality rates in Cuba?
The significant increase in mortality rates in Cuba is primarily due to chronic non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How has the migration crisis affected Cuba's population?
The migration crisis has significantly reduced Cuba's population, with over 1 million people leaving the country in recent years. This has led to a loss of human capital and has further strained the aging population remaining on the island.
What are the main challenges for Cuba's future due to the current demographic trends?
The main challenges include managing an aging population with a dwindling workforce, ensuring sufficient healthcare and social support for the elderly, and addressing the root causes of migration to retain young talent.