Cuba gets older: The island reports its lowest birth rate since the Revolution
Briefly

Cuban officials have confirmed a significant population decline, dropping to approximately 9.7 million, a figure reminiscent of 40 years ago. The decline is attributed to fewer births, with just 71,000 registered last year, a marked decrease from previous years. Additionally, many young Cubans are leaving to seek opportunities elsewhere, leaving an older population behind. Experts warn that the aging population should not be underestimated as it reflects deeper socio-economic issues affecting Cubans. Discrepancies in official figures suggest the real population could be even lower than reported, further complicating the demographic crisis.
The latest official figures from the National Statistics and Information Office (ONEI) show that Cuba's current population is now just over 9.7 million, with a significant decline over the past three years.
Authorities maintain that the population aging should not be dramatized; however, researchers note that the issue lies in the conditions under which Cubans are growing older.
In 2023, Cuba reported a birth figure of 90,300—15,000 fewer than the 105,616 births recorded in 2020—indicating a continuous decline in birth rates.
Demographers suggest that the actual population might be even lower than reported, with estimates indicating as few as 8.62 million Cubans currently residing in the country.
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