Cuba's Native Residents Decrease and Age As Many Emigrate
Cuba's population spectrum has taken a dramatic turn, overwhelmed by sweeping immigration, plummeting birth rates, and a skyrocketing elderly population. Let's delve into the heart of this transformative demographic shift.
The Population Maelstrom
With speculative estimates varying from just over 8 million to around 9.7 million[2][5], it's unsettling to witness such a noticeable decline in population over the last four years[2][5], raising questions about the country's future. For instance, the number of residents in 2024 was 9,748,532, a startling drop of 307,000 in just one year[2]. Compared to the 2012 census peak, the island has lost a staggering 13% of its population[2].
The Graying Island
"A quarter of the island's population is aged 60 and above, and this is the only age category that has grown in recent years," a notable demographer, Juan Carlos Alfonso Fraga, highlighted[2]. The situation gets grimmer still, with the National Statistics and Information Office (ONEI) recording a mere 71,000 births in 2024 - the lowest level since the 1959 revolution[2]. In contrast, the number of deaths continues to rise[2].
Emigration: The Unseen Exodus
In 2024 alone, over half a million Cubans abandoned their homeland[5], a seismic shift that's resulted in the nation losing nearly 24% of its population since 2020[5]. This wave of migration, driven by economic stagnation and political upheaval, paints a bleak picture for the island's prospects.
As these trends continue, Cuba faces an uncertain future, teetering on the brink of a demographic abyss.
- By 2024, Cuba's population is projected to be 9,748,532, marking a significant decrease of 307,000 from the previous year.
- Notable demographer Juan Carlos Alfonso Fraga stated that a quarter of Cuba's population is aged 60 and above, with this age category being the only one that has grown in recent years.
- The National Statistics and Information Office (ONEI) reported 71,000 births in 2024, the lowest level since the 1959 revolution, while the number of deaths continues to rise.
- In 2024, over half a million Cubans migrated, leading to nearly 24% of the population leaving since 2020, contributing to concerns about the island's future and prospects in health-and-wellness, science, and population management.
