Cuba faces rapid demographic aging and rising infant mortality

Cuba has become the oldest country in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a report by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI). By the end of 2025, the population of individuals aged 60 or older reached 2,519,823, representing 26.7% of the total population of 9,434,593. This demographic shift is driven by declining birth rates and increased life expectancy.

Experts note that this aging process is occurring amidst severe socio-economic challenges. The demographic trend poses risks to social sustainability, economic development, and the availability of an active workforce. Additionally, the healthcare and caregiving systems are facing significant strain.

Parallel to these demographic shifts, Cuba has seen a reversal in its historical success regarding infant mortality. After decades of maintaining low rates comparable to developed nations, the mortality rate rose to 9.9 per 1,000 live births in 2025, the highest level in recent decades. Analysts link this increase to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the intensification of U.S. economic sanctions, which have resulted in shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies.