Cuba faces rapidly aging population amid sharply falling births

Cuban officials highlighted the country's demographic challenge on World Population Day, noting that the island now has 9.44 million people and more than 25.7 % are aged 60 or older – the highest proportion in Latin America and the Caribbean. Births have dropped dramatically, from about 99 000 in 2021 to 68 051 in 2025, while deaths reached 134 354, creating a natural population decline.

The share of residents under 35 is only 38.4 % and many young people are leaving the country; roughly half of all emigrants in 2024 were under 35. Teenage fertility remains a concern, at 47.1 births per 1 000 adolescents in 2024, prompting calls for better sexual‑education programmes and long‑acting contraceptive access. Cuban authorities say the situation demands policies that protect the rights of women and youth, support the ageing workforce, and adapt social services to an increasingly older population.